Film Lens
The documentary 'Cathedrals' focuses on the city of Ordos in China, which was constructed to accommodate a million residents but remains entirely uninhabited. This stark contrast between the city's grand architecture and its emptiness serves as a commentary on modern urban development and societal beliefs. Ordos represents a larger phenomenon of overambitious projects driven by hype rather than practical need.
Through its 15-minute runtime, the film presents Ordos not just as a city but as a symbol of misplaced faith in urbanization. The narrative suggests that as long as people maintain their belief in the potential of such developments, the reality of their emptiness will persist. The film invites viewers to reflect on the implications of building for the sake of belief rather than necessity.
Why Watch
- •See the empty city of Ordos in China.
- •Find out why Ordos symbolizes modern urban failure.
- •Meet the architects behind this ambitious project.
Did You Know
•Ordos was built to house one million people but is completely empty.
•The city of Ordos is described as a symbol of babylonic hype.
•The documentary has a runtime of 15 minutes.
Perfect For
Urban developmentChinese architectureSocial commentary