24 City (2008)

In the heart of China, within the bustling metropolis of Chengdu, stands the once mighty Factory 420. Now, it's a monument to change, bowing to the inexorable march of progress as its sturdy walls crumble to give way to towering multi-story luxury apartments. The film weaves together scenes of the factory's final days, its diligent workforce, and the skeletal remains of buildings stripped to their bare bones, set for demolition. A chorus of voices, born in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, narrate intimate biographies of a bygone era. They share tales of the factory, once a formidable producer of military aircraft, and of their lives interwoven with its ironclad rhythms. A man of middle age pays homage to his mentor, now weathered by time, while a woman recalls her youth, once blooming within these factory walls, only to find herself solitary in her later years. As the film draws to a close, the torch is passed to a new generation. Two young individuals, children of the factory's workers, each recount a tale of a single visit to the factory. A poignant reminder of the relentless tides of change, "24 City" is a testament to the past, a mirror reflecting the present, and a window peering into the future.

24 City is a documentary movie featuring Joan Chen.

24 City is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy, Plex and Plex Player.

It is also possible to buy 24 City on Vudu.