🎬 (Truly) Independent Film Recommendations
Five of our favorite films from our favorite film festivals
I talk a lot about how our main goal with our filmmaking is building community. That includes the community of the cast and crew that we collaborate with, the audiences we get to share our films with (hi, everybody!), and fellow filmmakers who we get to meet, learn from, and collectively share our films/hearts with at film festivals.
I always leave each festival so inspired by the incredible films we get to see, but also the deep relationships we get to build with the filmmakers behind those films.
I can’t overstate just how difficult it is to make a truly independent film. We have to raise money, bring together talent, plan and shoot our films, and take distribution into our own hands. We put years of our lives (not to mention our blood, sweat, tears, and money) into creating these films because we have deeply personal stories to tell and want to share those stories with the world.
Over the course of our festival run with Guacamole Yesterdays, I got to meet so many amazing filmmakers and watch so many of their amazing stories. So, I thought I’d share some of my favorites that are now out into the world and where you can watch them.
If you’re bored with all the sequels and CGI fests the mass conglomerates currently have to offer and want more wildly original films, this is a great place to start. And these run the gamut - there’s really something for everyone in here!
As opposed to Hollywood films, every dollar you spend on these films, whether renting, purchasing, or streaming, makes a massive difference for each of these filmmakers. And if you like them, be sure to share your feelings on social media or leave a review on Letterboxd!
Don’t Get Eaten
A YouTuber dad takes his family on a trip in the woods, where they'll have to survive a possible zombie apocalypse.
Click here to watch the trailer.
Available on: Apple, Amazon, and more
Don’t Get Eaten is such a unique and wonderful surprise: a family friendly zombie comedy film. I know “family friendly” might be a turn off but this is such a well done film that never panders to its audience. It has real stakes, real emotions, and powerful takeaways while also being very, very fun. We got to meet the wonderful and charming Melinda Simon (producer and star) at Omaha Film Fest where she shared the experience of making this movie, which is truly a family affair since it is written and directed by her husband and she plays mom to her actual (adorable) kids!
Booger
After the death of her best friend Izzy, Anna focuses all her attention on Booger, the stray cat which she and Izzy took in.
Click here to watch the trailer.
Available on: Amazon, Roku, Vudu, and more
Booger is a wonderful genre-bending film that mixes body horror, humor, and drama. Written and directed by Mary Dauterman and starring the very funny and talented Sofia Dobrushin, who we got to hang out with at the Indie Street Film Fest in Jersey. I deeply loved this movie and it’s one of the more unique viewing experiences I’ve had. It made me cringe (as great body horror does), laugh, and even tear up as a deeply moving exploration of grief.
Breakup Season
A young man brings his girlfriend to his rural Oregon hometown to introduce her to his family, only for things to go terribly wrong upon arrival.
Click here to watch the trailer.
Available on: Amazon, Apple, Vudu and more
We’ve seen so many movies about how to fall in love, but it’s rare we get to see one about how to break up. Breakup Season follows the lead character who gets snowed in with her boyfriend’s family right after they break up. It does such a great job capturing all those painful and awkward moments, and also finds empathy for complicated people and their families. We got to meet filmmaker H. Nelson Tracey (one of the hardest working guys in indie film) and star Samantha Isler (who is phenomenal in this) at RiverRun Film Fest, but I believe we actually played at four total fests together.
Ramona at Midlife
Working mum and former literary “It” Girl, Ramona, learns her life is the subject of a filmmaker's newest project. As Ramona faces her disappointments and wrecked friendships, she finds true creative power and her best self.
Click here to watch the trailer.
Available on: Apple, Amazon, and more
Ramona at Midlife is for anyone who has ever tried to balance creative endeavors and real life. I saw a lot of myself in the character of Romana as she navigates writing, marriage, parenting, comparison, and getting older. You’ll also catch some cameos from very famous people like Rosmarie Dewitt and Josh Radnor. Writer/directer Brooke Berman, who we met at Omaha Film Fest, became one of our closest friends across our festival run, always open to a deep conversation, whether that be about our personal lives and histories or sharing tricks and tips for creative film distribution.
Okie
Louie, an acclaimed writer, returns to his hometown after his father's death. Confronted with a host of people from his past, Louie is forced to reconcile with the stories he's stolen, misrepresented, or downright exploited for profit.
Click here to watch the trailer.
Available on: Apple, Amazon, Roku, Plex, and more
I grew up in a small town and it’s rare that it’s captured faithfully on film, instead often used as the butt of a joke. Okie nails the nuances of small town life with truth, love, and empathy. It’s a unique look at “returning home” and reconciling your past and present, filled with wonderful natural performances and one of the most beautifully shot indies I’ve seen. We got to meet the talented and delightful director and star, Kate Cobb, and her equally awesome partner, writer and star, Kevin Bigley at Phoenix Film Festival.
I hope you’ll check some of these films out and seek out some truly independent films for yourself. As more of our favorite films from our favorite filmmakers are released this year and beyond, we’ll be sure to do more of these!
—Hudson