China Independent Film Festival was founded in 2003 in Nanjing. As a non-governmental and non-profitable independent film event, CIFF has been dedicated to independent cinema with the goal of encouraging communication and interaction between independent filmmakers, audience and researchers.
The CIFF organisation is operated by a selection of premiere film critics, scholars, programmers and producers. Based on art institutions and academies, CIFF has been refining its own structure through practice. Since 2007, CIFF has adapted the awarding system of independent film festivals. It set up the 4 dimension of standard including free spirit, open mind, new form and foresight, hoping to present the diversity of Chinese independent cinema with an open gesture.
With 10 years of development, CIFF has become the most important platform for the screening of cutting-edge Chinese films and a show window for talented new directors. Though with certain political and financial restrictions, CIFF is yet to achieve the reputation as “the only true film festival in China” by quite a number of esteemed directors and international festival partners.
CIFF advocates for freedom and originality of filmmaking, and the research of new possibilities for film as a traditional art form. With a keen sense of mission, CIFF filmmakers execute their social responsibilities by making films. Chinese film industry progresses with the bondage of national censorship and takes shape from the ever-growing market. Under this current condition and trend, CIFF chooses films and filmmakers that show the most genuine film spirit, and become a platform for new directors to show their inspirational talent. CIFF is home to many now award-winning Chinese directors, including Golden Bear winner Wang Quan’an (The Waking Of Insects，Tuya’s Marriage), Diao Yinan (Uniform，Black Coal/Thin Ice),69th Venice Horizons Documentary Award winner Wang Bing (Three Sisters, West of the Tracks), 66th Venice Horizons Documentary Award winner Du Haibin (1428), Ying Liang (Taking Father Home, The Other Half), 69th Venice Horizons Documentary Award nominated Li Ruijun (Fly with the Crane), and even the market-favoured director like Ning Hao (Crazy Stone) and Wu Ershan (Painted Skin II).
CIFF’s structure consists of Feature Film Competition, Documentary Competition, Short Film Competition and Special Screening Unit. It is also a significant window for Chinese experimental films and animations. In addition, CIFF organises academic forums to discuss spotlighted topics in Chinese cinema with an insightful interpretation.