Made in 5×52′

THE DOCUMENTARY SERIES

“Made in…” explores the vibrant youth and cultures of five major cities around the world. From Japanese pop culture to Tel Aviv’s nightlife, each episode reveals unique stories of determination and identity. We delve into the contrasts of Moscow, the dreams of innovation in New York, and the passionate debates of Istanbul. These portraits of young people searching for meaning reveal the challenges and hopes of a generation.

MADE IN J-POP :

Trends are born and die in a matter of weeks, but we can nevertheless identify a certain number of generalities from this constantly evolving world that now extends far beyond the borders of Japan alone. Indeed, the whole of developed East Asia now lives to the rhythm of Japanese pop culture, which offers young people in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Seoul a modern Asian identity. This culture offers this generation a real alternative to the American mass culture that flooded the region in the wake of the GIs of World War II.

MADE IN MOSCOU :

Moscow’s gilded youth live in a prosperous era where money flows freely. Energetic and determined, they excel in a variety of fields, while those outside this elite struggle to access education and success. The system, a blend of statism and ultraliberalism, favors connections and financial resources, leaving some behind. Despite these inequalities, the majority supports an ambitious new Russia, with a notable support for Vladimir Putin. Through individual stories, these young people embody the hopes and fears of contemporary Russian society.

MADE IN NEW-YORK :

And yet terribly familiar… As a result, the entire planet finds itself there, gets lost there, or settles there. Julian, Ginny, Thom, Vincent, and Divine are taking a big bite out of the Big Apple. They are all more or less 20 years old and are pure “made in New York” products. They charge ahead, consume, innovate, dream, campaign, invent. And above all, they express themselves… each in their own way.

MADE IN TEL AVIV :

Tel Aviv is seen by ultra-Orthodox religious figures as a capital of vice, but for Israeli youth, it represents a pressure relief valve. The city, bustling day and night, reflects an intense life marked by conflict. It attracts not only Israelis, but also international visitors in search of celebration and creativity. Tel Aviv’s artists and filmmakers are gaining international recognition, while the party spills into the streets and onto the beach. However, this vibrant bubble is a reminder of its fragility, especially with young people in uniform symbolizing the reality of the surrounding conflict.

MADE IN ISTANBUL :

Istanbul embodies the contrasts of 21st-century Turkey, oscillating between Europe and Asia. The city, historically marked by divisions, sees its youth engaged in passionate debates about modernity and tradition, secularism and political Islam. Although eager to join Europe, this desire is often hindered by European countries, particularly France. Young Istanbulites, whether secular or Islamist, see this European perspective as a great hope. Thus, Istanbul’s youth balance a rich past and an uncertain future, serving as both a model and an object of desire for other Muslim countries.