Mainstream movies have become oversaturated with the same boring plots. There is absolutely no originality any more. Don’t get me wrong, I love going to the theatre. But the main goal of huge blockbuster films is not to convey a message, rather make a quick buck. Sometimes producers have to cut great ideas in order to make the most money.

Mainstream cinema is limited artistically to what they can and can’t do, whereas with indie films it’s the complete opposite.

An independent film, or indie film, is a feature film that is produced outside the major film studio system, in addition to being produced and distributed by independent entertainment companies. This enables everyone involved in the making of the movie creative freedom, which is in part what makes these movies so magical.

Indie films feel so much more alive than mainstream movies. So much more human. Sure the quality of the movie is going to be lower than that of Hollywood produced movies. They’re going to use cheaper cameras, they’re going to have a much cheaper set and the acting might even be subpar, but settling for cheaper things doesn’t mean that a movie is going to be bad. It would just mean that movie makers would have to really hone in on other aspects of the film. Indie films have a soul. Not only do these movies have a message and tell a story, but they find a way to do it creatively. Huge Hollywood producers seem to miss out on the fact that film is a form of art.

Some of my favorite movies happen to be Indie films. Movies like Memento, The Big Lebowski, Requiem for a Dream, Pulp Fiction and my personal favorite, Napoleon Dynamite. Are all great Indie films that everyone should check out.

A lot of great actors actually got their start from working on indie films. Actors like Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Lawrence and George Clooney just to name a few. Independent filmmakers are, for the most part, just starting out. Imagine being a college student and paying to make a film out of your own pocket.

Indie films are on the rise. The Financial Times have even announced “The unstoppable rise of independent films.” Throughout recent years indie films have grown increasingly popular. And it’s very important that we continue to support indie films and the people who make them. Attend film festivals, go to small theatre showings, do anything you can to help support indie films. By doing this not only are you supporting indie films, but you are supporting true creative thought, by the likes of which you never see in Hollywood nowadays. Film making didn’t start in Hollywood. And I don’t think it’s going to end there.