The film tells the story of a near future in which the earth is irreversibly sandy, as human emissions and rubbish exceed its carrying capacity. As plants and animals mutate to create the Earth's new masters, the "sand worms", which are slaughtering the planet and driving humans to the brink of extinction, the survivors are left to their own devices to find the only remaining refuge in the deep desert, the "Oasis". An exiled team of wealthy businessmen, scientists, security chiefs, mechanic families and gangsters set out on an adventure to find the Oasis in a special armoured vehicle, but the bloodthirsty insects are hot on their heels.
Practical Effects
The sand worms look like aggressive pool noodles. Respect.
Production
Shot in real Chinese desert; budget went to gas, not CGI.
Director
Xia Banchang
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Part of China's 2021 boom in low-budget sci-fi trying to ride the Dune hype wave. The title is literally 'Dune' in Chinese marketing.
The 'armoured vehicle' was reportedly a modified airport shuttle bus. Director Xia Banchang shot the entire film in 15 days.