The pursuit of the perfect photograph is reshaping global tourism, transforming once-serene destinations into crowded spectacles driven by social media and the desire for visually arresting content. A new short film, “The Spectacle,” by Dutch filmmaker Yasmin van Dorp, vividly captures this phenomenon, documenting the influx of photographers and tourists prioritizing image capture over genuine experience.
Van Dorp’s film, which premiered at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival in 2025 where she won the Full Frame President’s Award for Best Upcoming Filmmaker, doesn’t offer effortless answers but instead presents a reflective observation of how modern travel has evolved. It raises a critical question: what remains of a place when its essence is filtered through countless lenses and curated for online consumption? The film was as well selected for the Oslo Film Festival in November 2025, winning the Best Student Award, and screened at numerous other international festivals including the DC/DOX festival in the United States in June 2025.
Documenting the Transformation of Travel
“The Spectacle” was filmed across various locations in Europe, showcasing the shift from tranquil landscapes to bustling tourist attractions. The film doesn’t explicitly name the locations, instead focusing on the universal experience of encountering overwhelming crowds and the performative nature of modern tourism. Footage within the film shows tourists posing for photos, often directed by others, and the sometimes chaotic scramble to capture the “perfect shot.”
Van Dorp, a 2019 graduate of the Netherlands Film Academy, transitioned from working as a documentary line producer and researcher to directing after moving to Sweden in 2022 to pursue a master’s program in “The Art of Impact” at Stockholm University of the Arts. Her work, according to her profile on the DC/DOX website, “critically reflects how human beings maneuver themselves in modern times.”
The Impact on Experience and Authenticity
The film highlights the tension between experiencing a place and documenting it for others. Snippets of dialogue captured in “The Spectacle” reveal tourists expressing both excitement and anxiety about heights, and a desire to share their experiences, but also a sense of being overwhelmed by the sheer number of people. One tourist, laughing nervously, admits to being afraid of heights but proud to be overcoming her fear. Another is heard asking for help navigating the crowds.
The film’s trailer, available to watch online, showcases a montage of scenes – bustling markets, scenic vistas, and individuals meticulously staging photographs. The soundscape, featuring everything from wind gusts to snippets of conversation and even a brief rendition of the “Barbie Girl” song, underscores the sensory overload of the modern tourist experience.
A Broader Conversation About Modern Tourism
“The Spectacle” isn’t an isolated critique. The film taps into a growing conversation about the impact of social media and the “Instagram effect” on travel. The film’s website asks, “What remains truly seen and felt amidst the curated snapshots of our adventures?” This question resonates with concerns about overtourism, the commodification of culture, and the loss of authenticity in travel experiences.
Yasmin van Dorp’s film doesn’t offer solutions, but it does provide a powerful visual and auditory meditation on the changing nature of tourism. It prompts viewers to consider their own role in this evolving landscape and to question the motivations behind their travel choices.
As tourism continues to rebound post-pandemic, the issues raised by “The Spectacle” are likely to become even more pressing. The film serves as a timely reminder to approach travel with intention, to prioritize genuine connection over curated content, and to be mindful of the impact our presence has on the places we visit.
What steps can be taken to balance the desire for sharing travel experiences with the need to preserve the authenticity of destinations? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with others who are interested in the future of tourism.
