VIENNA, 30 May 2017 - Building Lives and Factories explores the past, present and future of industrial development, with a particular focus on the implications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Directed by Miles Roston, this visually stunning film depicts the history of industrialization, and its role in promoting social and economic growth, as well as the opportunities and challenges that accompany industrial progress and innovation.

One of the stories in the 40-minute documentary details how rapid industrialization in Canet de Mar, Spain, at the beginning of the twentieth century enabled women to enter the labour market, ultimately changing household dynamics and even encouraging these women to claim the right to vote.

Building Lives and Factories also emphasizes the possible dangers of industrialization, addressing issues such as potential job losses, devastation of the environment, and increasing gaps between the rich and the poor. As such, it emphasizes the need for development strategies to promote inclusiveness and sustainability.

It explores the role that the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) can play in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and gives prominent thinkers, such as Ha-Joon Chang, Kamau Gachigi, lldefonso Guajardo Villarreal, Leslie Chang and Markus Lorenz, the opportunity express their ideas about the future of manufacturing and industry.

Produced on the occasion of UNIDO’s 50th anniversary, the documentary emphasizes the important role of inclusive and sustainable industrialization in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Should you be interested in screening the documentary film, please contact UNIDO at 50years@unido.org.