Nomad: A Visionary Animation Bridging Nature and Technology

Yetong Xin and Muwen Li reimagine future cities in harmony with nature

Set against the backdrop of the eastern Amazon, where forest cover has dramatically declined by 31 percent due to urbanization, Nomad draws inspiration from real-world environmental challenges. The project envisions a mobile city capable of relocating Amazonian tribes to new, sustainable habitats, symbolizing a dynamic balance between human progress and ecological preservation. This narrative is rooted in research conducted at MIT Media Lab’s City Science Group, which delved into Amazonian tribal beliefs and their harmonious relationship with the rainforest.

What sets Nomad apart is its innovative mechanical design. Unlike traditional depictions of futuristic cities dominated by cold, metallic structures, this animation integrates natural materials into its mechanical framework. The result is a city that feels alive, embodying both technological advancement and a profound respect for the environment. This biomimetic approach breaks away from the cyberpunk aesthetic, offering a fresh perspective on how future urban environments might look and feel.

The production of Nomad combined cutting-edge digital tools and artistic techniques. Initial sketches and storyboards were crafted in Photoshop, followed by detailed modeling in Blender. Cinema4D was used for scene building, animation, and rendering, while After Effects handled final compositing. Motion capture technology brought character movements to life, ensuring a realistic and immersive experience. The animation is presented in 4K resolution and is best enjoyed in a dark, cinematic setting, where its visual and auditory elements can fully envelop the audience.

Nomad’s immersive experience is further enhanced by its widescreen aspect ratio and evocative soundtrack, with contributions from Yicheng Zhu, Zuochu Liu, JoNine Liu, and Gabriela Bila Advincula. The film has been showcased at prestigious venues such as the Brooklyn Film Festival, D ARCH Film Festival, A plus D Museum in Los Angeles, and METAXIS plus PROMPT Festival in Budapest, reflecting its global resonance and artistic impact.

The project faced significant creative challenges, particularly in reconciling advanced technology with a message of nature conservation. Through extensive collaboration and research, the team adopted a biomimetic design philosophy, resulting in a city that not only leverages technology but also honors the wisdom of indigenous cultures and the natural world. This approach has earned Nomad the Silver A' Movie, Video and Animation Design Award in 2025, recognizing its technical excellence and visionary artistry.

Nomad stands as a compelling example of how animation can inspire dialogue about the future of urban living and environmental responsibility. By blending organic and mechanical elements, Yetong Xin and Muwen Li invite viewers to imagine a world where technology and nature thrive together, offering hope and inspiration for generations to come.