The World of the Chinese — Season 1, Episode 6: Italy
Documentary • 45 min • 2 seasons, 12 episodes • ★ 8.6/10
Episode synopsis
In Prato the last few decades, the biggest Chinese community of Europe, has taken over the textile industry, which is the pride of Italy. The locals are longing back to the past, but there also those who want to connect the two cultures. In the Tuscan city Prato live and work 50,000 Chinese, the local population doesn't recognise her city anymore. Right wing politicians reproach the Chinese with unfair competition and bad integration, but there's also another sound. Ruben Terlou follows a Chinese woman who campaigns and hopes to become the first politician from Chinese descent in Italy.
About The World of the Chinese
China is playing an increasingly important role worldwide. Under President Xi Jinping, substantial investments are being made in communication and cooperation and industrious Chinese people are settling abroad in large numbers. Documentary maker and China expert Ruben Terlou visits them in the new VPRO travel series ‘The World of the Chinese’. Who are they, what do they want to achieve and what impact does their presence have on the local population?