A film documenting eight years of preparation for the Olympics is nearing completion, the Chinese Olympic Committee told a press conference in Beijing Wednesday.

Temporarily titled "2001+7," the documentary will show how the country and its citizens have spent the lead-up to the Games.

Fifty film workers from China's Central Newsreels and Documentary Film Studio have interviewed dozens of athletes, volunteers, ordinary citizens, and officials on topics ranging from the Olympic facilities -- like the famous Bird's Nest and Cube -- to security and their interest in different events.

The documentary will be an Olympic first, the committee said.

The documentary begins with the first minute of a baby born in 2001 and later shifts to 2007 when the seven year old is busy doing arithmetic problems and writing characters, a symbol of the growth that many people have experienced over this period.

"After eight years of hard work we hope to reach the peak of glory in 2008," said Gu Yun, the director.

Gu Yun did not say whether the documentary would deal with issues like pollution. According to overseas media reports, many athletes intend to delay their arrival in Beijing until the last minute in order to avoid breathing the city air for as long as possible.

Filming started in 2001 when Beijing was selected to host the 2008 Olympics and the crew already has about 50,000 meters of film, which will be cut down to a 90-minute program, Gu said.

The documentary is scheduled for release worldwide in July next year, she said.
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(Xinhua News Agency July 5, 2007)