Independent Filmmaking across Borders in Contemporary Asia

Overview of the Book

The book delves into various independent film projects that challenge traditional notions of identity tied to nationality, ethnicity, or culture. It features case studies of notable filmmakers and collectives, including Zhang Lu, Li Ying, and Midi Z, whose works exemplify a border-crossing approach to cinema. This approach not only serves as an aesthetic practice but also acts as a political statement, allowing for a reimagining of Asia's role in the context of globalization.

Key Themes

Transnational Filmmaking: The book highlights how independent filmmakers navigate and negotiate cultural boundaries, creating a new cinematic language that reflects their diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Geopolitical Context: It situates independent filmmaking within the broader historical processes of inter-Asia interaction, emphasizing the impact of contemporary global issues such as migration and displacement.

Cinematic Imagination: The filmmakers discussed in the book utilize their art to disrupt static identity affiliations, fostering a more dynamic understanding of cultural identity in Asia.

Political and Aesthetic Dimensions: The work argues that independent filmmaking can be both a form of artistic expression and a means of political engagement, reshaping perceptions of people and places across borders.