Tender Is the Moon: Mid-Autumn gathering, tea tasting and short film program

The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important celebrations in Chinese culture and across several other East and Southeast Asian cultures. Traditionally a time for gathering under the full moon, it celebrates family reunion, connection and togetherness.

We are bringing the spirit of the festival to Amsterdam through an intimate gathering of tea, traditional treats and cinema. We hope to create a safe and welcoming space to appreciate and celebrate Chinese culture, for those who are far from home, as well as those who want to discover, share and appreciate it. 

Our evening begins with a Chinese-style tea tasting prepared using the methods of Gongfu Cha (Chinese tea ceremony), paired with mooncakes, a traditional Mid-Autumn treat specially created for the occasion by Hoi Tin, one of Amsterdam’s oldest Cantonese family restaurants.

The short film program brings together 6 short films across different formats and sensibilities, connected by a subtle thread of nostalgia. Together, they explore feelings of home, memory, distance and belonging.

Short Film Lineup

茂谷甜橙 Honey Murcott

Friend Chen | 2024 | 4’

在水一方 Across the Waters

Viv Li | 2024 | 15’

磊山碾信 Lá Shān Niǎn Xìn

Wenfei Zhao | 2026 | 25’

杨玉枝，农民，工人，家庭主妇 Yang Yuzhi, a Farmer, a Worker, a Housewife

Tie Yan | 2026 | 4’

南方少女 She Runs

Qiu Yang | 2019 | 20’

送还 The Returned and the Blessed

Shizhao Lin | 2023 | 10’

Tea Lineup

Our host will guide us through three unique teas sourced from local Amsterdam tea vendors:

Dong Ding Oolong (凍頂烏龍)

Taiwan | YumCha

Comforting and roasted.

Jin Jun Mei Red Tea (金骏眉)

Wuyi Shan, China | Amsterdam Teas

Sweet and aromatic.

Moonlight White (月光白)

Yunnan, China | Cha Moods

Sweet and delicate.

Click HERE for the full program.

Please note: if you only want to attend the film screening, you will be able to purchase tickets at the door.