Human Playground

In a world increasingly defined by division, Human Playground was born from a simple but powerful idea: our desire to connect. We set out to travel the world and tell stories that celebrate the remarkable ways in which humans come together, through something as universal and ancient as play.

At its core, Human Playground is about identity, culture, and the deeply human need to express ourselves. The first lens we chose to explore is play, because behind every game, ritual, or competition lies something greater: a story of who we are. “Why We Play” became the foundation of a multimedia experience that spans photography, film, art, and commerce. Through this journey, Human Playground transformed from an idea into a movement. One that aims not just to tell stories, but to build bridges between people, cultures, and generations. 

To increase the impact of our stories, we adopted a universal approach that could reach people from all cultures, races, and religions. To do this, we asked ourselves which stories we wanted to tell, which platforms were best suited for them, and what type of content those platforms required. This led to the creation of the Human Playground multimedia project, including a Netflix Original documentary series, a high-end photography book, a limited fine art print collection, and a global e-commerce platform. Each part plays a unique role in bringing Human Playground to life.

Status: Released

Created by: Hannelore Vandenbussche

Platforms: Netflix & Youku

Narrated by: Idris Elba

Directed by: Tomas Kaan

Person dressed as a cowboy with a large sombrero, red neckerchief, and cowboy boots, jumping in the air with a lasso in hand against a clear sky and a stone wall in the background.
Close-up of a person with dark skin standing with hands clasped behind their back, wearing a yellow-green top with blue accents and a pleated blue skirt.
Children in traditional clothing and masks standing in a lush, rural environment with greenery and huts.

In October 2022, Human Playground launched as a six-part documentary series on Netflix and Youku, reaching audiences in 195 countries. Narrated by Idris Elba and created by a team with experience on Our Planet and Planet Earth, the series combines powerful storytelling with cinematic visuals. Filmed in 20 countries, it explores 24 forms of play, from ancient tribal traditions to modern-day extreme sports. The entire production was carbon neutral, reflecting our commitment to sustainability while exploring what connects us as humans.

Published by teNeues and photographed by Hannelore Vandenbussche, the Human Playground Photo Book offers a visually rich narrative across 15 global playgrounds. Even before its official release in October 2022, the book had already sold over 20,000 copies through a collaboration with the Dutch Postcode Lottery. It is more than a collection of images. It is a document of global culture and a visual archive of how people play, compete, and connect.

To create a more intimate connection with the project, we launched an exclusive fine art print collection. Captured in 20 countries, each piece is available in limited editions of 12, framed in custom wooden frames, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. These are not just photographs. They are visual stories meant to live on walls, spark conversations, and inspire reflection.

To extend the experience beyond storytelling, we launched humanplayground.com, a global e-commerce platform that transforms the emotional power of the project into tangible products. The store features curated items such as posters, notebooks, puzzles, and card games, all inspired by the visuals and themes of the series. Launched in the third quarter of 2022, the store is active in key markets across Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“Why We Play” is just the beginning. As a storytelling brand, Human Playground is designed to evolve. Future themes such as Why We Pray, Why We Dance, Why We Eat, and Why We Love will explore the full range of human expression. Human Playground is more than a title, it is a brand. We do not just produce content. We create immersive, story-driven worlds that bridge cultures and touch hearts. By combining creative excellence with strategic thinking, we ensure that every story resonates and scales.

Our mission is bold: to use storytelling as a force for unity, understanding, and inspiration. Because when we tell the right stories in the right way, we do more than entertain. We connect.

  • Open book with large black text and a closed book titled 'Human Playground Why We Play' on a white surface.
  • Open photo book showing a person dressed in traditional clothing, standing outdoors in a snowy landscape, holding a leash attached to a dog, with mountains in the background.
  • Open photo book displaying two images of women riding horses in traditional Mexican attire, kicking up dust.
  • Framed photograph of camels standing in a row on sandy ground, with a wooden structure above them, seen against a plain white wall.
  • A woman in a bright blue blazer and matching skirt viewing photographs in an art gallery. The photos include camels with harnesses and a desert scene with poles and canvas structures.
  • Corner of an art gallery with framed photographs on white walls, a yellow futon, a wooden shelving unit with stacked books, and an open book on top.
  • A person with blonde hair and floral clothing standing in front of a large photo of five children and a young man, all wearing colorful traditional clothing, against a white wall.