People’s Republic of Desire

“People worship you if you are rich. Nobody gives a damn if you are poor.” – Shen Man, YY Hostess

In a digital universe where live streamers earn as much as $200K a month, will virtual relationships slowly replace real-life human connection?

Winner of the 2018 SXSW Grand Jury Award for Documentary, People’s Republic of Desire tells the story of two online stars who rise from poverty and isolation to fame and fortune on the Chinese social network YY. Director Hao Wu takes the viewer on a vérité journey through their live-streaming showrooms, which have become gathering places for hundreds of millions. We meet the super rich who lavish the hosts with digital gifts and the poor migrant workers, members of China’s young and lonely diaosi (“loser”) generation, who also feel deeply connected to these self-made celebrities. The film captures the annual frenzied idol competition, where performers and their die-hard fans are brought together, and reveals how virtual happiness is just as elusive online as in the real world.

Join New America NYC and Betaworks Studios for a preview screening of People’s Republic of Desire followed by a conversation with filmmaker and New America fellow Hao Wu that examines the global phenomenon of live streaming and technology on our lives, especially its lasting impact on the first generation that came of age with the internet.

PARTICIPANTS

Hao Wu @beijingloafer
Director, People's Republic of Desire
Class of 2015 National Fellow, New America

Caitlin Hu @husca
Geopolitics Editor, Quartz

Daniel Bennet
Worldwide Chief Innovation Officer, Grey Group

Eric Forman @ericjforman
Head of Innovation, School of Visual Arts, Interaction Design
Founder, Eric Forman Studio

Doors will open at 6:00 p.m with the screening beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Follow the conversation online using #PeoplesRepublicofDesire and by following @NewAmericaNYC.