People's Republic of Desire

Dolled up and singing pop songs or ranting confidently against the world, self-proclaimed internet starlets are sitting in front of their webcams. These bizarre live streams are the most popular form of entertainment in China. In virtual showrooms, fans are in direct contact with their idols. Former nurse Shen Mu and former guest worker Big Li both became rich via their live streams. A precarious undertaking as the favour of their admirers can quickly turn into humiliating hate comments. Surrounded by online fans yet isolated in the real world, director Hao Wu explores the fleeting happiness of virtual relationships in the context of China's current internet culture.