LEFTOVER WOMEN
This intriguing documentary follows three single women in China who, according to societal conventions, have passed the appropriate age to marry and have children.
When a woman in China reaches just 27 years old and has yet to settle down, she is regarded as “leftover.” Leftover Women examines this demeaning moniker and the harsh societal pressure placed on women in China today, as three single hopefuls navigate the competitive dating market. By way of straight-shooting matchmakers, government-sponsored dating conventions, and marriage markets, the underlying search for genuine love conflicts with punitive pressure of an entire culture. Co-Directors Hilla Medalia and Shosh Shlam offer an intimate look into the lives of Qiu Hua Mei, Gai Qi, and Xu Min. Ranging from ages 28 to 36, the women each face the severe stress of finding a mate. In addition to their search, the women receive intense backlash as they pursue their careers, something that is seen as incredibly selfish. Hua Mei in particular grapples with her difficult social standing, questioning if she even ever wants to get married. Moving, thought-provoking, and often troubling, this timely documentary shines a light on the startling expectations set for women, and how these beliefs still run rampant in certain parts of the world.
In Competition: Documentary Feature Award
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