Foreword of HKOS
Indie Film Online Showcase 2023
Movie enthusiasts are used to getting to see a variety of film genres and production levels. However, for the average viewer, what exactly does the term "independent film" really mean?
Whereas most are familiar with “non-independent films”, also known as "studio films", that are produced, shot, and distributed by film companies with sufficient capital, equipment, studios, and distribution capabilities, ”independent films” refers to films that lack studio investment and are instead funded through other means. Although independent films with substantial budgets exist, in reality the majority of independent films have far lower budgets due to the lack of studio support. As such independent films often face challenges in getting their finished products screened in theaters.
Independent films are nonetheless driven by the creative vision of the director and production team, free from the control of companies and commercial entities. In Hong Kong, independent films span across genres, with stories that often ask viewers to critically reflect on current societal issues and to push viewers to better understand the complex world within and beyond Hong Kong. Independent production also inspires critical thinking, prompting us to pay attention to and reflect on our environment.
However, for the average audience, many independent films never see the light of day within the mainstream cinema circuit. In the past, independent film production in Hong Kong was primarily driven by three groups: “ Ying E Chi" a non-profit film collective founded in 1997, "Video Power" a group focused on documenting community and social movements, and "Videotage" which primarily curated and exhibited video art. The funding for these works came from individuals, international film funds, and, of course, Hong Kong government grants.
Since its founding 1997 by a group of Hong Kong filmmakers, Ying E Chii, has been promoting and distributing Hong Kong independent films, paving the way for diverse artistic expression in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, due to recent media coverage, many of Ying E Chi’s films face significant challenges in promotion. As typical of grassroot indie projects, the lack of star power and usual mainstream appeal, combined with complex and sometimes hard to decipher messages has created a high barrier for general audiences. Despite this, in recent years, as local awareness in Hong Kong has grown, there has been an increase in audience interest in local and independent films. Despite this, due to political reasons, some commercial theaters in Hong Kong were prevented from screening independent productions. To compound these problems, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council has recently withdrawn funding for Ying E Chi, leading to the unfortunate cancellation of the Hong Kong Independent Film Festival, which would have had its thirteenth festival this year.
"Hong Kong On Screen (HKOS)," based in Los Angeles, hopes to carry the torch and host a Hong Kong Online Independent Film Showcase. From October 20, 2023, to November 20, 2023, we will sequentially showcase a variety of Hong Kong independent productions, including:
Ying E Chi’s final production “Keep Rolling (2022).”
"Leaving in Sorrow (2001)," "Figs (2013)," and "Three Narrow Gates (2007)" by Vincent Chui, Ying E Chi’s former artistic director and curator of the Hong Kong Independent Film Festival
And three documentaries, "Vanished Archives (2017)," "3cm (2019)," and "Bamboo Theatre (2019)"
HKOS hopes that through this global online film exhibition, more people in Hong Kong and overseas can better understand and appreciate independent film production in Hong Kong, explore future possibilities for film and media, and reignite interest and hope for independent productions in Hong Kong.
We want to extend a huge thanks to the donations from people in Hong Kong for making this online showcase possible and for making the films available to all for free during this showcase. Donations are welcome and greatly appreciated if you would like to continue supporting HKOS and Hong Kong cinema in Hong Kong and in the greater Los Angeles Area.
Once again, we sincerely thank everyone for supporting HKOS and independent film production in Hong Kong!