Can the complexities of web3 infrastructure and decentralization be explained through a whimsical short film? Blockchain infrastructure provider dRPC aims to do just that with the premiere of Alice in Nodeland at ETHDenver 2025. This 11-minute AI-enhanced animated short, inspired by Alice in Wonderland, seeks to entertain while sparking conversations about decentralization’s critical role in the web3 ecosystem.
The film, a vibrant and irreverent take on the current web3 landscape, will debut on 25 February during ETHDenver, the world’s largest and longest-running Ethereum developer event, running from 23 February to 2 March in Colorado. Attendees can enjoy the screening aboard a specially designed mobile bus, complete with complimentary popcorn, or view it online for a week following the premiere. Limited edition merchandise will also be distributed by dRPC to commemorate the event.
In Alice in Nodeland, viewers follow a web3 developer, Alice, who becomes increasingly frustrated by centralized chokepoints in the blockchain ecosystem. Her journey takes a surreal turn as she confronts the Queen of Nodes—a figure whose identity may spark recognition among seasoned crypto enthusiasts. The Queen’s Guards, programmed to resist decentralization, and the Mad Hatter, reimagined as an eccentric DAO leader, add depth and humor to the narrative. Meanwhile, the Cheshire Cat emerges as a crypto trickster, offering cryptic guidance that will resonate with ETHDenver’s audience.
The film’s quirky characters and playful tone mask a more profound message about the significance of decentralized infrastructure in web3. By weaving this narrative into a familiar cultural framework, dRPC hopes to broaden the conversation around blockchain infrastructure beyond technical circles.
“As anyone who’s spent time in crypto will attest, it’s every bit as weird and wonderful as anything Lewis Carroll could conjure,” said Fito Benítez, Head of Marketing at dRPC. “We hope we’ve captured that strangeness and sense of adventure in Alice in Nodeland, and we’re excited to premiere it at ETHDenver—along with a few surprises we have in store.”
While Alice in Nodeland is designed for entertainment, it also underscores the strategic importance of dRPC’s multi-chain solution. RPC (Remote Procedure Call) nodes are critical in web3, serving as gateways for developers and users to access blockchain data. Centralized RPC nodes have raised concerns over potential chokepoints, undermining web3’s decentralized ethos. dRPC’s solution, which utilizes a distributed network of independent third-party public nodes, aims to address these concerns.
By employing a pay-as-you-go model, dRPC allows for scalable, predictable pricing structures that eliminate large upfront costs and promote innovation. This approach also fosters a diverse and independent web3 infrastructure ecosystem, free from single-entity control.
The choice to use storytelling as a medium for discussing technical infrastructure reflects a growing recognition in the web3 community: narratives matter. As web3 technologies become increasingly integral to digital economies, conveying their significance to broader audiences is crucial. dRPC’s Alice in Nodeland attempts to bridge this gap by making technical topics accessible and engaging.
Moreover, ETHDenver’s reputation as a hub for innovation and experimentation makes it an ideal venue for such a creative approach. The event’s attendees—ranging from developers and investors to artists and entrepreneurs—are likely to appreciate the film’s blend of humor, culture, and technological relevance.
Alice in Nodeland represents more than just a creative experiment; it signals a shift in how web3 concepts are communicated. By turning decentralization into a narrative journey filled with recognizable archetypes and playful allegories, dRPC challenges the perception that blockchain infrastructure is solely a technical concern.
As ETHDenver 2025 unfolds, Alice in Nodeland may well become a talking point—not just for its entertainment value, but for how it reframes the conversation around web3’s future. In a landscape where decentralization remains both a goal and a challenge, perhaps it takes a trip down the rabbit hole to remind us why it matters.
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