MovieMaker. Winter 05.

As veterans of Sundance 05 have been writing since last weekend, the state of the American independent film is in flux and there may be more than a little to worry about. Perhaps it'll come as a balm to anxious minds, then, this new issue of MovieMaker, with its list of the "best American indies of the 21st century so far." Introduced by Saul Austerlitz, the list of 20 is a reminder that, for all its sometimes painful transformations and playful flirtations with Oscar, the American indie did not die with the 90s; and besides, it takes time to know what lasts.

Meantime, onward. Michelle Devereaux has some solid advice for the present and future generation of indie filmmakers: "Choose festivals that not only have proven reputations, but also meet your individual goals.... Here's a highlight reel of some hidden festival gems, along with the demographics to which they tend to cater."

Niels Mueller recounts how he got The Assassination of Richard Nixon made.

Jessica Hundley profiles actor-writer-director Mike Binder.

Tools for lighting folk, recommended by Matthew Power.

Online interviews and profiles: Jennifer M Wood with Alexander Payne's writing partner, Jim Taylor, editor Amy Duddleston and director Curtiss Clayton; Bob Fisher with cinematographer Fred Koenekamp.

Posted by dwhudson at February 5, 2005 3:08 AM