The “ifva Independent Short Film and Video Media Festival,” organized by the Hong Kong Arts Centre, has announced its return after a one-year hiatus, shifting to a biennial format. Organizers simultaneously unveiled new submission requirements, mandating entrants to confirm their works comply with Hong Kong laws and do not violate the Hong Kong National Security Law.
Under the regulations, entrants must confirm and agree that their submitted content complies with relevant legal requirements and does not involve acts violating the Hong Kong National Security Law. This includes secession, subversion of state power, engaging in terrorist activities, or colluding with foreign or external forces.
Since its inception in 1995, ifva has served as a vital independent platform for short film and visual media creation in Hong Kong. Having hosted 29 editions to date, it has attracted numerous local and international creators. However, some entries in recent years have sparked political controversies. During the 28th edition held in 2023, the Open Category entry “The Missing Piece” drew attention for featuring footage of social movements, while the animated work “The Elephant in the Castle” garnered scrutiny due to a character wearing a yellow helmet. Both works subsequently failed censorship review. The directors refused to edit the content, leading to the withdrawal of screenings and their exit from the competition.
Following a review, ifva decided to resume the competition but switch to a biennial format. Organizers aim to continue supporting local and regional visual creation development under the new structure while aligning with current legal and social requirements. The newly added legal clause is also seen as a crucial measure to ensure entries comply with existing regulations.
Commentary:
The newly added National Security Law provisions undoubtedly impose constraints on creators, forcing artistic exploration—which should be free—into self-censorship. Art should know no boundaries; its power lies in challenging mindsets, expressing truth, and presenting diverse perspectives. Rules and restrictions are meant to safeguard order, but in this context, they risk becoming shackles that stifle creativity.
Isn’t the value of media like short films and visual media precisely to expose audiences to different perspectives, sparking reflection and dialogue? If creations must first filter out “non-compliant” elements, the very soul of art will be diminished. In Hong Kong’s current social climate, government control over culture and the arts will only intensify. Even a festival with the history and reputation of ifva finds itself compelled to bow to the legal framework.