The Indie Scene: Breaking the Glass

by Cedric Joshua Martinez

Independent Films “Indie Films” as defined by our bros in the asanda2filmstudies.blogspot.com (http://asanda2filmstudies.blogspot.com/2008/09/independent-films-definition.html) are films that are initially produced without financing or distribution from a major film studio.

Lately, Indie films in the Philippines are reaching out to the people as well as collecting numerous awards both here and abroad. Nevertheless, what are the possible reasons behind these? Here are my personal insights regarding the success of the Indie Films:

1. Indie films are not after the sales, they are after the story.

Most of the time, social issues and concerns are at the core of an indie film story which I very much different from the local mainstream movies. While the indies give us a glimpse of the reality, mainstream movies feed us with fantasy, imagination and romantic clichés.

2. They are limited in terms of budget.

Curious isn’t it? How does a limited budget contribute to the success of independent films? Simple. Independent filmmakers are forced to think outside the box. Thus, they are becoming more innovative in using the resources that they have, from the simple camera tricks, use of prosthetic up to the editing. They are discovering new and much more effective ways in making an indie film.

3. Indie Films are Independent

Being independent comes with many challenges, and perks. For filmmakers, this independence release them from the control of production companies and their standards. This gives them, especially the Director, much more control and opportunity to display what he or she would want to show to the audience.

4. Actors and Actresses work for the honor.

In spite of the low budget, we ask ourselves “Why is ___________ in this film? If I could remember __ has a very high talent fee.” The answer lies in the awards that they receive in the Philippines and overseas. Aside from which, they would also like to work with top directors like Brilliante Mendoza.

5. Indie Films give us the reality at the silver screen.

Philippine independent films give us insights and present to us the reality that is happening out there. And for me, that is the beauty of indie films. It is not only there in order to entertain us but to shake us up and open our eyes. By the end of every movie, questions are always being asked. What am I going to do know that I am aware of it? Am I experiencing the same thing? What can I do about it? This is the beauty of independent films, they are not just a work of art but more than that, they are stories of the people, our stories.

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