A new documentary titled Mistress Dispeller will debut in New Zealand next week, showcasing a unique service aimed at resolving infidelity in relationships. Directed by Elizabeth Lo, the film features the story of Mr. and Mrs. Li, a couple from Luoyang, Henan Province, and the husband’s mistress, Feifei. The documentary is part of the International Film Festival and highlights the growing phenomenon of “mistress dispelling” that has emerged in China over the past decade.

Elizabeth Lo explained in an interview with RNZ’s Nine To Noon that the mistress dispelling service arose to assist couples facing crises without the need for separation. Traditionally, having a mistress was often viewed as a status symbol for men, signaling success. Many individuals, however, prefer to address infidelity without ending their marriages. Lo described this service as a “tool” for women who can afford to hire someone to help resolve conflicts in a non-confrontational manner.

“We try to resolve issues under the surface, allowing individuals to avoid ‘losing face,'” Lo said. This non-violent approach aims to help the mistress exit the situation willingly, fostering a sense of autonomy. Lo’s team discovered Wang, a prominent mistress dispeller, through social media. Wang’s established trust with clients enabled her access to husbands, wives, and mistresses willing to share their stories on camera.

Wang, who faced infidelity challenges in her own family, has studied psychology to better understand human relationships. Lo described her role as akin to a family therapist, where she enters a family dynamic under a false identity—often posing as a long-lost college friend or an old acquaintance. This strategy allows her to build rapport with the spouse and the mistress, guiding them to end the affair voluntarily.

Unlike some mistress dispellers who resort to intimidation, Wang employs empathetic techniques. “She positions herself as a therapist for both the couple and the mistress, ultimately becoming a guiding light in their lives,” Lo noted. Wang’s approach is particularly significant in a culture where therapy carries stigma, making her role as a family therapist difficult to embrace openly.

To maintain ethical standards, both the husband and mistress were not informed of the film’s specific content initially. They were approached to participate in a broader exploration of modern love and dating in China. After three to four months of filming, the couple was shown the documentary and given the opportunity to consent or withdraw based on their understanding of Wang’s role.

Lo expressed gratitude for the couple’s openness, stating, “They were so gracious and unselfconscious, trusting Wang enough to remain featured in the film.” Wang charges approximately US$20,000 for her services, reflecting her expertise in navigating complex emotional dynamics.

While the ethics of such a service may be debated, Wang believes she helps individuals cope with crises often shrouded in shame. “By participating in this documentary, I aim to show that sharing private struggles can help others facing similar emotional turmoil,” she stated.

The documentary Mistress Dispeller will screen in Auckland, Wellington, and Hamilton starting next week, offering viewers a thought-provoking glimpse into a unique aspect of modern relationships in China.

A new documentary titled Mistress Dispeller is set to premiere in New Zealand next week as part of the International Film Festival. The film follows the intricate dynamics of infidelity through the experiences of Mr. and Mrs. Li, a couple from Luoyang, Henan Province, and the husband’s mistress, Feifei. Directed by Hong Kong-based filmmaker Elizabeth Lo, the documentary sheds light on a unique service that has emerged over the last decade in China, aimed at addressing marital crises related to infidelity.

Lo emphasizes that the phenomenon of “mistress dispelling” has gained traction as couples seek non-confrontational ways to resolve issues of infidelity without resorting to divorce. Traditionally, having a mistress was seen as a sign of success for men, but many now find themselves in situations where they wish to salvage their marriages. Lo explains that this service acts as a lifeline for individuals unwilling to end their relationships despite discovering infidelity.

“It’s almost like a tool that oftentimes wives can use if they have resources to hire someone who can fight for them,” Lo noted in an interview with RNZ’s Nine To Noon. Her perspective underscores the complexities involved in navigating personal relationships in modern society.

The documentary introduces viewers to Wang, a mistress dispeller who has built a reputation for her empathetic and discreet approach. Lo’s team found Wang through extensive social media research, where they learned she had developed a technique that helped her earn the trust of husbands, wives, and mistresses willing to share their stories on camera. Wang’s background in psychology, influenced by her own family experiences with infidelity, informs her methods.

Wang’s approach involves entering the lives of these couples under a false identity, often presenting herself as a long-lost friend or acquaintance. Through this guise, she fosters relationships with both partners and the mistress, ultimately guiding them towards resolving the affair voluntarily. Lo emphasized that Wang avoids intimidation tactics commonly used by other mistress dispellers, positioning herself instead as a supportive figure akin to a therapist.

Therapy remains a stigmatized concept in China, which is why Wang operates under a false identity rather than as a family therapist. Lo clarified that to maintain ethical standards, the husband and mistress were not informed of the film’s specific focus but were approached to participate in a broader narrative about love and dating in contemporary China.

Over three to four months of filming, the documentary was presented to the couple, who were given the choice to either re-consent or withdraw once they understood Wang’s role. Fortunately, they chose to remain featured, displaying a level of trust in Wang that speaks to her effectiveness in her role.

Wang’s services are not only impactful but also financially substantial, with charges typically reaching around US$20,000 (approximately NZ$33,000) to resolve a case. Lo acknowledges that opinions may vary on the ethics of such services, but she insists that Wang genuinely believes she is assisting individuals through challenging times often overshadowed by shame.

In sharing their experiences publicly, Wang hopes to help others facing similar emotional turmoil. The documentary Mistress Dispeller aims to highlight these hidden struggles and the paths individuals take to find resolution. It will be screened in Auckland, Wellington, and Hamilton starting next week, inviting audiences to engage with this intriguing exploration of love and fidelity.

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.