Beijing's first Independent Film Week ended the 23^rd of December. Amateur filmmakers from around the world showcased 47 films during 6 days. A real opportunity to discover some cinematographic gems.

This is not the Cannes Film Festival nor does it claim to be. Beijing's Independent Film Week ended its week long run on Sunday December 23^rd with an award ceremony (see box), and is reminiscent of the United-States based Sundance Festival. Namely: new, somewhat eccentric, low-budget films, often amateurish, and which do not fall within the normal spectrum of the big film production. Out of more than 180 films, 47 were selected and presented during six days in various bars and clubs in the capital.

The festival was founded by Peter Salladé, Tyler Mixter and Jeff Dickens, three Beijing based film buffs. When they arrived in Beijing, these three Americans deplored the absence of an independent film scene. "Incredibly, Chinese secondary cities such as Kunming, in Yunnan (southern China) already have their own festival," says Peter Salladé. Consequently, these avid moviegoers decided to create their own event with a simple purpose: allowing filmmakers from around the world to gather in Beijing to present and discuss their works.

From documentary through animated movies, without forgetting comedies and B or even Z movies, all genres are present. But quantity does not mean quality. Some films seem somewhat loony at first, while others remain somewhat disappointing. Nevertheless, there are diamonds in the rough, making you forget the amateurism of this festival. After all, Peter Jackson's "The Lord Of The Rings" came out after he shot zombie movies like "Braindead".

Very few Chinese

Most of the selected works are short or medium-length films, with only 13 lasting longer than 45 minutes.

For this first year, the selection had a strong international flair. However, "we've had very few Chinese filmmakers," deplored the organizers. It is difficult to say whether this is due to excessive shyness or a lack of force on the part of Chinese independent film.