Description
Book SynopsisOffers the first comprehensive overview of the history, people, films, and multiple functions of the festival world. From Sundance to Hong Kong, from the glitter of Cannes to edgier festivals that challenge boundaries or foster LGBTQ cultural production, film festivals celebrate art, promote business, bring cinema to diverse audiences, and raise key issues about how we see our world.
Trade Review"Wong's sharp, clever, and highly knowledgeable account provides a dazzling and dynamic look at the world film festival scene. This long overdue insider approach mixes the practical and the personal in a winning, original fashion." -- Wheeler Winston Dixon * James Ryan Professor of Film Studies, University of Nebraska, Lincoln *
"This is an insightful, engaging, and meticulously researched investigation covering the most recent trends in international film festivals from Venice and Cannes to Hong Kong and Pusan. Wong's book contributes enormously to our understanding of film festivals as a vital aspect of global motion picture culture."
-- Gina Marchetti * University of Hong Kong *
"This book is both an excellent introduction to and in-depth analysis of the world of film festivals. Wong’s book offers both a big picture view of the role of festivals within the global film industry and a close-up scrutiny of specific events, films and people to give a sense of the culture-making activity that happens in these spaces. An essential read for those who are interested both in the global dimensions of the industry, as well as in parsing out the cultural political nuances of particular sites."
* Alphaville: Journal of Film and Screen Media *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
Introduction
1. History, Structure, and Practice in the Festival World
2. The Films of the Festivals
3. Auteurs, Critics, and Canons: Extratextual Elements and the Construction of Festival Films
4. Film Festivals and Film Industries
5. Festivals as Public Spheres
6. The Hong Kong International Film Festival as Cultural Event
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Filmography
Index
