New York Underground Film Festival

Even for those making "underground movies," the term is still hard to define. In most cases it means not receiving money from producers, the group that makes most cameras roll in Hollywood, the center of commercial filmmaking. But the main characters and directors of independent filmmaking have created their own Oscar ceremony for the last eight years: the New York Underground Film Festival, NYUFF.

Every year, from March 7 to March 13, the Anthology Film Archives in New York previews what the director of the festival, Ed Holter, describes as "a mix of avant-garde films, documentaries not for massive consumption, personal essay films, controversial movies" and, sometimes, even those commercial films that push the boundaries of conventional cinema.

The festival organizers do not claim to represent an overall trend or movement, but the film offerings are observed closely for those looking for contemporary art in cinema.

Holter observes that in the last editions, "the type of movie has changed. What used to be more shocking in the early 90's has now become more subtle, more artistic and closer to what museums and art galleries show."

Though less shocking this year, there are still films such as "Plaster Caster," a film on the penises of a rock star band, and the nihilist film "What About Me," that push beyond all the norms.

Changes in the underground film world are also a consequence of its expansion. In the last few years, every major U.S. city has organized its own underground film festival and the doors have also opened in other countries.

Directors from 16 countries, including Austria, Brazil, China and Cuba, have taken part in the 2001 edition of the New York festival.

The most recent changes have been reflected not only in the content, but also in the form the films have taken. On the screen, digital technologies and animation have been central.

In fact, almost one-third of the films presented this year were on 16mm film, which the festival organizers describe as "the new Super 8."

Technology is also what seems likely to define the future of independent productions. Critics say that by increasing the speed of changes, new technologies threaten to outdate what has been considered "traditional cinema."

Despite the increasingly changing environment, the idea of the festival remains committed to its original message - to show people that "independent cinema is true and it exists out there," Holter says.