Web Junkies - China's Addicted Teens

What is more important, story or character? 

The most important aspect in our view is definitely the story. 

What made you first want to explore the subject? 

Obviously technology, in particular the Internet and social media in general, has come to occupy a massively significant role in our culture and internationally. It has become abundantly clear that we are in some senses more connected to technology than ever but somehow simultaneously isolated. We were absolutely taken by this dichotomy and spent a lot of time reflecting on the concept that technology had become the architect of our intimacy. We discovered that China was among the first countries to label “Internet addiction” a clinical disorder. Moreover that throughout China there are more than 400 treatment programs. China is a mirror to global phenomena that we felt needed to be explored. 

How long did it take to get the film off the ground? 

It took us 4 years to complete the film. 

What were you most surprised to learn in the course of production? 

One of the most surprising and rewarding things to us was that we were able to create an intimate dialogue with our characters. This was a major concern for us as we embarked on this journey to a place so culturally ‘closed’ and so different from our own.

What have been the differences in reception to the film in countries it has now travelled to?

We screened the film around the world including Russia, Hong Kong, US, UK, Israel, Germany, among many other countries. What is most interesting is that regardless where the film was shown, all the different audiences identified with the issue raised in the film and felt it was a universal phenomena and not only a Chinese story. At some screenings people shared personal experiences, describing someone close to them who is dealing with Internet Addiction.  

Which documentary has most inspired you? 

Shosh:  Shoah by Claude Lanzmann and Bowling for Columbine directed by Michael Moore.  

Hilla: Harlan County USA by Barbara Kopple, and most recently Stories We Tell by Sarah Polley. 

Favourite Website/blog?

Shosh: http://www.edn.dk

Hilla: Variety, Hollywood Reporter, Indiewire, D-word. And in Israel Avner Shavit and Yair Raveh of Cinemascope.

Person you’d most like to interview (living or dead?)

Shosh: Nelson Mandela

Hilla: Hassan Nasrallah (Hezbollah)

Best piece of filmmaking advice you’ve ever been given?

Love your characters, be loyal to them and never give up on your journey, no matter how many challenges are thrown at you. Always persevere.

Best piece of filmmaking equipment you can’t live without? 

A camera.

If money was no object, what is your dream documentary subject?

Shosh: I am interested in international social issues and social progress. As such, I would of love to make a film about the first and second generation survivors of the Cultural Revolution in China. 

Hilla: If I had all the money in the world, there are so many stories I would like to tell, that I feel are very important to tell and that need to be given a voice. Money is always a struggle in documentary filmmaking, taking it out of the equation would allow me to focus on telling all of these stories. 

Favourite film of all time?

Theodoros Angelopoulos The Travelling Players. 

Most difficult access? 

We have both made films in the West Bank and that has definitely been the most challenging area to shoot in, access wise. 

Best recent read? 

Shosh: Life and Death Are Wearing Me Out by Mo Yan

Hilla: My Promised Land by Ari Shavit