avant-garde

Avant-garde refers to an experimental, abstract, or highly independent, non-independent film that is often the forerunner of a new artistic genre or art form. Avant-garde films self-consciously emphasize technique over substance. Also loosely applies to a group of French and German filmmakers in the early 20th century and some modern American experimental filmmakers (e.g., Andy Warhol), and their film movement that challenged conventional filmmaking techniques. See also cinema verite, surrealism, and abstract form.