My credentials are that of a HUGE FAN of indies. Exposure to great filmmakers drew me in; particularly the work of Kelly Reichardt and Hal Hartley. An inspirational trip to the 2006 Sundance Film Festival sealed the deal. Generally speaking, indie filmmakers exhibit a freedom of expression that leads to more honest works of art than the bulk of the lineup at your suburban multiplex. Over time, I've simply found these "smaller films" to be much more interesting and rewarding than the mass-marketed blockbuster wannabes. I've learned much just from enjoying the films, plus listening to and reading the words of the likes of Reichardt and Hartley, and many others, as they talk about their craft in interviews and DVD commentaries.
Fun Fact: Reichardt played a small role in Hartley's wonderful 1989 debut feature, The Unbelievable Truth.
Life is a series of addictive distractions (distractions from what; the great cosmic question). The trick is to pick diversions that do the least harm and maybe even some good. Independent film is my current drug of choice. Here, have a hit....
