A documentary titled Mistress Dispeller, which explores the role of mistress dispellers in addressing infidelity in China, will screen in New Zealand as part of the International Film Festival. The film focuses on the complex dynamics involving Mr. and Mrs. Li, a couple from Luoyang, Henan Province, and the husband’s mistress, Feifei.

Director Elizabeth Lo, based in Hong Kong, explained in an interview with RNZ’s Nine To Noon that the phenomenon of mistress dispelling has emerged over the last decade to cater to couples facing infidelity. In the past, having a mistress was often perceived as a status symbol for men, reflecting their success. However, many couples now seek solutions rather than separation when faced with such crises.

Lo describes mistress dispelling as a service that allows wives to take action without resorting to confrontation. “It’s almost like a tool that oftentimes wives can use if they have resources to hire someone who can fight for them,” she stated. The approach aims to resolve conflicts in a nonviolent manner, allowing individuals to maintain their dignity and social standing.

Through extensive social media research, Lo’s team discovered Wang, a mistress dispeller who became central to the film’s narrative. Wang’s unique insights into the psychology of relationships stem from her personal experiences with infidelity in her family. Lo noted that Wang has effectively carved out a niche in family therapy, utilizing her skills to intervene in troubled relationships.

Wang employs a tactful method by assuming a false identity—often posing as an old friend—to build trust with all parties involved. This allows her to gain insight into their lives and ultimately influence them to end the affair voluntarily. Lo emphasized that Wang’s tactics do not involve intimidation or illegal methods, contrasting her approach with those of other mistress dispellers who may resort to more aggressive strategies.

In China, where therapy carries a significant stigma, Wang’s approach enables her to operate effectively without the label of a therapist. Lo elaborated that the husband and mistress were not informed of the film’s specific content initially; they were invited to participate in a broader exploration of modern love and dating in China. After several months of filming, the couple was given the opportunity to re-consent to their involvement once they understood Wang’s role in their lives.

The documentary captures the emotional journey of the participants, portraying their complex relationships with Wang. Lo expressed gratitude for the couple’s willingness to share their story, noting their trust in Wang throughout the process.

Wang’s services are financially lucrative, with typical cases costing around US$20,000 to resolve. Despite potential ethical debates surrounding her work, Lo conveyed that Wang genuinely believes she is helping individuals navigate crises often shrouded in shame. By participating in the documentary, Wang aims to encourage others facing similar situations to seek help and share their struggles publicly.

The film Mistress Dispeller will be shown in Auckland, Wellington, and Hamilton starting next week, offering audiences a thought-provoking look at an unconventional profession in contemporary Chinese society.

A documentary titled Mistress Dispeller is set to premiere in New Zealand next week as part of the International Film Festival. The film, directed by Elizabeth Lo, delves into the complex dynamics of infidelity in Chinese relationships, focusing on a couple from Luoyang, Henan province, and the husband’s mistress, Feifei. This documentary highlights the emerging phenomenon of mistress dispellers, individuals who help couples navigate the emotional turmoil caused by infidelity.

In a recent interview with RNZ’s Nine To Noon, Lo explained that the role of mistress dispellers has evolved over the past decade in response to the needs of couples facing crises. She noted that having a mistress was historically seen as a status symbol for men, reflecting their success. The rise of mistress dispellers has provided a solution for individuals unwilling to leave their marriages but seeking to address infidelity.

Lo described these professionals as “tools” that wives can utilize, provided they have the resources to engage them. They aim to resolve conflicts in a peaceful and non-confrontational manner. “It’s almost like a tool that oftentimes wives… can use if they have resources to hire someone who can… fight for them,” she said. This approach allows couples to avoid “losing face” while addressing the issue, creating an environment where the mistress can “leave the situation without resistance.”

While researching for the film, Lo’s team discovered a notable mistress dispeller named Wang. Wang’s unique background and methods offered insight into this niche profession. Having experienced infidelity within her own family, she immersed herself in psychology to understand human emotions better. Lo explained that Wang effectively positions herself as a family therapist, infiltrating a relationship under a false identity—often as an old friend or acquaintance—to build trust with both the spouse and the mistress.

Through her empathetic approach, Wang aims to guide all parties involved towards ending the affair voluntarily. Unlike some of her counterparts who may employ intimidation tactics, Wang focuses on fostering connections and understanding. “She really positions herself as this sort of couple’s therapist and therapist even to the mistress,” Lo stated. This approach allows her to navigate the sensitive situation, helping individuals see her as a supportive figure.

