30.08.2012Vincent W. S. CHUI
As I understand it, to be independent means to be outside of the mainstream, articulating one’s own voice. It also means to be outside of the institution and to emphasize multiplicity and diversity. An independent filmmaker should resist and contend with the institution; if not in the form of a social movement, then by providing one’s own voice. Take Spike Lee as just one example. His films are simple to understand, but this doesn’t make him a mainstream filmmaker. There are any number of independent elements within his work. Three Narrow Gates is independent because it is a film that people within the mainstream cannot make. This is what I understand as being “independent”.
Keywords: Hong Kong independent film, mainstream film industry
