Directed by Hao Zhou, 2015, 89 Minutes, Chinese with English subtitles

An extraordinary insight into contemporary China, with a visionary politician trying to balance massive cultural development with grassroots interests and party politics.

Filmmaker Hao Zhou followed Mayor Geng Yanbo of Datong for two years, witnessing the impact of his scheme to modernize the city by demolishing over 140,000 households built on the ancient city walls, and relocate the residents – one third of the city’s population. Juggling contractors and ineffective staff, as well as dealing with his own personal problems and a secretive party system, Geng is committed to his constituents and their daily grievances – often against the advice of his own staff. This remarkable film is both an intimate portrait of a complex character and an insightful exploration of the impact of massive urban development in 21st century China.

The film will be followed by Q&A time with Dr. Luigi Tomba, Associate Director, Australian Centre on China in the World.

This film screening is part of the third Stronger than Fiction Documentary Film
Festival at the Palace Electric Cinema, tickets on sale now: http://www.strongerthanfictiondocs.com/#!chinese-mayor/c1gt2