Wang’s work also reflects the stigma surrounding therapy in China, as she can only engage with families under a false identity, according to Lo. To ensure the documentary’s ethical standards, the husband and mistress were not fully informed about the film’s content initially. They were approached to participate in a broader exploration of modern love and dating in China. After several months of filming, the couple was given the opportunity to re-consent to their involvement once they understood Wang’s role.

The cost of hiring a mistress dispeller can reach approximately US$20,000 (NZ$33,000) to resolve a typical case. Wang has built a successful career in this arena, but her motivations extend beyond financial gain. Lo emphasized that Wang genuinely believes in helping individuals during their most challenging moments, often shrouded in shame. “She positions herself… that sharing your private struggles publicly will help other people who find themselves in this kind of emotional turmoil,” Lo remarked.

As the documentary Mistress Dispeller prepares to screen in Auckland, Wellington, and Hamilton next week, it promises to shed light on a unique aspect of contemporary Chinese society, offering audiences a glimpse into the intricate web of relationships and the lengths to which individuals will go to preserve them.

Participants are invited to engage in a mental challenge with today’s edition of The Hard Word, a quiz designed to test vocabulary and quick thinking. The objective is simple: solve the puzzle within one minute using one word and one clue. This format encourages not only individual skill but also a sense of friendly competition among players.

Engagement Through Challenges

The Hard Word quiz has gained popularity as a fun and interactive way for individuals to enhance their language skills. Each day presents a new challenge, pushing players to think critically and act quickly. The format requires participants to decipher a clue and arrive at the correct word, making it both a test of knowledge and speed.

Today’s clue is set to challenge minds and ignite enthusiasm among players. The nature of the quiz fosters an environment where learning meets entertainment, creating a unique platform for language enthusiasts to connect.

Why Participate?

Engaging with quizzes like The Hard Word can sharpen cognitive skills while providing a delightful break from daily routines. Participants can enjoy the thrill of racing against the clock, all while expanding their vocabulary. This format particularly appeals to those who appreciate intellectual challenges and enjoy competing with friends or family.

As the clock ticks down, the urgency heightens, making each second count. Whether you are a seasoned player or new to the challenge, The Hard Word offers an opportunity to learn while having fun. Join in today, and see if you can solve the puzzle before time runs out.

The England Lionesses successfully defended their UEFA Women’s Euro title, winning against Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout on July 31, 2024, in Basel, Switzerland. The match concluded 1-1 after extra time, with England emerging victorious after a tense shootout, securing their second consecutive Euros championship.

Spain took an early lead in the 25th minute when Mariona Caldentey capitalized on a defensive lapse, heading a cross from Ona Batlle past England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. England struggled initially, particularly with Lauren James sidelined due to an ankle injury. However, coach Sarina Wiegman‘s decision to substitute in Kelly before half-time proved pivotal.

Kelly’s introduction revitalized the team, and she provided a crucial assist for Alessia Russo, who equalized in the 57th minute with a precise header. Despite Spain controlling possession, they could not find a second goal, leading to extra time where both teams remained locked at 1-1.

The penalty shootout began dramatically, with Spain’s goalkeeper Cata Coll saving an attempt from Beth Mead. However, England’s Hampton responded with impressive saves against Caldentey and Aitana Bonmati, giving England a crucial advantage. Coll managed to stop a shot from Leah Williamson, but Spain’s Salma Paralluelo missed her penalty, hitting it wide.

This set the stage for Kelly, who had previously scored the decisive goal in the 2022 final against Germany. With a signature run-up, she confidently struck the ball into the net, celebrating with her teammates in front of the jubilant England fans.

“I’m so proud of this team, so grateful to wear this badge, and I’m so proud to be English,” Kelly remarked after the match. “I was cool, I was composed, and I knew I was going to hit the back of the net.”

This final marked the first time since the inaugural tournament in 1984 that the championship was decided by penalties. An ecstatic Hampton reflected on the team’s resilience: “Unbelievable, incredible. We showed throughout this tournament that we can come back when we go a goal down. We just keep going, and we did that today.”

With this victory, the England Lionesses continue to solidify their position as one of the leading teams in women’s football, showcasing not only skill but also determination and grit throughout the tournament.