今日上海
何以中国系列纪录片 - 2022年11月15日
'China Before China' explores the past and priceless memories
A documentary series, "China Before China," sheds light on the genesis and evolution of the rich, prosperous and bright Chinese civilization.
Produced by the Shanghai Media Group, the documentary will be broadcast on Dragon TV. Although the exact date has not yet been set, a trailer was recently released featuring 50 cultural relics spanning 8,000 years. These relics, which include a bronze food vessel, a pottery vase and a jade handicraft, connect the past to the present and tell incredible tales about the country's development.
The documentary pays tribute to the foresight and perseverance of the Chinese, who developed numerous cultural and technological innovations over the course of time. It has boosted the cultural confidence of the Chinese to create new glories.
Chinese civilization has flourished uninterrupted and been passed down through generations.
Jade eagle, Lingjiatan Culture
Green-glaze pot with patterns of peony and two phoenixes, Song Dynasty
Painted pottery pot with human head design, Yangshao Culture
Sancai (three-colored) pottery camels carrying musicians, Tang Dynasty
Ivory decorated with two birds worshiping the sun, Hemudu Culture
Pottery animals and figurines, Shijiahe Culture
In spite of wars and numerous dynastic changes throughout its history, the roots and foundation of Chinese culture were never disturbed. Today, it retains its vibrancy, diversity and resilience, offering distinctive Chinese approaches to a variety of situations.
The eight-episode documentary series roped in 90-year-old archeologist Yan Wenming, and Professor Qin Ling, from Peking University, as well as historians from the country's top universities, to provide scholarly support during its filming.
The crew spent months examining archeological reports and articles and conversing with academics about their latest findings. They visited museums and archeological sites in China, including Sanxingdui in Sichuan Province, Liangzhu in Zhejiang Province and Erlitou in Henan Province.
Crew of documentary series "China Before China"
They documented historical discoveries and uncovered priceless memories and cultural connotations associated with the relics.
For instance, the documentary explores the significance of the dragon totem in ancient culture through jade and bronze artefacts styled like dragons. It also details the evolution of ancient Chinese agriculture, water management, science and technology.
Viewers will learn how this country has been united and respectful of different cultures throughout its long history.
There are many touching stories. After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the bronze tripod "Da Ke Ding" was given to the Shanghai Museum by its former collector, Pan Dayu. During the troubled 1930s and 1940s, she hid the bronze tripod from the Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-476 BC) in a big wooden box under her living room.
Bronze tripod "Da Ke Ding”
Even if cultural treasures take center stage in the documentary, China is the protagonist, a personified character, the film's chief director Gan Chao said. From the perspective of relics and archeological discoveries in the country, the documentary illustrates China's development.
Zhao Haitao (right), the archeological team head of Erlitou site, explains the findings to the directors of the documentary "China Before China."
The first season examines Chinese culture from the end of the Paleolithic Period to the Qin (221-206 BC) and Han (206 BC-AD 220) dynasties. The difficulty they face is establishing an emotional link between the artefacts from so many years ago and the people of today.
He said that a number of well-known international broadcasters had already shown intent of cooperation to get the documentary shown overseas.
Source: SMG
