Trailer: When China met Africa (documentary)

When China met Africa‘, a new documentary film produced by Marc Francis & Nick Francis and Miriana Bojic Walter, tells the story of China’s entrance into Zambia and the cultural and business relationships surrounding:

A historic gathering of over 50 African heads of state in Beijing reverberates in Zambia where the lives of three characters unfold. Mr Liu is one of thousands of Chinese entrepreneurs who have settled across the continent in search of new opportunities. He has just bought his fourth farm and business is booming.

In northern Zambia, Mr Li, a project manager for a multinational Chinese company is upgrading Zambia’s longest road. Pressure to complete the road on time intensifies when funds from the Zambian government start running out.

Meanwhile Zambia’s Trade Minister is on route to China to secure millions of dollars of investment.

Through the intimate portrayal of these characters, the expanding footprint of a rising global power is laid bare – pointing to a radically different future, not just for Africa, but also for the world.

Watch the trailer below:

This week in African Style 3/17 – 3/23/07

• Virgin Atlantic opens East Africa route and competes with British Airways.

• Innovation and investment at Oprah’s African schools.

• Tragedy of 5 lost in Bronx fire lead American media to Mali’s red earth.

• Russia looks to sign energy, metals deals in Africa.

• Americans milk Africa to death.

• Queen Latifah competes against Botswana’s Health Minister for detective role.

• The cost of a free Zambian education.

• Google bets on Africa.

• Innovation happens in unexpected places: mobile banking in Kenya, and mobile tv boost in North Africa.

• Governmental inaction and decay of public infrastructure in Africa.

• Pan-African businesses: Do they exist?

• Zimbabwe under fire, pleads for African solidarity.

• Sing the African alphabet.

• Rise of West African tourism.

• “Hip-Hop Colony,” African hip-hop explosion film available on dvd.