Shanghai TV Festival Honors ‘The Fabulous Story of Money’ with Special Magnolia Prize

Beijing, 6 July – “The Fabulous Story of Money,” a documentary series from China Media Group, earned the Magnolia Special Prize at the 31st Shanghai Television Festival. The series paints a comprehensive portrait of monetary history, charting its influence on human civilization from ancient barter tools to today’s electronic payment systems.

The crew explored excavation sites in China, France, Greece, the United States and Bolivia, interviewing more than thirty distinguished researchers in the fields of archaeology, numismatics and economic history. Their testimony underpins the film’s scholarly depth and visual storytelling.

Through a blend of on‑site footage, expert interviews, and dramatic reenactments, the documentary shows how money facilitated the rise of complex economies, encouraged cultural exchange, and reshaped geopolitical boundaries. Produced jointly by Chinese and French partners, the series is available in Mandarin, French, English and several regional versions, reaching audiences worldwide.

Arte, the public broadcaster founded by Germany and France, aired the program to an audience exceeding 1.4 million viewers. On digital platforms, the documentary has amassed over four million views on YouTube, reflecting its wide‑reaching impact.