Italian
A new documentary explores the world of ‘mistress dispellers’ in China
A unique glimpse into modern relationships
In the lead-up to its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, Elizabeth Lo’s highly anticipated second feature documentary, Mistress Dispeller, has been picked up by The Party Film Sales for international distribution. This Paris-based company has also released a sneak peek of the film, while AC Independent and Submarine Entertainment are managing North American sales.
Mistress Dispeller is set to debut in the Horizons section at Venice on September 2, followed by its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The intriguing world of ‘mistress dispellers’
The documentary is set in China, where a new industry has emerged to help couples stay married despite infidelity. At the heart of this industry is Wang Zhenxi, a “mistress dispeller” whose job is to preserve marriages by breaking up extramarital affairs through any means necessary. The film follows a real-life case of infidelity, capturing the efforts of Teacher Wang as she tries to save a marriage on the brink of collapse. The narrative includes perspectives from the husband, wife, and mistress, offering a comprehensive look at romantic relationships in contemporary China.
A captivating cinematic experience
“Elizabeth Lo’s Mistress Dispeller is a stunning film that completely grabs us from start to finish,” said Estelle De Araujo and Samuel Blanc, co-heads of sales at The Party Film Sales. ”Elizabeth’s camera blends seamlessly into the most intimate moments of her protagonists’ lives. The film delves into love, relationships, and family, while also exploring the political dimensions of our interactions and societal expectations,” they added.
Behind the scenes
Mistress Dispeller was produced by Marcona Media and After Argos Films, and presented by Anonymous Content and Impact Partners in association with CMP. The film was developed with the support of The Concordia Studio Fellowship. Producers include Emma D. Miller, Elizabeth Lo, and Maggie Li, with editing by Charlotte Munch Bengtsen. The executive producers are Jenny Raskin, Kelsey Koenig, Geralyn White Dreyfous, Nick Shumaker, Jessica Grimshaw, David Levine, Dawn Olmstead, Rahdi Taylor, Davis Guggenheim, Steve Cohen, and Paula Froehle. Co-executive producers are Lauren Haber and Marni E.J. Grossman.
The Party Film Sales’ Venice lineup
In addition to Mistress Dispeller, The Party Film Sales’ Venice lineup includes Mehdi M. Barsaoui’s Aicha, which will have its world premiere in the Horizons section, the short film O by Rúnar Rúnarsson in the Short Competition, and the restoration of Model by Frederick Wiseman in Venice Classics. The French sales company has previously handled documentaries such as Four Daughters by Kaouther Ben Hania, which earned an Oscar nomination.
Elizabeth Lo’s cinematic journey
Elizabeth Lo is best known for her critically acclaimed documentary feature Stray, which was released in 2020 and focused on a stray dog on the streets of Istanbul. Her ability to capture the essence of her subjects and present their stories with empathy and depth has made her a notable figure in the documentary film world.
For those interested in exploring the trailer and more information about Mistress Dispeller, you can find it here.
Mistress Dispeller promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of love, fidelity, and the lengths to which people will go to preserve their relationships. As it makes its way through the film festival circuit, it will undoubtedly spark conversations about the complexities of modern relationships and the societal pressures that shape them.
