In the Chinese town of Chengdu, the 420 factory and its model workers' city are being replaced by a luxury apartment complex.

In "24 City", Jia Zhang Ke's new film set in the town, he takes us into the heart of a country divided between old-style workers and nouveaux riches, between a nostagia for socialism and a desire to succeed in the new Chinese market, where it is "glorious to be rich".

Winner of the Golden Lion at the 2006 Venice film festival for his film "Still Life", Jia is a candidate for the Palme d'Or in this 61st Cannes festival. His chances look good, since the jury has expressed a desire to reward a film that depicts "social reality".

Watch the May 19 edition of the Cannes Reports by clicking on the link in the video column on the right.

Check out Web correspondent Arnab Banerjee’s video blog.