Supporting Independent Cinema: Why it Matters and How You Can Help
Having a deep love for independent films, I strongly believe that these movies need to be heavily supported financially. Unlike other art forms, it's not cheap to create a film. Making a large canvas or a sculpture or writing a book can be done with relatively low budgets. However, when it comes to filmmaking, the costs can be overwhelming, especially for young filmmakers who have a lot of ideas but lack the funds to make them a reality.
Even if these filmmakers manage to spend their life savings on their projects, they still have to navigate the distribution world. Unfortunately, this world often favors established, well-known directors and studios or expensive genres. As a result, the state of cinema is dire for those who want to consume unique and authentic stories, as well as for the storytellers who don't have the means to sustain a career in film. This leads them to treat filmmaking as a hobby rather than a profession, which is unfortunate because they won't be able to compete with others who have the opportunity to make filmmaking their profession.
One of the reasons why I used to host movie nights at my place and at theaters was to introduce people to films they wouldn't see otherwise, and that included myself. However, now that I'm busy with making my own films, I hope to be back at hosting movie nights soon, once I finish polishing my first feature film, "Dr. Concrete." My aim is to gather momentum and create a small audience of film lovers and supporters who can encourage the filmmaking community to tell more stories. After all, what would we do without stories? Who are we without them?
It's essential to recognize that independent films need more support than ever before, and we should take it upon ourselves to ensure that these stories continue to be told. We must provide the resources that these filmmakers need to create films that showcase their creativity and unique perspectives. By doing so, we can help to promote diversity and innovation in the film industry and provide opportunities for emerging filmmakers to flourish.
The financial support for independent films is crucial in sustaining a thriving and diverse film industry. Without it, we risk losing the opportunity to experience unique and authentic stories that can inspire and enrich our lives. So, let's come together to support these filmmakers and help them bring their stories to the screen.
If you're interested in supporting independent cinema, there are plenty of simple ways to show your appreciation for the work of these filmmakers. Here are a few suggestions:
Share articles, news, and social media posts about independent films. This helps to spread the word about these movies and encourages others to check them out.
Rent independent films on platforms like Vimeo on Demand. This provides financial support to the filmmakers and helps to ensure that their work is seen by a wider audience.
Offer your place as a shooting location for young filmmakers. This can be a great opportunity for them to bring their creative visions to life and can help to launch their careers.
Volunteer to be an extra in an independent film. This can be a fun and rewarding experience, and it helps to support the production of these movies.
Offer to cook for a film crew. Making a film can be a stressful and time-consuming process, and providing a meal can go a long way in showing your support.
Offer to give the crew a ride to a shooting location. This can be a small but significant gesture that helps to alleviate some of the logistical challenges of making an independent film.
Money, lots of money. Ask for your name to be added as a producer in the final credits and on the film poster in exchange for covering part of the film's budget. You will be surprised by how little amounts can go a long way. By investing in independent films, you become an integral part of bringing unique stories to life and supporting emerging filmmakers in their careers.
Remember, you don't have to break the bank to make a difference. Your support, no matter how small, can have a big impact. You can play a role into making a film happen. How amazing is that?
