FESTIVAL OF INDEPENDENT AMERICAN CINEMA
Image: The Fits
Essential Independents, a new film festival, comes to Sydney, presenting 32 feature films and two documentaries for film festival buffs who have a deep interest in quality American Independent cinema.
“America leads the world in Independent feature production. These films have been produced since the silent movies – the inventors of cameras and projectors initially made the films,” explained festival artistic director Richard Sowada. “After WWII the technology became accessible and by the mid-1950’s independent films really started – there was an international explosion.”
Many independent American films over the years have had considerable success, including Midnight Cowboy, The French Connection and Cruising, all of which are screening at this festival.
“Independent films are produced mostly or completely outside of the major film studios, identifiable by the content and style and considerably lower budgets than major studio movies. They are script orientated, well composed and tight in storytelling – they are better movies for that,” continued Sowada. “But lower budgets doesn’t mean ‘crap’. These films are beautifully filmed and the ingenuity of the scripts make these stories meaningful and elevates the quality of these films.”
“Producers of Independent films have to exploit everything at their fingertips to make their films work, as the marketplace is so congested with films and this limits their chances of success.”
When asked who these films would appeal to, Richard said he gave up thinking of demographics long ago, as it’s all about how you think.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re 16 or 90, these films are for movie-goers who look for something different, who want something fresh. There’s something for everyone.” (MMo)
HOT PICKS
The Fits – A coming of age story which follows an 11-year-old tomboy as she looks for a place to belong. Fresh and fluid with a young cast and a flowing narrative structure, this film is unmissable.
Time Out Of Mind – Richard Gere spent time living on the streets to prepare for the role of a homeless man on the downward slide in New York. Unrecognizable, he delivers a remarkable performance.
I Smile Back – US Comedian Sarah Silverman swaps comedy for depression, as a wife and mother whose addiction to drugs, alcohol and promiscuity shatters her marriage.
Tumbledown – A snappy and enjoyable romantic drama about a woman grieving the loss of her husband. A warm, sensitive and humorous film about moving on.
The Keeping Room – A fast paced western starring Sam Worthington about three women who must resort to violence for survival when they cross paths with two scouts from the Union Army.
May 17–Jun 1. Palace Norton Street & Palace Verona. $19.50-$80 (5 film pass). Tickets & info: essentialindependents.com
