Chinese Independent Film Archive, Iberia Center for Contemporary Art (CIFAI) is a non-profit academic institution devoted to sorting, collecting, and promoting of contemporary Chinese independent films. It is located inside the Iberia Center for Contemporary Art at 798 Art Zone of Beijing. It is a non-governmental film archive.

 

This archive is built based on the recognition to the intrinsic values embedded in Chinese independent films and their present situation. We cherish the efforts all independent filmmakers have made in last nearly two decades.  We believe that these works embody the individuals’ spirit of seeking free expression while surviving in social reality.  In our view, this infinitely approaches the essence of contemporary art. Despite of the prosperity of independent films in recent years, these works remained uncollected and unrecognized. We hope that the establishment of CIFAI can provide a platform to effectively highlight the power of independent films and contribute to a better environment for the growth of independent films.

 

CIFAI has a video library housing its main collection of films and pertinent materials available for borrowing. It also has a studio facilitating film post-production and hosting educational and training workshops.  CIFAI’s media center hosts film exhibitions and communication activities, aiming at building a broader vision for independent films. Additionally, CIFAI publishes periodicals and constructs web archives for film studies.

 

Our aim is to share the realities, memories, sentiments, ideas and imaginations preserved in the Chinese independent films. To achieve this goal, we provide sophisticated film collection and archive to meet strict academic criteria. By making consistent efforts with continuous courage, enthusiasm and actions, CIFAI will do its best to help Chinese independent films realize their social and cultural values.