The Third New Beijing International Movie Festival 2009 is back in Beijing again, representing one of the best sources for smaller, independent films in China. From the people working in conjunction with those who are bringing you the 48 Hour Film Project coming to you these next two weeks, founder Peter Sallade and his staff have set up a Beijing film festival at all your local places so that you can see some of the best underground and artistic films around from now until July 25th with continuation on into the fall. Those of us who are film buffs and used to head out to our university campuses on a Tuesday night or a dark and smoky coffee shop after studying just so we could check out that indie film from Bulgaria can appreciate the effort these people have gone to in order to bring good independent movies to Beijing.

Founder Peter Sallade created the New Beijing International Movie Festival as a non-profit organization to promote the independent films among the Chinese and expat film lovers in China. Now in its third year, Peter and his crew continue to make both international indie films and Chinese indie films accessible to the Chinese and expat audience. In Beijing, there are many indie films that may people aren’t aware of, so the New Beijing International Movie Festival seeks to change that. By showing independent films that Chinese audiences wouldn't have easy access to, new filmmakers can get ideas and understand more about the world of indie films outside of China. In this way, he feels that films can get a jump-start here in Beijing because it’s not necessary to go to Hollywood to get your start in making movies.

Historically, China has not had many film festivals. During the last ten years the idea has grown in popularity and there are now international film festivals in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Changchun, but the most popular is the Shanghai International Film Festival which has drawn crowds from all over the world and shows international films at venues all over Shanghai while the main headquarters in at the Shanghai Film Art Center.

Smaller in comparison to the Shanghai International Film Festival, this Beijing independent film festival seeks to appeal to a local Beijing audience who thirst for indie movies out of the mainstream. The New Beijing International Movie Festival screened 24 movies in March alone and will continue on into July at Beijing’s popular music venues and university campuses in well known Beijing names like Club Obiwan, the Boat, D-22, White Rabbit. Campus locations include the Communications University of China, Central Academy of Drama, Central Conservatory of Music,

Schedule:
This Sunday, June 21 at D-22, one of our picks for Top 5 Live Music Venues, normally known for its amazing local Chinese rock, punk and metal bands, check out Red Boy and Kings in the Wind at 4pm.

D-22
242 Chengfu Lu, half-way between Wudaokou Subway Station and Peking University East Gate, Haidian District, Beijing
成府路242号, 五道口地铁与北大东门之间

Next Weekend:
Join in Friday night, June 19th for the 48 Hour Film Project, where you will get your character, a one- liner, genre, and prop and try your hand at putting together a movie in only 24 hours.

Friday, June 26-Sunday 28:
48-Hour Film Project Competition Screenings and Judging at Yan Club Arts Center.

YAN CLUB ARTS CENTER, 798 Art District
#8503, Dashanzi 798, 4 JiuXianQiao Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing
北京朝阳区酒仙桥４号大山子798艺术区

July is for old favorites at the CNEX Salon Cafe schedule and is jam packed full with full length and short films while finally in September they will feature the 2009 Manhattan Shorts, 12 amazingly picked short films.

In October, the nominated films from this year will be awarded with the New Beijing International Movie Festival’s Golden Duck award.

The New Beijing International Movie Festival creators aim to keep prices affordable for everyone so as of March 2009, all listed events at D-22 are 10 Yuan at the door. Movies at 愚公移山(Yu Gong Yi Shan) will be 30 Yuan at the door while at Boat, they are 10 Yuan at the door. Prices are subject to change but will not increase drastically.

So this June, check out some indie films and take advantage of the opportunity to be in Beijing and have this kind of access to unique creativity. The best part about this festival is that there are main events this month and all through July so you can get your fill of some of the best international and Chinese indie films. Keep checking back with us for updates on July screenings.

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Related links:

Shanghai> Events> The 12th Shanghai International Film Festival
City Guides>Beijing> Events> 48 Hour Film Project - June 19-21 Beijing Filmmakers Step Up
Events> Shanghai International Film Festival 2009 Starts with a Bang!