A scene from "Water and Bridge," a short documentary film about Shanghai and a tribute to the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. [Photo: eastday.com]

Following the "Vision Beijing" project which involved five internationally acclaimed directors making tribute films for the Beijing Olympics, Shanghai, the host city of the 2010 World Expo, has completed a similar project called "Vision Shanghai."

Shanghai World Expo Land Holding Co Ltd, which collaborated with Shanghai Film Group in launching the two-year project, announced on Tuesday the completion of eight 30-minute documentary films.

Names of the films' directors were not revealed during the press conference.

Bai Wenhua, president of Shanghai World Expo Land Holding Co Ltd, says the films chronicle the city's changes from various aspects as it prepares itself for the world's largest fair.

"Feathers of Dongtan," for example, introduces the Dongtan Bird Reserve on the Chongming island in eastern Shanghai to address the importance of balance between social and economical development. "Sounds. Breaths" uses poetic scenes to capture distinct Shanghai sounds. And "White Yulan" shows urban Shanghai lifestyle through lives of three young women with different backgrounds.

Trailers of the films are being broadcast on local television, and full versions will be available soon to audience around the world.

Meanwhile, Shanghai Film Group has announced its next Expo tribute film, a feature-length documentary to be helmed by award-winning director Jia Zhangke.

(CRI March 26,2008)