North Korea is a country of stark contrasts. On the one hand, it presents real socialist stereotypes like cryptic messages from a frozen time loop, combined with shocking reports of shortages. On the other hand, polished Pyongyang lures with a futuristic skyline, flashy amusement parks and department stores with a range of goods equal to those in western consumer meccas. Focusing on sports, we try to enter into conversation with athletes and amateurs to get a new perspective on this isolated country.

Months of planning are tested by unexpected challenges. The result is an interesting tour de force through gyms, riding clubs, water parks, and factories, including visits to a kindergarten and a soccer academy. With contradictory experiences and unstaged scenes of everyday life, we paint a picture of North Korea beyond common clichés.