The world of movies, or the cinematic universe has evolved significantly over the years. What has really stood out as a revolutionary force is the upheaval of independent cinema, primarily because it posed multiple challenges to the generic norms of the traditional film industry.
Also known as “Indie film,” independent cinema has managed to carve a rather distinctive niche, which has led to the formation of a platform perfect for conveying unique stories, diverse perspectives, and most importantly, unconventional filmmaking.
In this article, we will delve into the intriguing history as well as fascinating evolution of independent cinema, its needs & struggles, and trace its roots, important moments, and the massive impact it has had on the entire cinematic landscape. Let us begin:
The Origins of Independent Cinema
Independent cinema originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the period which is also referred to as the early days of filmmaking and cinema. During this period, the cinema industry was a monopoly of major studios, i.e., they dominated the business of films. There were five major studios at the time, namely Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Warner Bros., Fox, RKO, and Paramount. They were in control of every aspect related to films, right from their production, distribution, & presentation.
However, it was during this period that certain filmmaking visionaries sought autonomy from the dominating studios and implemented creative freedom to give shape and form to what we recognize today as independent cinema.
A prominent name which comes up when discussing the earliest pioneers of indie cinema is Oscar Micheaux. He was a renowned African-American filmmaker whose work paved the way for independent directors and filmmakers to showcase and tell stories which most often than not went ignored or unnoticed by the mainstream studios.
One of Micheaux’s finest works is “The Homesteader”. The film, produced and directed by the legend himself, released in 1919. As time passed and the industry progressed and flourished, the urge for artistic independence also increased. This desire led to the establishment of many prominent movements and independent filmmaking flourished throughout the globe.
The Need for Independent Cinema
Although the mainstream cinema industry has created many remarkable movies over the years, the need for independent cinema was sparked by a requirement for multiple things far more pressing. In simpler words, there were multiple factors that incited the flames for indie filmmaking. Here is a brief look at some of them:
- Breaking Free From the Shackles of Studios – As mentioned earlier, there were multiple major film studios who wielded total control over every aspect related to a film, right from the script writing and screenplay to the direction and distribution. Indie filmmakers who seeked creative freedom and autonomy rebelled against this stern system, which facilitated them to explore their own ideas and thoughts independently in the form of indie films.
- Enhancing Diverse Voice & Perspectives – Another factor behind the need for indie cinema and its gradual rise was the wish to enhance voices and perspectives which were, most often than not, ignored or rejected by the mainstream. The earliest indie filmmakers achieved the feat by telling stories which clearly reflected the depth and diversity of human experiences.
- Empowering Artistic Expression – The need for indie cinema was directly tied to empowering filmmakers who longed for a creative space to experiment their visions and create brilliant films without any sort of constraints or expectations, such as commercial performance. Indie filmmaking was eventually democratized, thereby allowing creatives to freely express their ideas and take risks.
The Emergence of American Indie Cinema
The scene for independent cinema in the United States changed drastically in the 1960s and 1970s. Many filmmakers created a path set in stone for a whole new wave of American directors and filmmakers who set out to challenge Hollywood’s status quo. One fine example of such a filmmaker is John Cassavetes.
He was the first filmmaker in the US to finance his films independently. This feat encouraged other visionary filmmakers to do the same and the rest, as they say, is history. Cassavetes’ film “Shadows”, which was released in 1959, is deemed as one of the earliest specimens of true independent filmmaking. Fun fact – The film was shot on a very tight budget, i.e., only $20,000 was used, and the crew involved was also very small.
What further amplified what independent cinema was becoming was multiple counterculture movements, which took place in the same time period. Top-tier directors, including Dennis Hopper & Peter Fonda created fantastic films. A fine example is Easy Rider (1969). The road film went on to become the era’s symbol in addition to showcasing that independent films can also offer commercial viability, similar to films made inside the studio system.
The Struggles of Acquiring Momentum
Although indie cinema did go on eventually to become a powerful force, the journey to becoming a prominent path was filled with formidable obstacles and challenges. Here are some of independent cinema’s major challenges that were laced in its uphill battle of gaining momentum:
- Limited Resources & Financial Constraints – Since indie filmmakers had no backing from major studios, they mostly worked with limited resources. They faced extreme budget constraints, which made it very difficult for them to complete their projects with ease. Due to these issues, filmmakers often stuck with low-budget tactics to ensure completion of their projects.
- Distribution Issues – Navigating seamlessly through the process of distributing films after completion proved to be a troubling task for indie filmmakers. In the studio-dominated era, it was extremely difficult for filmmakers to secure distribution deals. Moreover, they had very limited access to cinema halls and theaters. Due to this, many competent films failed to reach a wider audience, thereby slowing down indie cinema’s momentum.
