“Mundane Glory:” Understanding China Through Foreign Eyes

Make no mistake! The use of “mundane” in the title of the online video documentary serial has nothing to do with the other meaning of this word. Which is; “lacking interest or excitement; dull.” Rather, it is the very opposite! Because the stories in different episodes contain lots of elements on courage, bravery, determination, innovation, creativity…. In fact, they are about interesting and breathtaking ventures by Chinese nationals. Which have contributed in no small measure to the greater good of fellow countrymen and women at home. As well as foreigners in their homelands. 

Real Stories, “Real” Realities  
The Chinese online television documentary, "Mundane Glory," will be screened at the Central African Film Festival holding in Yaounde, from April 27-30, 2022. Released in 2020, the serial is presented by two foreign TV personalities - Anthony Morse and Eunice Olsen. Thereby giving a global perspective to the stories. After travelling the length and breadth of the country searching for, and then telling the stories of China’s unsung contemporary heroes.  
“We want to tell the real stories about strivers living in our country,” said Hu Rong in August 2020. Rong, who directed the series, is an official of online Mango TV, one of the most popular video platforms in China. “So that people around the world could get a sense of what today’s China is really like, and how the people are like, without any bias or political agenda,” she clarified. 

A New Narrative 
Unlike stereotypical Western narratives that tend to portray China as a major threat to their interests and to the world as a whole, “Mundane Glory” is about “extraordinary stories by ordinary people.” It is also about ordinary Chinese from all walks of life. It highlights how technology is transforming lives - from the big cities. to remote rural communities across China.
Like the story of a girl in a remote southwestern Chinese village, selling fruits and vegetables to the whole country! Instead of just within her village. Thanks to the live-streaming platform, Douyin or TikTok. This is part of efforts by Chinese local governments to combat poverty and drive growth in rural areas. 

Models For Younger Girls
Another interesting episode is on Chinese space scientists and engineers living in the mountains of Guizhou. “I admire their dedication as it is not easy being away from their families. It was particularly inspiring meeting female members of the FAST team. Their presence is significant to the development of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in China. They are role models for younger Chinese women in STEM,” said Eunice Olsen after interviewing the female engineers.

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