Diane Lane stars in the under-the-radar dystopian thriller 'Anniversary,' which explores political radicalization and family unraveling over five years. Despite her strong performance and the film's timely themes, it struggled with visibility and marketing, highlighting challenges in independent film distribution. Lane, also an executive producer, emphasizes the importance of meaningful projects and the difficulties of gaining recognition in a crowded market.
The 2026 Spirit Awards nominations are led by 'Peter Hujar’s Day' with five nods, with several other films and TV series receiving multiple nominations across various categories, highlighting the diversity and creativity in independent cinema and television.
The 2025 Gotham Awards showcased a disconnect between its traditional indie roots and its evolving status as an awards season fixture, with big stars attending but small films and lesser-known winners dominating, highlighting an identity crisis within the event.
The Gotham Awards nominations are led by 'One Battle After Another' with six nods, while other notable films include 'If I Had Legs I’d Kick You' and 'It Was Just An Accident'. The awards celebrate independent cinema, expanding eligibility to include big-budget films from major studios, with winners to be announced on December 1.
Robert Redford, a legendary actor and director, significantly impacted Hollywood through his founding of the Sundance Institute, which transformed the Sundance Film Festival into a major platform for independent cinema and diverse storytelling, fostering countless careers and changing the industry landscape. His death marks the end of an era for the festival and independent film community.
A celebrity guessing game related to the Emmys features clues about an actress known for her indie film roles and comedic charm, with hints pointing towards her appearance in 'Best In Show' and her Emmy nomination.
Jim Jarmusch's 'Father Mother Sister Brother' is a minimalist, contemplative film consisting of three loosely connected episodes that explore family dynamics and emotional distance, set across different cities with notable actors, emphasizing subtlety and the unspoken in human relationships.
The documentary filmmaking community faces significant challenges due to federal funding cuts, including the rescinding of the CPB's budget, leading to budget reductions at PBS and other organizations. Despite these setbacks, filmmakers and media organizations are exploring alternative funding sources and digital platforms to continue producing and distributing documentaries, emphasizing resilience and innovation in the face of financial adversity.
Neon's 'Together,' an original horror film starring Alison Brie and Dave Franco, opened strongly at the box office with $10.9 million, marking a successful indie release amid a studio-dominated market. The film, which premiered at Sundance, benefited from strategic marketing and social media campaigns, and is part of a broader trend of successful horror and indie films this summer. Other indie releases like 'CatVideoFest 2025' also performed well, contributing to a diverse and vibrant box office landscape.
Cristin Milioti stars in an upcoming independent horror thriller titled 'Buddy,' directed by Casper Kelly, currently in production in Ohio, with plot details kept under wraps, promising a unique horror experience.
'Sorry, Baby' is a tender, humorous debut film by Eva Victor that explores a woman's life after trauma, emphasizing the complexity of surviving without being defined solely by victimhood, through nuanced performances and a non-linear narrative.
Eva Victor's debut film 'Sorry, Baby' is a deeply personal project that helped her heal from past trauma, showcasing her talents as writer, director, and star, and gaining critical acclaim at Sundance and Cannes.
Richard Brody highlights the best movies of 2024, emphasizing the vitality of independent filmmaking despite economic challenges. The list includes films like "Nickel Boys," "Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point," and "Megalopolis," showcasing innovative storytelling and expanded cinema techniques. Brody notes the influence of streaming and mobile viewing on cinematic experiences, while also reflecting on the historical art of benshi in Japanese cinema. The year's films are seen as part of a broader artistic struggle for liberation and consciousness expansion.
The Film Independent Spirit Awards have announced their 2024 nominations, highlighting the best in independent cinema. Categories include Best Feature, Best First Feature, and Best Director, with films like "Anora," "I Saw the TV Glow," and "Nickel Boys" receiving multiple nominations. The awards ceremony is set for February 22, 2025, celebrating achievements in various categories such as screenplay, lead and supporting performances, and breakthrough performances. The event also honors emerging filmmakers and producers with special awards.
Daisy Ridley stars in 'Magpie,' an independent thriller that explores a toxic relationship, showcasing her nuanced performance as Anette, a mother navigating a tense marriage with her husband Ben, played by Shazad Latif. The film, co-developed by Ridley, focuses on the compelling dynamics of the couple's relationship rather than intricate plot details, highlighting Ridley's post-Star Wars career trajectory towards more complex roles.
