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EASTINDIE (ARCHIVE)

EASTINDIE was a blog about the independent film scene in China that ran from 2014 to 2022. During that time, it featured interviews with the creative minds behind more than 100 features, documentaries and shorts shot in and around the PRC. Some of that work has been republished in the archive below.

The Killing Game

The Killing Game

We chat with producer Luo Tong, director Andrej Iliev and actor Nick Xu about their new crime-comedy, The Killing Game. They share their thoughts on working as a team, take us behind-the-scenes on their latest production, and let us in one of the best indie film hacks ever.

Bittersweet

Bittersweet

Following the death of his wife, an elderly widower goes in search of a special taste from his youth in the Chinese-language short, Bittersweet. Director Jeffrey Chu talks about his early fascination with movies, the Shanghai film collective he helped start, and the making of his latest project.

Laisuotuo

Laisuotuo

Laisuotuo juxtaposes the stories of a Chinese shop owner in Lesotho and an African doctor in China who face prejudice from those around them. Filmmaker Carl Houston McMillan talks about the challenges of working on the project and the need for greater empathy in today’s global village.

The Passport

The Passport

The Passport tells the dark tale of an amnesiac on a desperate attempt to figure out who he really is. Director Olivier Hero Dressen and actor Michael Koltes share their thoughts on what makes for a good story and the making of their award-winning short film.

Somebody Else

Somebody Else

A parking valet and the daughter of a wealthy businessman journey through Shanghai’s nightlife in an attempt to escape the reality of their lives in Somebody Else. Director Laurent King talks artistry in advertisement, life on the festival circuit, and the making of a modern-day fairy tale.

The Story of 90 Coins

The Story of 90 Coins

A promise, a misunderstanding, and regret are brought into focus in The Story of 90 Coins. Director Michael Wong takes shares a few film-making lessons from the advertising industry, offer up some tips on navigating the festival circuit, and tell us what he really thinks about romantic movies.

The Mahjong Box

The Mahjong Box

An American widower in Shanghai tries to reclaim his lost love by winning over a nightclub hostess in The Mahjong Box. Writer-director Fabien Gaillard discusses opportunities for filmmakers in China, exploring the connections between East and West, and the making of his sophomore feature.