Write a 1400-1700 word essay where you evaluate the ways in which your subject film (s) or filmmaker(s) represent “independent” filmmaking. Focus on elements and perspectives that demonstrate how the film is NOT conventional. Certainly, some of your subjects will be “conventional” in some ways – just keep more of your focus on the way your subjects demonstrate their “independence.”
Try to cite specific examples – scenes, shots, lines of dialogue, etc. – to support your points. DO NOT write a long “synopsis” of your film or a “biography” of your subject – only refer to the plot points or historical facts that are relevant to your argument.
About the paper:
My final project will be focused on racial identities and the struggles that minorities face throughout the world. I will discuss hard truths like police brutality and discrimination. I will discuss films like “All Day and a Night” and “When They See Us”. I think films like these are important to discuss because they strive for social change and educate audiences about different social groups’ experiences, struggles, and triumphs.
Feedback:
Hone your thesis to explore how independent film provides a platform for these types of stories to be written, made, and distributed, allowing their important and authentic perspectives to be seen across the world. Additionally, adding context about what was happening in the world and in Hollywood when these films were greenlit, produced, and distributed will enhance the understanding of their significance.
In your essay, you can discuss how these films reflect the core principles of independent filmmaking, the role of indie films in challenging mainstream narratives, and the importance of diverse voices in cinema. Analyze the socio-political climate during the production and release of these films, considering how events in the world and Hollywood influenced their creation and reception. By grounding your analysis in the context of independent film and its impact on representation, you will provide a comprehensive and insightful examination of this crucial aspect of cinema.
