“Indies” or Independent Movies are films that are produced and filmed outside of the major film studio system. Often, the actors in indies are not red carpet celebrities, but that doesn’t mean that they lack the talent. In fact, many celebrities get their “big break” in an independent movie. Sure, Indie films might not have the most impressive set, the greatest sound quality or even the best filming, but none of those factors affect the success of the plot, storyline or the production. Every time you watch an independent film, you are helping someone, somewhere accomplish their dream.

Whether it is a five-minute short film created by a college student as a project or a three-hour long documentary created by someone as a hobby, someone poured their heart and soul into it. Film, like many other medias, is more than a communication platform, it is an art form. Independent films can be extremely different than those produced in Hollywood. Because the creators are not necessarily focused on making money off of their film, they can create the film to exactly how they want it to be. Indies give filmmakers the opportunity to express their artistic vision, without the pressure of big name writers, producers, directors, and actors.

Some independent films have become incredible success stories, and viewed by millions across the globe, and even more have yet to be discovered. Always remember to support independent artists whether they are young, old, established, new to art, local or all of the above.

Below is a list of independent movies that you may, or may not have heard of- but should definitely check out:

Dead Man’s Shoes (2004), d. Shane Meadows

The Blair Witch Project (1999), d. Daniel Myrick, Eduardo Sanchez

Lost in Translation (2003), d. Sofia Coppola

sex, lies, and videotape (1989), d. Steven Soderbergh

Clerks (1994), d. Kevin Smith

Napolean Dynamite (2004), d. Jared Hess

This is Spinal Tap (1984), d. Rob Reiner

Drugstore Cowboy (1989), d. Gus Van Sant

Kids (1995), d. Larry Clark

Keith (2008), d. Todd Kessler

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), d. Tobe Hooper

Dazed and Confused (1993), d. Richard Linklater

Happiness (1998), d. Todd Solondz

Donnie Darko (2001), d. Richard Kelly

Juno (2007), d. Jason Reitman