China Clamps Down on Independent Films Globally

From Wuhan to New York, independent Chinese film festivals have been suddenly closed because of political influence. How much room remains f...

From Wuhan to New York, independent Chinese film festivals have been suddenly closed because of political influence. How much room remains for China's independent filmmakers?

Images of vacant movie theaters have been spreading online in recent weeks — a demonstration organized by Zhu Rikun, the organizer of the New York-based IndieChina Film Festival, in response to what he described as the Chinese government's suppression of independent cinema.

The event was called off on November 6, only a few days prior to its scheduled commencement, under influence from the Chinese authorities.

"I didn't observe any warning signals... In the festival's statement, I also conveyed my hope that the festival might soon return to China. I didn't wish for it to turn into an event held in exile," Zhu said to okay1.

He mentioned that the pressure started with a call from his father, who advised him "not to do anything detrimental to the country." Shortly thereafter, nearly all Chinese filmmakers pulled their films, and foreign guests encountered harassment from unknown individuals.

Back in China, the Wuhan Berlin Film Festival also unexpectedly announced its cancellation, leading to speculation that it too had encountered pressure from officials.

International human rights organizations issued a warning aboutThe increasing control exerted by Beijing, both within its borders and on the global stage.

The move "demonstrates the Chinese government's aim to control what the world sees and learns about China," said Yalkun Uluyol, a China researcher at Human Rights Watch, in a press release.

Why would China focus on an independent event in the United States?

The authorities in Beijing have not released any formal statement about the cancellation that took place in New York.

Some movies in the festival's schedule, like the 2019Hong Kong pro-democracyThe documentary "If We Burn" might be considered sensitive by the Chinese government. Nevertheless, the majority of the works involved did not address political issues, but their directors and team members still encountered challenges.

Speaking with okay1, Zhu conveyed frustration and astonishment that the event did not take place, mentioning that the causes could be personal.

It might be due to me. I could be the type of person who isn't capable of organizing such an event.

From the perspective of Chinese officials, Zhu's earlier works could be considered sensitive — he organized showings of a well-known Chinese dissident artist, Ai Weiwei, and also created a documentary about himself, depicting how police interrogated him at a hotel.

Independent filmmakers find their area of operation decreasing in China

Independent film festivals in China have faced intensifying crackdowns over the past decade, according to Human Rights Watch.

In 2011, the Documentary Film Festival China (DOChina), an essential independent film event in the nation, was halted under governmental influence.

In the subsequent years, China's three major independent film festivals throughout the country faced raids or closures. The enforcement became stricter in 2014 when authorities conducted a raid on the Beijing Independent Film Festival, confiscating film collections and arresting organizers.

Films that promote 'national unity'

The Film Industry Promotion Law of China requires filmmakers to refrain from creating material that might "damage national unity" or undermine state interests. Every film must undergo government scrutiny; any unauthorized productions are prohibited from being displayed publicly, distributed online, or entered into film festivals.

It was this resistance that ultimately led Zhu to stop arranging festivals in China and relocate to the United States.

"Over the last ten years, I have witnessed both politically and commercially oriented independent films in China being restricted... Independent cinema in China is almost gone," he said to okay1.

Chinese independent film festivals attempt to remain unnoticed

The Wuhan film festival, which was also suddenly canceled this year, was organized by a local, non-official independent screening group and had completed its fourth edition.

Two young Chinese film organizers, speaking to okay1 under pseudonyms for their own safety, highlighted the unpredictability of government regulation as a major factor behind the abrupt closure.

Y, a former volunteer with a local screening group, stated that independent film festivals in China often continue to exist only because local authorities "look the other way."

"Why this version was closed down while the earlier one wasn't... you tend to search for explanations within yourself," she stated.

C, another Chinese film curator, also mentioned to okay1 that the power of state enforcement varies regarding independent film screenings, with some recent events experiencing minimal disruption.

Although Zhu has faced recent challenges with his New York event, he is still fairly hopeful. He mentioned to okay1 that the latest restrictions in Beijing have actually increased support for the festival.

"In a way, we've managed to create some room… Many people are curious about what occurred behind the scenes, which pushes the authorities to recognize it instead of acting without any consequences," he stated.

Edited by: Darko Janjevic

The contributors to this article are Yuchen Li and Yu-Chun Chou.

Author: Yuchen Li (in Taipei)