Fresno Filmworks presented the feature-length documentary “Urbanized” Friday night as part of the organization’s monthly showcase of independent films. The documentary is part of director Gary Hustwit’s series of films on design.

Hustwit’s other films, “Helvetica” and “Objectified”, discussed graphic design and industrial design, while the overall theme of “Urbanized” is urban design in the 21st century. The film shows how cities around the globe, some very old and
some fairly recent cope with humans and how they impact their environments.

Though most of the cities shown in the film were trying to handle population expansion, Detroit’s unique situation was especially showcased. According to the film, Detroit is a metropolitan area that once supported 2 million people and could easily fit the cities of Boston and San Francisco.

Today Detroit only has a population of roughly 700,000 people because of economic collapse in the region. With the city unable to help citizens cope with the situation, the people of Detroit are taking control of the situation into their own hands.

Areas that once had vacant lots now have community gardens that help those separated communities come back together.

While at some moments the average observer might be bored at the topic being discussed, the amazing cinematography that captures the beauty of the cities will keep the audience in awe. The mass of people walking across intersections in Tokyo and the finer details of an old subway line in New York City are all displayed in the film.

Even if you might have the slightest interest in this documentary, I recommend you to watch it as you will be inspired by the way cities around the globe have planned their cities. While you can still find this movie in theaters at certain cities, you can purchase it online or at a video retailer.