Written By: Nolan Collins

With smaller budgets and less input from non-creative businessmen, indie films are more likely to be the director’s actual vision, rather than a distortion of the director’s vision, after being transformed into the most profitable product deemed possible.  

Although, many people enjoy big budget Hollywood blockbusters, independent cinema is often the favorite of many aspiring writers, directors, and filmmakers who enjoy the artistic aspect of film more so than the possibility of gaining large profits. 

At the Los Angeles leg of the New York International Film Festival, they hold an opening night party where they give out awards from previous festivals during “festival week.”  Also, at the party, everyone is given the opportunity to mingle with filmmakers, actors, producers, writers, etc.  It’s a fun gathering of industry professionals and was an event highlighted by a mutual respect and love of independent cinema.  

Festival guests are given the chance to attend one of the many screenings held throughout Hollywood. One screening, held at Raleigh Studios (one of the premiere independent studios in the country) featured two short films and a feature.  Here is a little about each of them. 

SINGLE STATUS

Johnny drives his insincere friend to break up with his girlfriend… after already changing his status to “single” on Facebook.  Johnny and his friend get way more than they bargained for.

This short film is very funny and shows some impressive artistic talent in the photos at the end.

WHISKEY GIRLS

Three sassy girls get ready to go out, but drink excessively while doing so.  Personalities and egos collide in this comedy short.

This short film garnered some laughs from the crowd but the creators seem to think it’s funnier than it actually is.  Some of the comedy seems forced and it is a little too strange to reach a huge audience.

QUITE A CONUNDRUM

A group of young people throw a small party that takes some dark turns involving an eye patch, a bible thumping mother, a drumset, a puddle of vomit, and a lot more craziness that you have to see to believe.

This dark comedy feature film showcases an extremely talented ensemble cast and seamless transitions between side-splitting comedy and disturbing, horror-eque intensity.  Although it is tough to watch at times, it is quite entertaining and has an emotionally powerful ending.

If you love film and ever get the chance to go to a film festival and see some of the independent gems that are out there, DO IT!  It’s also a great experience to watch a film with the filmmakers in a small, more intimate screening room.  It’s awesome.