Doc Channel Plans China-Themed Special

NASHVILLE, July 25: To
celebrate the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, the Documentary Channel will
host a special 12-hour programming event on August 4 and 5 devoted to
documentaries covering issues related to China.

The stunt will include the
U.S. premiere of John Helde’s Made in China at 8 p.m. and World’s Largest Studio at 10 p.m. during the network’s Primetime
Premieres block on August 4. Made
in China follows Helde as he
travels across China to understand his family’s roots. The World’s Largest
Studio describes how several
Chinese businessmen formed Hengdian World Studios in 1996, which would
eventually become the world’s largest entertainment production studio.

Other films to be shown
include Sunrise Over Tiananmen Square, Mardi Gras: Made in China, Children of Blessing
and Zhang Empresses.

Tom Neff, the founder and
CEO of the Documentary Channel, said: “The 2008 Olympic Summer Games in Beijing
next month is a much-anticipated worldwide event and, as a precursor, we will
be showcasing a special lineup of China-themed documentaries that should help
our audience better connect with this fascinating host country. This
outstanding collection of films explores China’s culture, business and history,
and should provide viewers with an educational and enlightening perspective on
China heading into the games.”

—By Jackie Stewart