Welcome to Independent Lens.
I'm Pete Schwaba, host of
PBS Wisconsin's Director's Cut.
What if someone told you to lower your standards
because finding an educated man
who respects women is unrealistic?
If you're a single woman living in China
and aren't married by the age of twenty-seven,
this is exactly what you might hear.
Tonight's film, "Leftover Women" explores this crude phenomenon
which is a result of China's One-Child Policy
and a desperate attempt by China
to control its population numbers.
The phrase "leftover women" is part of the actual lexicon
according to the Chinese Ministry of Education.
It is defined as a woman in a big city
who is over 26 and still single.
The film follows three woman who all fall into this category
as they face pressure from their families and society
to embark on a tumultuous, and at times,
degrading search for Mr. Right.
The film provides viewers a rare glimpse
into the life of successful Chinese women
who are seeking to define life and love
on their own terms.
"Leftover Women" is the second project for co-directing duo,
Shosh Shlam and Hila Medelia.
The film made its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival.
One of the biggest challenges for the filmmaking team
was to get women to talk on camera,
not because they didn't want to--
many were more than willing to do so,
but it was their families who didn't want them to.
To them, discussing such things on camera
equates to humiliation.
"Leftover Woman" starts now on PBS Wisconsin,
your home for independent film.