Modern Masturbation Allegory

Modern Masturbation Allegory

LI Xinyi • 2024

Duration: 00:23:57
Language: English, Mandarin
Subtitles: English
Country/Region: United Kingdom

22-year-old Xinyi believed she developed a masturbation addiction, and claimed she was starting to feel some indescribable feelings. While struggling, she couldn't help but constantly fall into the cycle of indulgence and suffering. In a world where everyone is ashamed of sexual satisfaction, she embarked on a journey of collecting masturbation stories alone to find someone similar... As the collection becomes more and more abundant, Xinyi finds that masturbation has gradually become a mirror, reflecting everyone's true self.

AWARDS & FESTIVALS

MINT Chinese Film Festival

United Kingdom

2025

IN THE PALACE International Film Festival

Bulgaria

2024

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

LI Xinyi

LI Xinyi

Director

Masturbation in Chinese carries the meaning of “self-comfort.” Among activities related to sex, “masturbation” is the only term that naturally creates a barrier between “self” and “others.” This is a collection of masturbation stories from five girls in their early twenties, and it serves as a modern fable reflecting the mental state of contemporary youth. At the same time, I aim to turn it into an artistic game that challenges three habits of observation: reading, watching, and listening, or a book of life—one that writes about youth, women, sex, love, and the complex relationship between the individual and the outside world.

TRAILER

Modern Masturbation Allegory - TRAILER

FILM STILLS