Xiaoxiong

Documentary about four Chinese lesbian women who seek contract marriages with gay men, and form of their lesbian and gay community and fulfill their desires.

"Happily Ever After" chronicles the emotional, relational, and life changes of four lesbians six years after they entered into contract marriages. The documentary explores how their relationships with their same-sex partners, their "husbands" in these contract marriages, and their own parents have evolved. This film delves into how these women have constructed their own queer families, prompting reflections on mainstream marital values and family dynamics.

A decade after entering into lavender marriages, these lesbians have all divorced their contract husbands. During the filing, the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world, and China implemented a zero-COVID policy, requiring that no one be exposed to the virus. This documentary captures their lives during this time. Despite sharing a home with both their same-sex partners and their parents, none of these lesbians has come out. Their divorces have remained secret. Their efforts to have children have been unsuccessful. Their lesbian relationships are not recognized by the public. The abrupt change in the zero-COVID policy has not left anyone untouched. Despite the immense effort invested in this lesbian film, no cultural products about homosexuality are allowed to be published.