Jacob Canet-Gibson, Get your money early, start a new life (Documentary 2020)

Since China’s housing crisis of the 1980’s the country has been focused on rapid urbanisation. In recent years Shanghai has been at the forefront of this redevelopment venture (especially in Western media). However, amidst this urban growth has been the destruction of historical neighbourhoods and people’s homes. Vast areas, such as Laoximen, have been cleared to construct new high-rise apartment blocks and shopping malls. While these regions of “Old Town” Shanghai have a reputation of poverty, squalid living conditions and crime – they are also home primarily to the elderly and contain architecture dating back to five hundred years ago. The residents of these neighbourhoods are offered financial compensation for their homes, and while some are glad to shift into newer and more comfortable living conditions, the amounts given often mean the residents are forced to relocate to cheaper areas several hours away since they cannot afford the rents of these new urban homes. Some however refuse to move and continue to live in so-called “Nail Houses” surrounded by rubble and construction crews. During the redevelopments these “Nail Houses” can be cut off from basic amenities or have parts of their property demolished or damaged. Banners can be seen hung around these neighbourhoods advising residents to “Get your money early, start a new life”.

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