In an era where technology is transforming every aspect of our lives, cities are not left behind. Smart cities are becoming the blueprint for urban development, focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and improved quality of life. This curated list of documentaries delves into the innovative solutions and challenges of creating these futuristic urban landscapes. Whether you're an urban planner, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of city living, these films offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of smart cities.

Urbanized (2011)
Description: Directed by Gary Hustwit, "Urbanized" examines the design of cities and the role of urban planning in shaping our future. It features interviews with architects, planners, and policymakers from around the world.
Fact: The film was part of a trilogy on design, with the other two being "Helvetica" and "Objectified."


Tomorrow (2015)
Description: While not exclusively about smart cities, "Tomorrow" looks at sustainable solutions for urban living, agriculture, energy, economy, democracy, and education, offering a broad perspective on how cities can evolve.
Fact: The film was inspired by the birth of the director's daughter, prompting a global search for solutions to make the world a better place for future generations.


The Human Scale (2012)
Description: This film explores how cities can be designed to better fit human needs, focusing on the concept of the "human scale" in urban planning. It showcases cities like Copenhagen, which have embraced this approach to enhance livability.
Fact: The film was directed by Andreas Dalsgaard, who also directed "Life in Denmark," another documentary about urban living.


The Pruitt-Igoe Myth (2011)
Description: While focusing on the failure of a housing project, this documentary provides insights into urban planning mistakes and the importance of community involvement in smart city development.
Fact: The film uses archival footage and interviews with former residents to tell the story of Pruitt-Igoe, once considered a model for urban housing.


The City Dark (2011)
Description: This documentary explores the impact of light pollution in cities, touching on how smart city initiatives can address this issue through innovative lighting solutions and urban planning.
Fact: The film was screened at numerous film festivals and won the Best Documentary Feature at the Woodstock Film Festival.


The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil (2006)
Description: Although not directly about smart cities, this documentary showcases how Cuba adapted to an energy crisis, offering lessons on resilience and community-based solutions that can be applied to urban settings.
Fact: The film was produced by Faith Morgan, who also produced "What a Way to Go: Life at the End of Empire."


The World's First Smart City (2017)
Description: This documentary focuses on Songdo, South Korea, often cited as the world's first smart city, exploring its technological innovations and the challenges faced in its development.
Fact: Songdo was built from scratch on reclaimed land, making it a unique case study in urban planning.


The Future of Cities (2016)
Description: This film delves into how cities are preparing for the future, with a focus on technology, sustainability, and urban resilience, offering a comprehensive look at smart city initiatives worldwide.
Fact: The documentary features interviews with leading urban planners and architects, providing expert insights into future urban trends.


Smart Cities: The Future of Urban Living (2018)
Description: This documentary explores how cities like Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Singapore are implementing smart technologies to improve urban life, focusing on transportation, energy, and public services.
Fact: The film was produced by National Geographic, known for its in-depth exploration of global issues.


Cities of Tomorrow (2019)
Description: This documentary series looks at how cities are evolving to meet the challenges of the 21st century, with episodes dedicated to different aspects of smart city development like mobility, sustainability, and community engagement.
Fact: The series was created by CuriosityStream, a platform known for its educational content on science and technology.
