People's Republic of Desire

People's Republic of Desire
Media, the 4th Estate
Hao Wu
China
2018
95min
Mandarin

In a digital universe where live streamers earn as much as $200,000 a month, can virtual relationships replace real human connections? The film focuses on two Chinese streaming stars who've risen from isolation to fame and fortune. Their online showrooms have become virtual gathering places for their millions of fans—from the super-rich, who lavish them with digital gifts, to poor migrant workers who worship them. Brought together in a series of bizarre, online idol competitions, they discover that happiness may be just as elusive in the digital world as it is in the real one.

Projections: 
11.14. Thursday 16:15
Toldi - Big Hall
English Subtitle & Hungarian Simultaneous Translation
11.17. Sunday 19:15
Toldi - Small Hall
English Subtitle & Hungarian Simultaneous Translation
Producer: 
Hao Wu
Co-producer: 
Xin Liu
Editor: 
Hao Wu
Camera: 
Hao Wu
Music: 
Michael Tuller
Animation: 
Eric Jordan
Distribution info: 
Cinetic Media, Jason Ishikawa, jason@cineticmedia.com
Festivals: 
Asian Pacific Film Festival
Awards: 
SXSW 2019 Grand Jury Award for the Best Documentary Feature
DOKer 2019 Jury Prize for the Best IT Documentary
Los Angeles Chinese Film Festival Best Documentary Feature
Documentary Edge Festival 2018 DocEdge Award for the Best International Director