HOW INDEPENDENT FILMS HAVE INFLUENCED POP CULTURE?
Independent filmmakers have left a lasting impression on pop culture and cinema as a whole. Taking risks that bigger-budgeted productions won’t, top film festivals around the world such as Sundance, Toronto International Film Festival, and Cannes are providing opportunities for independent filmmakers to bring stories to life in an inspiring way. These independent films tend to tackle new topics or shape old ones with an unorthodox eye, allowing those who would otherwise be overlooked or unheard — their stories and dreams to reach a greater audience. The impact of independent films on modern day pop culture is undeniable and their power in shaping narrative discourse as we know it today cannot be overstated.
Lets give you some example:
The Matrix was a science fiction film written and directed by Lana Wachowski and stars Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving and Joe Pantoliano. It was inspired by Fritz Lang’s 1927 silent film Metropolis and won numerous awards.
In 2009, Empire ranked it number 25 on their list of 100 Greatest Movies of All Time. In 2017 Time magazine placed it at #27 on its list of “100 best movies ever made”.
The Big Lebowski
The Coen brothers’ 1998 film about a stoner whose life is turned upside down by a kidnapping is one of the most quotable, memorable and beloved cult classics ever made. It also has an ending that is completely unexpected and completely brilliant. Its popularity has spawned a whole cottage industry of spin-off books, T-shirts, coffee mugs and DVDs.
“The Godfather” (1972)
This gangster classic, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, was the first independent film to win the Best Picture Oscar in 1972. It is also one of the most powerful films ever made. The theme of this movie is family and the power of loyalty, especially loyalty to your family.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne in Frank Darabont’s 1994 film The Shawshank Redemption. Andy Dufresne was wrongfully convicted of killing his wife and given a life sentence at Shawshank State Prison in Maine. He spends nearly 20 years there until being released on parole thanks to his friend Red (Morgan Freeman). Both reviewers and viewers gave this movie high marks, and it was named Best Picture at the 1994 Oscars ceremony.
If you are an independent filmmaker, WFCN has the perfect platform for you. Once you are done making your independent movie, you can surf through our 550+ top film festivals and find your niche. We also have CANVAS, a platform for self-distribution. Go and check it out now!
