With different modes of cash-less payments available in the market to date, cryptocurrencies have yet to make a splash and convince the majority of the benefits it brings. The technology has drawn both positive and negative reaction although a better understanding of it could alter the course.
Such was the intention of a group of cryptocurrency enthusiasts called Team 1234. Despite the government crackdown on digital currency trading, they independently produced a documentary that was released on streaming video service iQiyi last Aug. 30.
Titled “Bitcoin Girl,” the documentary shows the journey of a young woman named He Youbing (which means “Why Insane” when translated in Mandarin). She ventures out into the world using only the digital currency in a 21-day experiment covering Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Shanghai, Forex Live said.
Carrying bitcoin with an estimated worth of $1,400, she sets out to try and convince retailers to accept the cryptocurrency in exchange for food, shelter and other basic commodities. With most of the common people unaware of what it is, she tries to educate them on it together with the benefits of blockchain technology, the South China Morning Post said.
Similar to what actually happens in everyday life, He Youbing encounters rough sailing trying to convince the people she meets. Most would turn her away, uninterested mainly because they have no idea on what bitcoin is all about.
At one point in her journey, He Youbing falls ill due to low blood sugar levels. She reached out to a friend in a cryptocurrency group for help who in turn brought her to the hospital. The script of the series seemed to reach a twist at this point when other members of their group agreed to exchange bitcoin for food.
He Youbing’s efforts seem to have changed from there with retailers from Shenzen accepting bitcoin. With her luck shining, she was able to raise enough money to stay in a decent hotel. The last episode on Sept. 15 saw her travel to Shanghai – most likely maintaining the trend of people embracing the blockchain technology.
While it remains to be seen what the remaining episodes will have to show, it is clear that the documentary narrates the struggles and evolution of bitcoin. Though it was not mentioned, the series clearly tries to give cryptocurrency a boost despite opposition from the modern world who need further education on blockchain technology.
After jolting the market, bitcoin was priced at $6,466.51 on Monday. This marks a steep 51-percent decline since the start of the year, according to CoinDesk’s bitcoin price index. Will “Bitcoin Girl” be successful, raise and normalize it to its valuation as before?
