The Chinese Mayor is a 2015 documentary that follows Mayor Geng Yanbo’s ambitious and controversial efforts to radically transform Datong, the once prosperous capital of Imperial China that later became one of the country’s most polluted cities. Mayor Geng’s vision to revive Datong as a cultural destination in order to boost tourism and economic growth, however, comes at a steep price. The plan requires thousands of households to be bulldozed and half a million residents to be displaced.

Join us for a weekend-long screening of Zhou Hao’s The Chinese Mayor, a stark look at some of the consequences of development in a rapidly changing People’s Republic. The film received a World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Unparalleled Access at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.

The Chinese Mayor

“At once a fascinating and shocking cautionary tale about the way gargantuan construction projects are allowed to mushroom or come to a halt according to the cryptic whims of those in power.” — The Hollywood Reporter

Genre: Documentary
Duration: 86 minutes
Director: Zhou Hao
Language: Chinese
Subtitles: English
Producer: Zhao Qi

How to Watch
Register for free via Eventive to stream this film. Viewing instructions for the film will be emailed to all registrants. This film screening via Eventive is only available in the following authorized regions: United States of America, Australia, Hong Kong, Philippines, India, Japan, Korea, and Switzerland. The film is not available to stream in countries not listed as an authorized region. For any further questions, reach out to [email protected].

This program is presented by Asia Society Museum and Asia Society Southern California as part of Asia Society at the Movies, a series that showcases a broad range of films and filmmakers from across Asia and the Asian diaspora.

This screening is made possible by CNEX.

Asia Society at the Movies
Asia Society is proud to present Asia Society at the Movies, a new series of film screenings and conversations showcasing a broad range of films and filmmakers from across Asia and the Asian diaspora. Asia Society at the Movies celebrates established and emerging voices, contemporary films and classics, and documentaries. The series builds on Asia Society’s long and rich history of film programming. This initiative also serves to deepen understanding of Asian cultures—a core part of Asia Society’s mission since its creation. Learn more about the Asia Society at the Movies initiative.

About Asia Society Museum
Asia Society Museum presents a wide range of traditional, modern, and contemporary exhibitions of Asian and Asian American art, taking new approaches to familiar masterpieces and introducing under-recognized arts and artists. The Asia Society Museum Collection comprises a traditional art collection, including the initial bequests of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd, and a contemporary art collection. Through exhibitions and public programs, Asia Society provides a forum for the issues and viewpoints reflected in both traditional and contemporary Asian art and in Asia today.

About Asia Society Southern California
Established in Los Angeles in 1985, Asia Society Southern California (ASSC) is ideally situated at the gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. ASSC has played a pivotal role through creative programs and activities in increasing shared knowledge, enhancing dialogue, and furthering cultural exchanges transcending regional boundaries. As part of the global Asia Society, which was founded more than 60 years ago in New York City, ASSC has launched many creative initiatives and programs addressing current issues of importance across the fields of the arts, culture, policy, business, and education.