Oscar-winning filmmaker Malcolm Clarke chronicles Shenzhen’s development
Two-time Academy Award winner Malcolm Clarke has released a new documentary, "Shenzhen: People Who Build the Future," exploring the human history behind the Chinese metropolis.
A collaboration between Shenzhen Media Group and filmmaker Malcolm Clarke, the new documentary examines the rapid evolution of one of China’s most significant technology and economic hubs. Clarke, serving as both writer and narrator, focuses the narrative on seven individuals from diverse backgrounds whose personal stories represent the city’s transformation.
Rather than focusing exclusively on urban skyline architecture, the production explores the social and industrial shifts within the region. The subjects range from the original builders who established the city's infrastructure to contemporary professionals working in robotics and international education, illustrating the transition from traditional manufacturing to a high-tech economy.
The film arrives as Shenzhen prepares for its role as a key host city for APEC China 2026. Through these individual profiles, the project documents the broader historical and cultural trends that have defined the city’s rapid emergence on the global stage.