Illustration: Chen Xia
As the world witnesses the rapid development of China's infrastructure, a wave of documentary films highlighting these monumental projects has taken center stage. Documentaries such as China's Mega Projects, Remarkable Construction have emerged, aiming their lenses at major infrastructure projects across the country. This creative landscape has become a reflection of China's path to modernization.
Recently, documentaries like Achievements in the Present have focused on a diverse range of Chinese infrastructure projects, showcasing a more representative and multi-dimensional view of China's development.
Standing out
First and foremost, China's infrastructure capabilities are widely recognized both domestically and internationally. The achievements in China's modern development provide these documentaries with rich material to observe and depict the country's current state of development. In turn, the popularity of such documentaries is evidence of China's economic scale and technological prowess, further cementing their status as a genre and a captivating creative landscape.
Second, these infrastructure projects are characterized by their vast scale, unique designs, and extraordinary visual appeal. Through the lens of documentaries, the construction processes and engineering landscapes were transformed into visual spectacles. Grand projects are often presented using panoramic views and aerial shots, offering comprehensive glimpses into the internal and external environments of these massive undertakings. Drones and aircraft provide unique perspectives that break the conventional viewpoint of infrastructure observation, creating a macroscopic visual impression. The use of ultra-high-definition and large-screen formats enhances the viewing experience, adding to the appeal of these documentary films.
Furthermore, China's infrastructure projects exude a strong sense of technological prowess. In recent years, documentaries have decoded the technological and engineering elements of these projects, emphasizing the fusion of engineering and technology. Virtual digital technology, in particular, has allowed for the creation of three-dimensional images, animated models, and simulation demonstrations, making complex technical details accessible and visual. These aspects have increased the educational and informative value of documentary films on infrastructure construction.
Highlighting individuals
People are not only the subjects of these infrastructure developments but also the central figures in their stories. In addition to panoramic views of projects, documentaries featuring modern Chinese infrastructure include more human elements and social concerns. They concentrate on projects that exemplify a "people-centered" development concept, striving to create infrastructure that benefits the people, revealing China's commitment to improving the well-being of its citizens.
As for the creation of the content, on the one hand, these documentaries showcase the grandeur and breakthroughs in engineering construction, emphasizing their educational value. On the other hand, they introduce the human spirit and emotions behind the seemingly cold technology, emphasizing the human factor behind the technology. These documentaries ground themselves in the narrative context of high-quality development.
Enhancing China's image
The overseas documentary market has long had a mature and stable audience for documentaries on infrastructure construction.With China's economic growth and infrastructure development becoming increasingly prominent on the global stage, works like China's Mega Projects have been highly sought after by international media, leading to high-value acquisitions and international broadcasts. Some documentaries have also released international versions for global dissemination.
Documentaries are often seen as a nation's photo album, and China's iconic infrastructure such as the Beijing Daxing International Airport and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridgeare the most visually striking "business cards" of modern China.
Moreover, China's infrastructure expertise is going global, supporting the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. In its 10th year, this China-proposed initiative has facilitated comprehensive and multi-sector connectivity with countries taking part in it, with a particular focus on infrastructure connectivity. The construction of the Mombasa-Nairobi standard-gauge railway project in Kenya, for instance, represents the largest infrastructure project since Kenya's independence and contributes 2 percent to the country's economic growth, serving as a vital conduit for the development of East Africa and the entire African continent. My Railway, My Story, a documentary on the construction of Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, produced by the Xinhua News Agency, delves into the construction and the stories behind this transformative project, with the documentary being broadcast on Kenyan national television.
Documentary films on infrastructure construction bring the essence of China's modern infrastructure development to life, showcasing a national image marked by reality and visualization. However, it's essential to recognize that while China's infrastructure capabilities are evident, the goal should not be a celebratory showcase of achievements but rather a balanced, international perspective that highlights the convergence of China's development with global progress, focusing on mutual interests. Such an approach can help break down cultural barriers, promote cross-cultural learning, and ultimately serve the shared vision of building a global community with a shared future.
In conclusion, Chinese documentary films on infrastructure have made a significant mark on the global stage, reflecting the country's extraordinary growth and its commitment to infrastructure that benefits the people. These films not only celebrate the achievements but also the people behind them, showcasing China's unique approach to development.
To enhance China's image in the global documentary market, it's important to maintain a balanced perspective and continue to emphasize the interconnectedness of China's development with the rest of the world. By doing so, these documentaries can help build bridges and promote mutual understanding, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious global community.
The author is an associate professor with the Communication University of China. [email protected]
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