Film
This 1995 film, directed by Quentin Tarantino, is often considered a defining moment in independent cinema.
What is Pulp Fiction?
This filmmaker, known for his dark, gothic visual style, directed Edward Scissorhands (1990), Beetlejuice (1988), and The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993).
Who is Tim Burton?
This 1959 film directed by Billy Wilder was one of the earliest films to depict the darker side of Hollywood and the film industry.
What is Sunset Boulevard?
This Los Angeles theater, known for its iconic, large, and colorful entrance, is often considered the "Hollywood" venue for movie premieres.
What is the TCL Chinese Theatre?
This method of film production, often used by independent filmmakers, refers to the creation of movies with minimal financial resources, relying on creative techniques to cut costs.
What is guerrilla filmmaking?
This 2009 film, directed by James Cameron, became the highest-grossing film of all time (until it was surpassed by Avengers: Endgame in 2019).
What is Avatar?
This director known for his distinctive visual style and dark humor has created such films as The Grand Budapest Hotel and Moonrise Kingdom.
Who is Wes Anderson?
This 1960 film by Alfred Hitchcock is often cited as the first true “slasher” film, influencing decades of horror films to come.
What is Psycho?
This real life building, located in Los Angeles, is featured as a fictional skyscraper in Die Hard.
What is Nakatomi Plaza?
This Oscar-winning film composer is best known for his work on films such as The Social Network.
Who is Trent Reznor?
In 2008, this film directed by Danny Boyle won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and was known for its vivid depiction of poverty in India.
What is Slumdog Millionaire?
This filmmaker gained fame for his 1990 film Clerks, which was produced on a shoestring budget and is a key example of DIY filmmaking.
Who is Kevin Smith?
This film, directed by John G. Avildsen, won the 1976 Academy Award for Best Picture and is still considered one of the most inspirational sports films ever made.
What is Rocky?
The film The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003) was filmed across this country, known for its stunning landscapes, including New Zealand's Southern Alps.
What is New Zealand?
This famous documentary filmmaker directed Fahrenheit 9/11 and Bowling for Columbine, becoming one of the most well-known figures in documentary film.
Who is Michael Moore?
The 2001 film Donnie Darko was originally a box office flop but later became a cult classic, thanks to its eerie narrative and performance by this lead actor.
Who is Jake Gyllenhaal?
This actress starred in the indie drama Winter’s Bone, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress at just 20 years old.
Who is Jennifer Lawrence?
This 1939 epic film, often regarded as one of the greatest movies ever made, tells the story of the American Civil War and the Reconstruction era.
What is Gone with the Wind?
The Godfather (1972) was filmed in multiple locations, but its most iconic scenes took place in this borough of New York City, home to the Corleone family.
What is Brooklyn?
This crowdfunding platform, widely used by independent filmmakers to raise production funds, helped movies like Veronica Mars (2014) and Wish I Was Here (2014) secure financing.
What is Kickstarter?
This 1998 film directed by Doug Liman became a cult classic and helped launch the career of actor Vince Vaughn. It’s known for its blend of romance and witty dialogue.
What is Swingers?
This actor made his debut in The Breakfast Club and went on to star in several indie hits, including The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
Who is Emilio Estevez?
This 1991 film, directed by Jonathan Demme, won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and helped bring attention to the genre of psychological thrillers.
What is The Silence of the Lambs?
This film festival, held annually in Utah, takes place in the small town of Park City, showcasing hundreds of independent films.
What is the Sundance Film Festival?
This nonprofit organization is known for promoting independent filmmakers and hosts one of the most prestigious independent film festivals in the United States.
What is Sundance Institute?