VERONIQUE ENGEL

Film Director

Dumpling Stories

DOCUMENTARY

Dumpling Stories

In the new documentary "Dumpling Stories," VICE explores what it's like to grow up as an adoptee from China in the Netherlands and navigate one's sense of belonging.

Nikwi, Liam, and Xiangxia were adopted from China to the Netherlands at a young age. As young adults, they are on a journey to find their place between two cultures, sharing their experiences of growing up in the Netherlands, the lonely struggle with their identity, everyday racism, and the quest to connect with their biological parents.

Director / Producer: Veronique Engel
Development Producer: Xiangxia Ham
Editor: Evelyne Adeyinka 
Post Producer: Boye Rijs
DOP: Bo Bolderink 
additional: Cas Esders 
FX: Rob van Gelder

DOCUMENTARY

DOCUMENTARY

DOCUMENTARY

What drives me in documentary filmmaking is my desire to connect with people, explore their worlds and create intimate, visually beautiful records of worlds that others might see as insignificant, but I see as extraordinary. The choice between fiction and non-fiction filmmaking for me is easy. Non-fiction storytelling allows me to immerse myself in people’s realities, which are in my opinion infinitely more interesting than any story I could possibly write. 

It also provides a vehicle for exploring social issues and enacting real change in society. I enjoy living and working closely with my subjects over several years, learning in-depth about their identities, their interests, and what motivates them. The challenge of reflecting these things and any transformations they might go through on screen is something I relish.