500,000 residents will be displaced as Datong's mayor plans to demolish 200,000 homes to reconstruct the city's historic Ming Dynasty walls.
Synopsis
500,000 residents will be displaced as Datong's mayor plans to demolish 200,000 homes to reconstruct the city's historic Ming Dynasty walls.
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Synopsis
Geng Yanbo, the mayor of Datong, faces the daunting task of transforming one of China's most polluted cities into a cultural hub. His ambitious plan involves reconstructing the 14th century Ming Dynasty walls, which requires the demolition of 200,000 homes and the displacement of approximately 500,000 residents. Set against the backdrop of urbanization and local government debt, the documentary captures the challenges Geng encounters as he balances public dissent with the expectations of the ruling elite. The film premiered at the Sundance Festival in 2015.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet Geng Yanbo, a mayor with bold urban plans.
- See the impact of displacing half a million residents.
- Find out about the hukou system's role in urbanization.
Did You Know
- 500,000 residents were displaced in Datong for urban transformation.
- 200,000 homes were demolished to reconstruct Ming Dynasty walls.
- The film premiered at the Sundance Festival in 2015.
- The documentary was televised by BBC World News on February 10, 2019.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What city does the documentary focus on?
The documentary focuses on Datong, one of China's most polluted cities.
How many residents were displaced for the reconstruction project?
Approximately 500,000 residents were displaced, with about 200,000 homes demolished.
What award did the documentary receive at the Sundance Festival?
It was awarded a 'Special Jury Award for Unparalleled Access' at the Sundance Festival.
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