Propelled by a confluence of art-house and sexual-identity films (particularly the New Queer Cinema), the American independent film movement took root in the late 1980s, and its profound influence upon the industry continues to this day. Chief among the movement’s visionary figures are Marcus Hu and Jon Gerrans, who together founded the independent distribution company Strand Releasing in 1989. Since that time, their feisty dedication to risk-taking directors who privilege innovation and authenticity over commercial prospects has consistently made the company a pillar in the field.
MoMA is pleased to offer this “carte blanche” selection of recent titles from the Strand catalog. Hailing from across the globe, and highlighting the work of some of contemporary cinema’s most influential new voices, these films provide a provocative snapshot of the world as Hu and Gerrans would have us see it.
Organized by Marcus Hu and Jon Gerrans in collaboration with the Department of Film.