Documentary Explores China's Gender Imbalance and Loneliness Epidemic

Violet Du Feng's 'The Dating Game' examines the social fallout of China's one-child policy and its impact on modern relationships.

China's one-child policy has led to a significant gender imbalance, with 30 million more men than women, creating a hyper-competitive dating environment.
The documentary follows three men who attend a seven-day dating camp led by coach Hao, who teaches 'strategic deception' to improve their chances of finding a partner.
Hao's methods include staged photos, scripted interactions, and mass messaging on dating apps, but the film questions the effectiveness and emotional toll of these tactics.
The film highlights broader societal issues, including economic disparities and the struggle for human connection in an increasingly digital and performative world.
While focusing on individual stories, the documentary also touches on the cultural and emotional legacy of China's one-child policy, offering a nuanced but limited exploration of the topic.