- Overcoming Doubts Regarding Indie Films – In the beginning, indie films faced severe stigma since their production quality was not as good as mainstream films due to obvious reasons. Moreover, there was also skepticism regarding the commercial viability of independent films. Overcoming preconceived perceptions that all indie films featured niche content needed a massive shift of paradigm in expectations from audiences.
How Film Festivals Started and Helped the Cause of Independent Cinema
In the 1980s, the establishment and popularization of film festivals for exhibiting non-mainstream or independent films, helped in formalizing independent cinema. A film festival which changed the entire landscape for independent films and filmmakers was the Sundance Film Festival.
Founded in 1981 by Robert Redford, it became a crucial platform for indie filmmakers to exhibit their work to a wider audience. The status and value of independent films was significantly elevated by Sundance Festivals, thanks to films like “Sex, Lies, and Videotape” (1989), “The Brothers McMullen” (1995), etc., which gained immense recognition as well as commercial success.
The Rise of Independent Auteurs
In the tale of independent cinema’s rise, the 1990s was the period which witnessed the emergence of a new breed or race of filmmakers, who are often termed as the “Indie Auteurs”. The indie auteurs were directors and filmmakers who had a distinguishable voice and a rather stern commitment to storytelling which opposed that of the studio system.
Filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino, Richard Linklater, Kevin Smith, etc., created a massive name for themselves, all thanks to them challenging the traditional form of storytelling and showcasing fresh perspectives on the silver screen.
Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” (1994), starring John Travolta, Uma Thurman, and many other prominent actors, completely redefined the structure of narration and demonstrated that independent films also have the capacity to achieve critical and commercial success.
Similarly, “Clarks” (1994) by Kevin Smith put forth the power and potential of low-budget filmmaking, which inspired aspiring filmmakers in picking up their cameras and telling stories.
Digital Revolution & the Democratization of Filmmaking
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the world witnessed a drastic shift in the cinematic landscape, thanks to the proliferation of digital technologies. The more affordable digital cameras and editing software became, the more democratized the filmmaking process got. This allowed indie filmmakers to make high-quality films on a limited budget.
The technological revolution also facilitated in opening floodgates for a brand new wave of independent filmmakers who had the option to bring their artistic visions to reality without needing massive financial support or backing.
Reputed films such as “The Blair Witch Project,” which was released in 1999, was shot on a very low budget using handheld cameras. The film’s success made it clear to the world that it was indeed possible to ensure success by relying entirely on a compelling storyline and innovative filmmaking tactics.
OTT Platforms and the Independent Cinema Renaissance
Fast forward to the 21st century, the advent of online streaming platforms acted as a game-changing development for indie filmmakers, primarily since they allowed movies created by them to reach a global audience without relying on the traditional form of film distribution.
Major OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, etc., became crucial partners for independent filmmakers, thereby offering their creations a direct pathway to be watched by hundreds of millions of people throughout the globe.
Besides mainstream OTT platforms, there are also certain unique ones in indie cinema’s realm which have significantly contributed to its growth as a category. One fine example is Mubi. The streaming service features a selection of 30 independent films, each of which are selected by a team of curators who are passionate about indie cinema.
The selection of films usually consists of a mixture of classic, contemporary as well as international indie films. Besides Mubi, other similar platforms which feature indie films include Defunct, Criterion Channel, Kanopy, Sundance Now, etc.
Streaming platforms became a home for indie filmmakers, with blockbuster films like “Beasts of No Nation” (2015) and “Manchester by the Sea” (2016) reaching tons of people and being honored with prestigious awards.
The ease of accessibility these platforms offered significantly expanded indie cinema’s reach. Moreover, it also posed a solid challenge to the model of theatrical release, which sparked multiple debates regarding film distribution’s future.
Conclusion
The upsurge of independent cinema is a remarkable testament – a testament to the unyielding resilience & creativity of visionary filmmakers who took a leap of faith and dared to pose a challenge to the pre-established norms and rules of the film industry.
From having down-to-earth beginnings in the early late 19th century with legendary filmmakers seeking artistic freedom and autonomy to the digital revolution which massively democratized filmmaking, indie cinema has evolved remarkably, all while adapting to technological and cultural changes.
Today, indie cinema stands tall as a major and crucial component of the cinema industry, providing audiences a wide range of tales and perspectives, most of which do not find a place in the mainstream world.
Streaming services are also making progress in terms of reshaping the landscape of film distribution. Besides this, advanced post production platforms like Postudio are also adding to the convenience of indie filmmakers, i.e., by allowing them to fulfill all their post-production requirements virtually without burning a hole in their pockets.
It is very evident that the unique visions of indie filmmakers will continue enriching and redefining the world of cinema. To conclude, the future of independent cinema looks very bright.
