For decades in the glamorous world of cinema, blockbusters ruled the box office, where big stars with dazzling personalities owned the big screens, the world of indie films yet to be discovered. No doubt, indie movies are made by small companies but they are made wholeheartedly. In this article we will learn every this about Indie films. From their role to best indie movies, we will cover most of the points in detail.

The indie movies have captivated the heart and soul of the audience. Indeed, big studios need to make movies that require a bunch of people. But on the other hand, indie movies require a team of less people. They can tell stories that are funny, scary, romantic, or weird or they can showcase the current events whatever is happening across the globe.

What Is An Indie Movie?

An independent film, or indie movie, is a feature or short film made and distributed outside the major film studio system by independent entertainment companies. What sets them apart from blockbuster cinemas is their low budget and independence. They tend to focus on storytelling. Indie movies give birth to creativity, artistic freedom, and untold stories. 

As a result, indie movies play a crucial role in showing the fabric of stories. And it’s human nature that people connect to stories more than anything else.

The Historical Journey Of Indie Movies?

The roots of indie movies can be found in 1919. Studies show that United Artists is the first independent film studio. The actors were Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, D.W. Griffith, and Douglas Fairbanks. Later on, in 1941, they expanded their work and became known as “The Society Of Independent Motion Picture Producers”.

The establishment of the Sundance Film Festival in 1978 provided platforms for indie filmmakers to portray their work. This festival was liked by many. Hence, indie movies came into the spotlight.

Mainstream films are run by large studios focusing on large profits. But indie films prioritize storytelling. An indie movie becomes the voice of the marginalized. These films mainly focus on social issues, cultural ideology, and personal experiences.

Why Indie Films Are Important?

You must have heard the remakes of movies or remakes of songs. This happens only in blockbuster cinemas. Indie films give birth to new stories, even new faces. They can be anything. Without the pressure to cater to big studio expectations, indie films have their creative boundaries.

Indie films like ‘Moonlight’, ‘Parasite’, and ‘Pulp Fiction’ have left imprints on the hearts of the mass audience. Other examples of Indie films like ‘The Farewell’,  ‘Get Out’, and ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ showcase social issues to a wider audience.

Big-budget movies are glamorous. Everything looks very charming but sometimes you want to deal with real stories. Indie films might not have all the bells and whistles, but they do have a lot of creativity. And surprisingly many successful actors and filmmakers start their journey in indie films.

How Can You Find Indie Films?

Indie films don’t perform on the red carpet. They might not get played at cinemas but nowadays technology is a key insight to find anything. Film festivals are famous for indie movies. You can see a lot of different movies, and meet the directors and filmmakers.

Do you want to visit the places where you’ll find Indie movies in diverse genres? Look no further – Here Are The 6 Best Indian Film Festivals You Must Attend In 2024…

Social media platforms are a powerful platform to promote and connect with the audience directly. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime have separate sections for Indie Movies. As technology continues to become more advanced, the future of indie movies looks promising. High-quality films on a low budget are their motto.

How Economical Impact Is Responsible For Indie Movies?

As compared to mainstream blockbusters, indie movies operate on a low budget. And they should never be underestimated. The audience craves fresh and original content. Films like “ Juno “, “Little Miss Sunshine”, and “Blair Witch Project” were made on a low budget but they amassed love and success on the box office returns.

The financial status of indie film production is based on creative funding methods, private investments, and crowdfunding. These sources allow indie movies to maintain their creativity. There was a time when indie movies were not discussed or gossiped about by many. Nowadays they’re in the mainstream media globally.

As we talk about crowdfunding, here is India’s first crowdfunded film – Manthan. It is a must watch. 

What Are The Challenges Faced By Indie Filmmakers?

Every coin has two sides, and so do indie movies. Despite their numerous advantages, they have their struggle. Sometimes, the story is fantastic but the obstacle is funding. They often lack the resources to promote. They find it difficult to compete with high-budget movies.

However, many indie filmmakers overcome the challenges. With the help of social media, they can promote and reach audiences directly. Streaming platforms help indie movies to find the recognition they deserve.

Indie Movies Promote Diversity

One of the biggest perks of indie movies is that they promote diversity. Mainstream media discrimination on skin tone basis whether indie movies don’t. Doesn’t matter what your color, race, or class is, everyone can get involved. In this genre and famous film festivals, all types of women and men are welcomed.

The 5 Best Indie Movies Of All Time

1. Lost in Translation (2003)

⭐⭐⭐✨ | IMDb Rating: 7.7/10 | Genre – Drama, Romance

2. Before Sunrise (1995)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ | IMDb Rating: 8.1/10 | Genre – Romance

3. Nebraska (2013)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ | IMDb Rating: 7.7/10 | Genre – Adventure, Drama

4. The Pianist (2002)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | IMDb Rating: 8.5/10 | Genre – Biography, Historical Drama

5. In the Mood for Love (2000)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ | IMDb Rating: 7.7/10 | Genre – Romance

The 5 Best Bollywood Indie Movies

1. Ankhon Dekhi (2013)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ | IMDb Rating: 7.9/10 | Genre – Realistic Comedy, Drama

2. The Cinema Travellers (2016)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ | IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 | Genre – Documentary

3. The Lunchbox (2013)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ | IMDb Rating: 7.8/10 | Genre – Romance

4. A Death in the Gunj (2016)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ | IMDb Rating: 7.4/10 | Genre – Thriller, Drama

5. Masaan (2015)

⭐⭐⭐⭐ | IMDb Rating: 8.1/10 | Genre – Romance

Final Takeaways

Indie films might not have all the glam that mainstream blockbusters have. But indie movies have soul in them. They are made with utmost passion and creativity. They promote creative freedom.

As the film industry is evolving, indie movies are providing a platform for those stories that might get overlooked. So, next time you plan to see a movie with your loved one, make sure you’re giving a chance to an indie film to leave you spellbound. Who knows you might discover your favorite indie movie or a filmmaker!