Watch Beijing 2008 Olympic film

A short film from British director Daryl Goodrich showcasing Beijing as it prepares for the summer Olympics is available to view online.

Goodrich, a former British athlete turned film-maker, was one of five international directors invited to make a film by Olympic organisers, and has also directed a promotional film as part of London’s winning bid for the 2012 Olympics.

Beijing also invited Guiseppe Tornatore from Italy, Majid Majidi from Iran, Patrice Leconte of France, Andrew Lau Wai Keung from Hong Kong as well as Goodrich to make a short film each telling stories concerning Chinese people’s preparation for the Beijing Olympics.

In February one of Hollywood’s most influential directors, Steven Spielberg, resigned from his role as an adviser for the Beijing Olympics because of China’s policy in Sudan.

At a premiere of the movies held last week in Beijing, Mr Goodrich told the BBC that he was "uncomfortable" with his role.

Mr Goodrich’s producer, Caroline Rowland, said: "I think that both of us acknowledge a bit of naivety now that we've been involved in the situation here, and been confronted with the kinds of questions we've had in the last few days."

With Mr Spielberg’s resignation China has come under pressure over the Darfur crisis. Critics say China’s trade links with the Sudanese government allow it to influence events in Sudan.

Watch British director Daryl Goodrich's video on YouTube. In English with Italian subtitles.

http://en.beijing2008.cn

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