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Inside Indies infocus Inside Filmmaking Favorite Films Resources Talkback

Headshot of Vilmos Zsigmond

The iconic cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond fields questions from our viewers including which directors and DPs he most admires, the state of modern filmmaking, and how technology sometimes hurts the artistic side of cinematography.

Explore Ask Vilmos >>



Animation, drama, documentary and poetry in motion—shorts that pack a punch! Immerse yourself in an eclectic mix of stories and storytelling with this year’s batch of Independent Lens Online Shorts winners.

Check out the festival winners and view the shorts online >>


Headshot of Jon Else
Inside Filmmaking
“I actually saw the glow of an atomic explosion when I was about eight years old…. It really made an impression on my little mind. We carry these things around forever, and we spend our lives making movies about stuff that clutters up our childhood memories.”
—Jon Else, WONDERS ARE MANY: The Making of Doctor Atomic

How do doc makers tell personal stories without being too intrusive? Read about the relationship between a young Native American filmmaker and her film subject; find out what it’s like to interview legendary journalists and discover how a sensitive approach led to compelling stories from the elderly.

Read Inside Filmmaking >>

Favorite Films
Grey Gardens. Irma Vep, Casablanca. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang…
No, it’s not Film Appreciation 101, just a few of the titles recommended by Independent Lens filmmakers. Are your favorites on the list? Want to expand your film watching horizons?

Find out more >>



Art house movie theaters are the lifeblood of cinemaphiles in cities everywhere. With tough economic times, home entertainment centers, digital downloads and the shifting indie film marketplace, can art house theaters survive?

Read Art House Theaters: Where Film Lovers Go Local >>

Talkback
What are your three favorite films? Yes… just three.
Take the challenge and share the wealth in Talkback >>

When it comes to filmmaking, what does independent mean to you?
Tell us what you think >>

Indie Resources
Can’t get enough independent cinema? From film fan and filmmaker to fund-seeker and trivia buff, there’s something for everyone in Indie Resources.
Get informed >>
<i>Independent Lens</i>, the film festival in your living room, is proud to present Inside Indies: an inside look at the world of independent film.
Inside Indies celebrates the creative freedom, artistic achievements and unflinching visions of independent producers who make films that change the way we see our lives and our world.

What is independent?
“A film or program is independent if more than fifty percent of its financing comes from sources other than the seven major U.S. studios.”
Source: The Independent Film & Television Alliance

What makes a film independent?
Tell us what you think >>

Tell us what you think about Inside Indies. Send your comments to independentlens@pbs.org




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The Audience Award
After each Independent Lens television broadcast, the audience decides how the film measures up. Learn more »


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