This book questions the meanings of 'independence' for documentaries made in the post-1990 context, a period of unrivalled disruption and creativity in the field. Based upon a reasoned selection of contributions, it is the first collection of in-depth case studies cutting across formats, media, subject matters, purposes and national divides. Writing from a wide range of academic perspectives, the contributors shed new light on historical, theoretical and empirical issues pertaining to the independent documentary, in order to better comprehend the radical transformations of the form over the past twenty-five years. Compared to existing studies, this volume focuses on works and practitioners existing at the margins of the traditional media, the mainstream film industry and the prevailing economic and socio-political systems; yet greatly contributing to changing our perception of documentaries. And in doing so, it addresses an important gap in the global understanding of documentary practices and styles.