For years it has been important to the Viennale to highlight independent, free and noncomformist voices in cinema. There are many different interpretations of what "independent" really means which makes it hard to really define the term. Yet, the importance of filmmakers who protect sparks of freedom in their work can not be underestimated.

Through the years we not only presented the works of independent filmmakers, we also showcased tributes, round-tables, book publications and musical interludes at our festival. In many cases the conditions of film production and survival strategies were discussed. In these difficult times those thoughts and examples are ever so important.