Independent Lens

Leftover Women

Leftover Women follows three successful Chinese women who, despite thriving careers, are still labeled sheng nu, a derogatory term in China to describe educated, professional women in their mid-20s and '30s who are not married. As they search for “Mr. Right,” they struggle to stay true to their ambitions, while dealing with pressure from families, friends, and governmental stigma.

Trailer | Leftover Women

30s

Leftover Women follows three successful Chinese women who, despite thriving careers, are still labeled sheng nu, a derogatory term in China to describe educated, professional women in their mid-20s and '30s who are not married. As they search for “Mr. Right,” they struggle to stay true to their ambitions, while dealing with pressure from families, friends, and governmental stigma.

  • "You're Fooling Yourself" | Leftover Women: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    "You're Fooling Yourself" | Leftover Women

    S21 E9 - 2m 18s

    In this excerpt from the documentary Leftover Women, Qiu Hua Mei, a lawyer in her 30s, wants to find a man who is well-educated, shares chores, and respects women. Is that too much to ask? Well the professional matchmaker she interviews with bluntly seems to think so--deeming Qiu "too old" and not beautiful enough to be picky. Will she be called a "leftover woman" if she doesn't settle?

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