Film Club: ‘Love Factory’ - The New York Times

In China, livestreaming your life is big business. What happens when all you show the world is a manufactured life?

Video player loading — Livestreaming your life to a devoted audience is big business. What happens when the cameras are off?David Borenstein

Students in U.S. high schools can get free digital access to The New York Times until Sept. 1, 2021.

“Love Factory” is a 13-minute film that touches on themes of fame, privacy, technology and the blurring between what is a real, authentic life and a what is a manufactured one.

In this week’s film, we enter the world of two livestreaming agencies in China whose work is to scout promising newcomers and mold them into high-earning stars. But what’s it like working for a company that engineers every aspect of your life — and then requires you to livestream it all day long?

What happens when all you show the world is a manufactured life?

Students

1. Watch the short film above. While you watch, you might take notes using our Film Club Double-Entry Journal (PDF) to help you remember specific moments.

2. After watching, think about these questions:

What moments in this film stood out for you? Why?

Were there any surprises? Anything that challenged what you know — or thought you knew?

What messages, emotions or ideas will you take away from this film? Why?

What questions do you still have?
What connections can you make between this film and your own life or experience? Why? Does this film remind you of anything else you’ve read or seen? If so, how and why?

3. An additional challenge | Respond to the essential question at the top of this post: In China, livestreaming your life is big business. What happens when all you show the world is a manufactured life?

4. Next, join the conversation by clicking on the comment button and posting in the box that opens on the right. (Students 13 and older are invited to comment, although teachers of younger students are welcome to post what their students have to say.)

5. After you have posted, try reading back to see what others have said, then respond to someone else by posting another comment. Use the “Reply” button or the @ symbol to address that student directly.

Want More Film Club?

• See all the films in this series.

• Read our list of practical teaching ideas, along with responses from students and teachers, for how you can use these documentaries in the classroom.

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