Documentaries come into spotlight via global cooperation

The two-episode documentary China From Above highlights China's physical geography, tradition-and culture-enriched customs, and modern social development. The combination of innovative aerial and on-the-ground photography not only gives an insight into the country's long history, but also takes forward the current narrative.

The documentary also exhibits the strategy of "discourse", which is common to Western documentaries. While introducing an issue, a common approach tends to find a small entry point, such as a man with stories, which coincides with the principle of a "compelling central character" and conforms to mainstream aesthetics.

China From Above is a breakthrough in terms of production and marketing, too. It is a co-production of China Intercontinental Communication Center, National Geographic Channels International, Natural History New Zealand, Beach House Pictures and NDR, and has been distributed in the United States through National Geographic Channels. This global cooperation has contributed to introducing China's culture in the world.