Educating the independent: the shifting paradigms in Chinese film-maker training

Since the 1990s, Chinese independent cinema has undergone remarkable transformations, transitioning from a period marked by a robust political stance to adopting a more conciliatory approach in the post-2000s era. This article explores the relationship between these changes and the evolving education of independent film-makers. The focus is on how educational paradigms adapt to support independent film-makers in a dynamic external environment, and how innovative teaching models contribute to the diversity and sustainability of Chinese independent cinema. The article analyses three practice-based education models: institutionalised film schools, alternative film schools and film-maker incubation projects. It assesses their unique values, challenges and impacts, providing insights into the influence of practice-based film education on China’s independent cinema landscape.