The journal accepts a range of submissions, written and audio-visual, in both Chinese and English, on independent cinema from the Chinese-speaking world, broadly conceived. It comprises those films that use hanyu, as well as films using the languages of China’s ethnic minorities such as Tibetan, Uighur and Mongolian. We acknowledge the fluidity, diversity, and specificities inherent in the concept of ‘Chinese independent cinema’ and are willing to use this journal to broaden and deepen our understanding of this unique visual culture and artistic practice.
Though these submissions may be original, we are also interested in re-publishing work that has already appeared elsewhere. In the latter instance, authors should be able to demonstrate their ownership of the original work’s copyright. We accept the following forms of submissions.
Academic articles
Original articles in English should be no more than 8,000 words, including notes, references, and filmography. Original articles in Chinese should be no more than 12,000 words, including notes, references and filmography.
Film reviews
Reviews should be of Chinese independent cinema. The length of reviews in either English or Chinese is not specified.
Interviews
Interviews should be a dialogue between the interviewer and interviewees on production, exhibition, distribution and reception of Chinese independent cinema. The length of interview in either English or Chinese is not specified.
Translations
Translations of articles from any language on Chinese independent cinema are also welcomed. These translations may be from any source language but should be into English or Chinese. While we suggest that these translations should be the same length as original academic article submissions, we are willing to consider both shorter and longer translations on a case by case basis. Please email the General Editors if you have queries about the length of a translation.
Videographic essays
We are very happy to accept videographic work that seeks to produce new knowledge about independent cinema in Hong Kong and the PRC. Video essays should be no more than 30 minutes in length, and preferably be accompanied by a supporting statement, in English or Chinese, that articulates the research aims and process of the work and how these aims are achieved audio-visually. While commentary in the essay may be in any language, we suggest it is subtitled in English or Chinese, as appropriate.
Other submissions
We also encourage other, diverse forms of submission, such as film festival and conference reports. Please contact the General Editors if you have any queries.
Guest editors and themed issues
We welcome guest editors to edit issues on proposed topics related to Chinese independent cinema. Please contact the editors if you have any ideas or proposals.
Style Guidelines for academic articles
Orthography
We accept submissions in both simplified and traditional Chinese characters.
Romanization
Use pinyin without tone/diacritical marks, except where romanization different systems are standardly used in English (e.g. Tsinghua University, Taipei, Wong Kar-wai).
Spelling
English-language submission should follow British spelling conventions.
Quotation marks
Please use single quotation marks, except where ‘a quotation is “within” a quotation’. Please note that long quotations should be indented without quotation marks.
Word count
Please include a word count for your submission.
Abstract
For academic articles, please provide an abstract of 50-100 words in English and 150-200 words in Chinese, and 3-5 key words.
Referencing
Where required, all referencing in original submissions should follow Harvard referencing. This requires author date referencing in the main text of the submission and a full, alphabetical list of references at the end of the main text.
Examples of how to reference in-text:
(Smith 2017, p. 42)
(Smith 2017, pp. 42-44)
(Met Office, 2013, para. 2)
Examples of how to present common sources in the alphabetical list of end references:
Book
Bryman, A., and Wolf, R.A., (2016). Social research methods. 5th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Book chapter
He, X., (1997). The market economy and ethnic relations in China. In: A. Ikeo, ed. Economic development in twentieth century East Asia: the international context. London: Routledge. pp. 190–205.
Journal article
Austin, T., (2012). Takers keepers, losers weepers: theft as customary play in southern Philippines. Journal of Folklore Research. 49(3), 263–284.
Newspaper article (online/electronic)
Sample, I., (2014). Why an octopus’s suckers don’t stick its arms together. The Guardian [online]. 15 May. Updated 16 May 2014, 00:20. [Viewed 17 January 2015]. Available from: http://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/may/15/octopus-suckers-arms-chemical-skin
Webpage
Met Office., (2013). What do we mean by climate? [online]. Met Office. [Viewed 14 October 2015]. Available from: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate-guide/climate
Film
Captain America: The Winter Soldier., (2014). Directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo. New York: Marvel Entertainment.
More detailed examples using Harvard referencing can be found at this website.