The Chinese government's apparent distaste for a popular new documentary that spotlights China's air quality woes has resulted in the film's removal from major mainland video websites.
Despite initial praise from the country's environment minister and coverage in state-run media, authorities later suppressed the buzz surrounding Under the Dome, which attracted 100 million online views when it debuted last weekend, according to multiple reports.
On Monday, China's propaganda officials reportedly asked news publications to stop covering the film. And an official gag order for Chinese media was issued on Tuesday, according to Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post.
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Following the order, SCMP reported, Under the Dome was removed from several of high-traffic websites as of Friday. Produced by former state television newscaster Chai Jing, the film was reportedly available on Chinese sites, including Youku, Sohu, LeTv, Tencent and People.com.cn, the website linked to state-run publication People’s Daily.
Chai was inspired to create Under the Dome following the birth of her child, who was born with a benign tumor, a condition she reportedly blames on China's air pollution.
Running just over 100 minutes long, the documentary focuses on China's ongoing air pollution crisis, which has regularly compelled local municipalities to issue orders to stay indoors, and has also forced people to wear surgical masks on the streets of Beijing, China's capital.
The government often avoids mention of China's crippling air pollution when discussing the country's economic and technological boom. So Chai's frank depiction of the situation, as well as divulgence of her personal fears (she appears in the film), means Under the Dome is a controversial sore spot for authorities.
For viewers outside of China, Under the Dome is currently available on YouTube with English subtitles.
Additional reporting by Anita Li