vivo and Sam Kolder Film 'The Garden Route' Entirely on X300 Ultra

By: Harsh Vardhan

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Updated on: 15-May-2026

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​Vivo has partnered with filmmaker Sam Kolder to create a short film shot entirely on the vivo X300 Ultra. The film, titled 'The Garden Route,' showcases South Africa's natural landscapes and highlights a journey defined by movement, friendship, and discovery.

Key Highlights

• Sam Kolder filmed 'The Garden Route' entirely using the vivo X300 Ultra.
• The film highlights South Africa's landscapes and focuses on authentic, unscripted moments.
• Telephoto extenders on the X300 Ultra provided DSLR-like background separation and subject isolation.
• The device's color depth and dynamic range supported professional post-production workflows.

Collaboration Details

Sam Kolder, known for his visual storytelling, left his traditional cameras behind for this project. He stated that using only the vivo X300 Ultra was liberating, as it removed technical barriers and allowed him to focus on the experience. Kolder aimed to inhabit the landscape, capturing unscripted moments and turning them into a cinematic piece that feels authentic and lived-in.

The production used both telephoto extenders available with the X300 Ultra. These extenders provided background separation and subject isolation similar to what Kolder achieves with DSLR cameras. The device maintained consistent quality across different focal lengths, which was crucial for the film's visual style.

Technical Capabilities of X300 Ultra

The vivo X300 Ultra offered color depth and dynamic range suitable for professional color grading. This allowed Kolder's team to have full flexibility during post-production. Kolder noted that this was the first time a phone manufacturer addressed the needs of professional filmmakers in such detail.

vivo described the collaboration as a shift in cinematic storytelling. The company emphasized that the X300 Ultra enables creators to focus on the moment, reducing the impact of technology on the creative process.

Impact and Availability

The film 'The Garden Route' is available for viewing and demonstrates the capabilities of the vivo X300 Ultra in real-world filmmaking. vivo encourages viewers to learn more about the X300 Ultra through additional resources, including a video review.