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Deep Dive: Dream Empire (2016)

Film Lens

Dream Empire
Dream Empire is a documentary directed by David Borenstein that focuses on his experiences as a foreign performer, referred to as a 'white monkey,' in Chongqing, a rapidly growing mega city in Southwest China. The film captures the unique role that foreigners play in the real estate market, where they are used to enhance the appeal of property sales. Borenstein's perspective provides insight into the cultural and economic dynamics at play in this booming sector. The documentary runs for 73 minutes and is produced with support from the Danish Film Institute and Sundance Institute. It presents a critical view of the commercialization of real estate in Chongqing, while also reflecting on the personal experiences of those involved in this unusual employment arrangement.

Why Watch

  • See how foreigners market real estate in Chongqing.
  • Meet the 'white monkeys' of China's property market.
  • Find out about the booming real estate scene in 2016.

Did You Know

The film won the top award at the 19th Thessaloniki Documentary Festival.
Dream Empire was released in 2016 and has a duration of 73 minutes.
The documentary features performances by Lars Skree and Christian Einshøj.

Perfect For

Real estate enthusiastsDocumentary fansCultural studies