In the 2025 Oscars, independent films had huge success by winning a lot of awards overtaking blockbusters. “Anora” won five awards including Best Picture, Directing, and Actress in a Leading Role. And “Flow” won the best animated film beating Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” signified the standard of indie films in the industry.
What are indie films? What makes these films independent? According to Arcstudiopro, an indie film is a feature film or short film that is produced and distributed by independent filmmakers or smaller entertainment companies. No major movie studios or television networks are involved in the creation and they are made with a lower budget.
Indie films are not one genre and it can be horror to romantic comedy. Since there is no involvement in the creative process, the filmmakers focus on their vision with less budget and less well-known stars or rather up-and-coming actors. Artistic freedom gives these films much more unique storytelling and perspective compared to the mainstream blockbuster films.
All the mainstream movies have been repeating between sequels and remakes or unengaging storylines using A-list stars without any engaging storylines and became predictable. The audience has grown tired of these lazy writings and clichés. All the major studios invest millions of dollars and have been having a hard time just to break even.
It is not that indie films become popular out of nowhere. Some of the most famous directors today such as Christopher Nolan and Quentin Tarantino all debuted their first feature film in independent scene. New directors like Ari Aster and Jordan Peele are also getting popular with some of iconic horror films like “Get Out” and “Hereditary”.
Lately, the line between indie and blockbuster mainstream movies has become thinner as studios like A24 has become more popular. And major studios like Disney and Warner Brothers acquire indie production companies and creating their own indie films. However, indie films by independent directors are still going strong as the artistic freedom plays an important role in creating an indie film.
