Chinese Independent Film and Distribution of Public Interest Media

Independent films are vital to a nation’s public interest. What happens when market and political forces impact their production and circulation ? In this informal talk, Karin Chien charts the evolution of her work at dGenerate Films, acquiring independent Chinese films and releasing them in the US through a partnership with Icarus Films. By centering authorship, the 75 films in dGenerate’s collection celebrate the vital perspectives and extraordinary creativity of their makers. dGenerate’s latest release is Youth, a 3.5 hour documentary which played to soldout audiences at Metrograph and Lincoln Center, after being the first documentary in 20 years selected for competition at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.

Karin Chien is a producer and distributor committed to bold voices and innovative forms that build practices of ethical filmmaking. For 20 years, Karin has produced independent films, artwork and digital media that have broken new ground. She has received the Independent Spirit Producers Award, the Humanitas Prize, the Sundance Audience Award, the inaugural Cinereach Producers Award, and served as the 2022 Sundance Film Festival’s Producers Keynote speaker. Karin is the Founder & President of distribution company dGenerate Films; a co-founder of the collective Distribution Advocates; and the director of the Nevada City Artist Residency. During her fellowship, Karin’s research will focus on how the most impactful documentary projects get funded and present recommendations for new economic models that center sustainability and creative risk. In particular, the research will explore a shift from project-based documentary funding to producer-led models, where new forms can emerge.