The screening is part of Georgia Tech’s annual Global Media Festival, a film and discussion series that connects global cinema with pressing social, cultural, and ethical questions. The 2026 theme, Sustaining Empathy in a Fractured World, frames empathy as a skill that must be practiced and maintained, particularly in moments shaped by social pressure, rapid change, and polarization.

The Dating Game reflects this theme by portraying the universal search for connection within the specific cultural context of contemporary China. Through candid storytelling and subtle humor, the film highlights the tensions young people face as they navigate expectations around success, romance, and identity.

The 2026 Global Media Festival includes 11 total events, featuring 10 international film screenings, each followed by conversations with directors, scholars, or invited guests. This year also introduces an introductory directing workshop to provide students with hands-on engagement in storytelling and filmmaking.

All screenings are free and open to the public, and each concludes with national food offerings to encourage continued informal discussion and community engagement.