RESOURCES
Explore the world of independent Chinese film
OVERVIEW OF INDEPENDENT FILM IN CHINA
The Death and Revival of Independent Film in China by Rebecca Davis.
February 7, 2019, Variety.
Filmless Festivals and Dragon Seals: Independent Film In China by Markus Nornes. Spring 2019, Film Quarterly.
US AND UK SCREENING EVENTS THAT SHOWCASE CONTEMPORARY INDEPENDENT CHINESE FILMS
Chinese Onscreen Biennial (LA, DC, NYC)
A “best of” showcase of Chinese film and media arts that takes place in the fall of even-numbered years in Los Angeles, New York and Washington DC. Since 2012.
​
Reel China @ New York University
Showcasing documentary work by filmmakers who work outside China’s state-sponsored film system, with a special interest in the ethical activism enabled through such filmmaking. Since 2006.
​
Los Angeles Chinese Film Festival
Devoted to finding and curating top-quality original films from all over the world, targeting works produced by the Chinese language or heritage community. Since 2017.
A package of 29 curated films available to venues around the world. Since 2015.
Chinese Visual Festival (London)
Featuring documentaries, fiction and experimental art from Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tibet and beyond, in regular collaborations with the British Film Institute, DocHouse and other organizations in the UK and around the world. Since 2011.
FILM FESTIVALS IN CHINA SHOWING INDEPENDENT FILMS
In 2012, this film festival added a feature-length film competition, showcasting first or second films by emerging filmmakers. Since 2005.
Independent Documentary Festival Westlake
Promotes documentaries through screenings, competitions, pitches, forums and workshops. The festival is held at the China Academy of Art, by the side of the West Lake in Hangzhou every year during the "golden" autumn season. Since 2017.
​
Pingyao Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon International Film Festival
Founded by Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhang-ke and film historian Marco Müller. Held in Pingyao, a magnificent city with 2,700 years of history, PYIFF celebrates the achievements of international cinema and promotes the works of young Chinese directors. Since 2017.
​
Focuses on the discovery and incubation of real image contents. It is also an exhibition brand which concentrates on “venture investment and cross-border communication of non-fictional contents”. Since 2016.