The Last Days of Beijing Hutongs

THE LAST DAYS OF BEIJING HUTONGS is an hour-long documentary that explores the effect of modernization in Beijing for the sake of the 2008 Olympics. Beijing’s hutongs, some dating back to the Yuan Dynasty (1206-1341) are a sprawl of narrow alleys and courtyards, of small shops and restaurants, of homes and families. The hutongs are regarded as one of Beijing’s defining, essential characteristics, the heart and soul of the city for centuries. The destruction of hutongs has been taking place for several years, but since Beijing was awarded the Olympics, the rate at which they are now being cleared has increased exponentially.

According to UNESCO, in the past three years a third of the 62km squared area that makes up the central part of the old city has now been destroyed. This has displaced close to 580,000 people.

This documentary program will explore the stories of several hutong residents to reflect on the significant, yet under-investigated experience of life in modern China. By weaving in verite footage of hutong residents, urban planners, and city officials THE LAST DAYS OF BEIJING HUTONGS explores the complexities of modernization and development in urban environments, and the effect it has on individual lives. This is a personal documentary film about Beijing Hutongs. The personal connection of the director being a native Beijinger and having first-hand experience in hutong life offers a perspective rarely seen on public television.

Finally, no other filmmakers have been able to reach inside the Hutong families before, and no other films have explored in-depth the issues this film is addressing.