independent film

Independent film, often shortened to "indie," refers to films produced outside the major film studio system. This movement gained significant traction in the late 20th century, partly as a response to the perceived limitations of mainstream commercial filmmaking. Organizations like the Sundance Film Festival emerged to support and promote these independent works.12

Independent films often explore more niche or unconventional themes and styles, sometimes drawing from ethnic and identity movements. They can range from low-budget, intimate stories to genre-bending works that gain mainstream success, like Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction. The rise of home video and the internet also provided new avenues for distribution and marketing, allowing independent films to reach wider audiences.23