China is the first country to label Internet addiction
a clinical disorder. With extraordinary intimacy,
Web Junkie investigates a Beijing treatment centre,
exploring the cases of three young teenagers who enter
a three-month rehabilitation program aiming to cure
them of their addiction. Youth from the ages of 13 to
18 take part in this program, and are forced to undergo
military-inspired physical training. Throughout their
stay at the clinic, the patients are patrolled by military
guards who protect their quarters which, like a prison,
are surrounded by gates and fences. Despite these
conditions, parents voluntarily send their children,
relinquishing personal involvement. The treatment
is very expensive; however parents often feel they
have no choice but to borrow money, in hopes of
steering their kids away from the Internet and towards
redeveloping their real life communication skills.
Web Junkie provides a microcosm of modern Chinese
life and takes a look at one of the ongoing symptoms
of the so-called Internet age.
Director Shosh Shlam will participate in Q&As on Friday, May 30, at 6:30 p.m., and Saturday, May 31, at 6:00 p.m.
In English and Mandarin, with English subtitles.
Co-presented by Rendezvous With Madness Film Festival.