Newcomers to the City

Programme Outline

00.00 - 01.00

Aerial shots of 'typical' Italian cities - 'picture postcard' views of rooftops, narrow streets and splendid public squares.

01.00 - 01.28

Aerial views, by contrast, show some of the industrial areas of Genoa - a 'workaday' city.

01.28 - 01.40

Commentary explains a map of the 'Industrial Triangle' between Genoa, Turin and Milan.

01.40 - 02.10

Low aerial shots of industrial sites and a community in decline show how things have changed in Genoa over the last twenty years. New employment opportunities are needed.

02.10 - 05.10

An interview with a shipyard worker, Andrea. We see shots of shipyards and ship-repair work.

Commentary picks up references to newcomers: the influx of migrants in recent years.

Returning to the interview, Andrea elaborates on what he sees as the problems of immigration.

05.10 - 08.30

We meet a young Moroccan immigrant, Yusuf, who talks about his background and his journey to Italy.

Footage of Yusuf's home and social life. An Italian youth worker gives a general view on life for young immigrants, and the problem of racism.

08.30 - 09.30

Aerial shots show some of the extensive derelict industrial land around Genoa, emphasising the need for change. Footage then shows how difficult this can be in such a mountainous landscape. The road network is the result of many engineering triumphs.

09.30 - 10.28

Commentary turns to the subject of EU grants for restoration. This is followed by shots of the old steel works site. IKEA, among others, have a factory there now.

Commentary and ground-level shots take us into a business advice centre to see how it helps promote new commercial activity. The centre focuses mainly on high-tech enterprises.

10.28 - 12.50

Interview with Enrico Secchi, owner of a CD-ROM company, about new business. His father helps him. They work in the same building in which he once worked as a marine engineer.

Commentary elaborates on the 'new versus old' dichotomy, suggesting that high-tech production is the way forward in manufacturing.

12.50 - 15.10

Commentary and shots of the city and nearby coastline suggest that tourism is another way forward. Diversification is needed, and tourism is one of Italy's really strong options.

A map is examined, supporting the idea that Genoa - with the Riviera close by - has a promising future in tourism.

Aerial footage of the Riviera underlines this argument.

Commentary and ground-level shots take a closer look at the attractions of the city centre, especially along the waterfront.

15.10 - 16.00

Footage of Genoa's aquarium. Its beneficial 'knock-on' effects in the adjacent shopping streets.

16.00 - end

The programme returns to Yusuf, who once earned a living as a street peddler, but now has a job in a very exclusive gentlemen's club.

Key words and ideas

  • ports
  • hinterland - the zone served by a port
  • Italy's 'Industrial Triangle' (Genoa-Milan-Turin)
  • heavy manufacturing industry
  • marine engineering
  • Suez Canal
  • recession and industrial decline
  • regeneration - especially of old city centres
  • urban tourism
  • high-tech industry
  • business parks



© 2000 Channel Four Television Corporation