Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Scrappy Cinema ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://scrappycinema.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Blog](https://scrappycinema.com/blog/) - This is a hero title that welcomes readers to our blog. This section highlights the purpose of the blog, offering engaging stories, expert opinions, and valuable insights for readers to learn and grow. - [Take A Trip With "A Shaman's Tale"](https://scrappycinema.com/take-a-trip-with-a-shamans-tale/) - I'm not sure if Trippin' Tuesday will become a regular feature here, but if it does, this is a great first entry. Jules Guérin's A Shaman's Tale has a refreshing, handmade aesthetic that blends textures and papers to create a visually arresting, hypnotic journey. As for the story, as Guérin puts it: A mystical journey - [What A Plastic Cat Can Teach Us About Branded Filmmaking And The Environment](https://scrappycinema.com/what-a-plastic-cat-can-teach-us-about-branded-filmmaking-and-the-environment/) - I don’t know how often you think about Garfield, the cantankerous animated cat, but one small town in France has been thinking about him every day for over 43 years. Silly Little Plastic Cat tells the story of a community in Northwest France that has dealt with the debris of thousands of Garfield phones washing ashore since - [Sit Back, Relax, And Take A Tour Of The Kodak Factory, Shot On Film](https://scrappycinema.com/sit-back-relax-and-take-a-tour-of-the-kodak-factory-shot-on-film/) - The look of film is unmatched. While there are plenty of filters, apps, and LUTs to make digital look more like film, it still isn't quite the same as the real thing. But obviously, we're well past peak film, as the affordability and convenience of digital image acquisition has taken over the market. Which got - [Director Emily Hagins Tells Us About Her (Very) Early Start, And Ongoing Film Career](https://scrappycinema.com/director-emily-hagins-tells-us-about-her-very-early-start-and-ongoing-film-career/) - Imagine writing and directing your first feature film at 12 years old. Now imagine a documentary film crew following you around as you try to do it, capturing the excruciating details as the project drags on for years. That was the pressure and odd situation Emily Hagins found herself in at the beginning of her - [Stop What You're Doing And Enjoy The Delightful "Madame Tutli-Putli"](https://scrappycinema.com/stop-what-youre-doing-and-enjoy-the-delightful-madame-tutli-putli/) - It can be hard for those of us in the United States, particularly these days, to imagine robust government-funded programs supporting the most creative filmmakers in the country. For our friends to the north, though, the National Film Board does just that, and we have that support to thank for today's short, "Madame Tutli-Putli." "Madame - [Filmmakers Lose A Distribution Channel As Vimeo Announces End Of "Vimeo On Demand" Service](https://scrappycinema.com/filmmakers-lose-a-distribution-channel-as-vimeo-announces-end-of-vimeo-on-demand-service/) - In an email received today by filmmakers using Vimeo's "Vimeo on Demand" service (including your intrepid reporter), Vimeo announced the closure of the video rental/purchase platform effective November 20, 2026. The announcement was also added to the Vimeo website in late June. "Adoption has slowed in recent years, and we believe reallocating resources to our - [Introducing Movie Club, With 'Memento'](https://scrappycinema.com/introducing-movie-club-with-memento/) - For some time now, we've been looking forward to adding a new way for all of us to come together and enjoy cinema. And so, we're launching our monthly movie club! Each month, we'll select a movie, then you can watch that movie anytime during the month, then join us for our virtual get-together to - [Enjoy The Weekend, 'Merica. We'll See You On Monday](https://scrappycinema.com/enjoy-the-weekend-merica-well-see-you-on-monday/) - I don't know if it's the place of an independent film site to wade into the successes and failings of a nation. So I'll just say, here's to another 250 years, and the hope that we can indeed learn from the past and make it a brighter future. We'll be back on Monday, with our - [Festival Dispatch: Student Projects From Three Colleges Screened At Tri-Co Fest](https://scrappycinema.com/festival-dispatch-student-projects-from-three-colleges-screened-at-tri-co-fest/) - This week, the 15th annual Tri-Co Film Festival took place in Bryn Mawr, PA, just outside of Philadelphia. The Tri-Co Festival (actually a screening) showcases student projects from Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore colleges. The three colleges (hence Tri-Co) are next door to one another, with Villanova University located just down the street, making for - [Demystifying Foley For Indie Films With Foley Artist Katie Waters](https://scrappycinema.com/demystifying-foley-for-indie-films-with-foley-artist-katie-waters/) - The extra depth and texture Foley artists can bring can truly elevate a film. Even with all of today's sound effects libraries, there is still a strong need for the effects and heart that a Foley artist can bring to a film. For independent filmmakers on a budget, Foley can feel like a luxury: A - [The Uphill Battle Of Self-Distribution, And The Power Of Nostalgia](https://scrappycinema.com/the-uphill-battle-of-self-distribution-and-the-power-of-nostalgia/) - When Christopher Johnson started working on a five-part series on The Frugal Gourmet, an influential PBS cooking show hosted by Jeff Smith, it seemed like an easy sell for doc series-hungry streamer. But it wasn't to be, and so Chris Johnson has turned to self-distribution for his thorough look at rise and fall of the - [Independent Film Needs Sustainable Success, Not Occasional Unicorns](https://scrappycinema.com/independent-film-needs-sustainable-success-not-occasional-unicorns/) - In recent weeks, there's been increased chatter around the moment independent film is having. Sure, this isn't the first time it looked like the indies would inherit the (film) earth. Back in the 1990s, there was a renaissance of independent films from small studios like Miramax and Sony Picture Classics, with movies like Slackers, Reservoir Dogs, and - [Academy Award Winner Autumn Durald Arkapaw Talks About Her Craft](https://scrappycinema.com/academy-award-winner-autumn-durald-arkapaw-talks-about-her-craft/) - Autumn Durald Arkapaw, the Academy Award-winning cinematographer of Sinners, takes her craft very seriously. She studies lens design, formats, and cameras to bring just the right look to every project. Through her career, she has become comfortable shooting with a wide variety of formats, from 16mm all the way up to 65mm IMAX in Sinners. - [A Primer On The Role Of The Graphic Designer On Set](https://scrappycinema.com/a-primer-on-the-role-of-the-graphic-designer-on-set/) - Graphic designers are key to bringing life to the set of a film. While we might not always have the resources to hire a professional graphic designer, their contribution can make the worlds created on screen legendary. In this video from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (You know, the Academy), graphic designer - [Jeremy Seifert Talks About The Leap Of Faith In Making His New Doc 'Papertown'](https://scrappycinema.com/jeremy-seifert-talks-about-the-leap-of-faith-in-making-his-new-doc-papertown/) - When the citizens of Canton, North Carolina, found out in March 2023 that the paper mill that was the heartbeat of the town for more than a century was closing before the end of May, they were left scrambling to figure out what was next. They weren't the only ones who started to scramble. Documentarian - [Introducing The Scrappy Cinema Book Club!](https://scrappycinema.com/introducing-the-scrappy-cinema-book-club/) - (In our ongoing effort to connect with younger viewers, we've decided that 2026 is the perfect time to start a book club. Each month we'll be highlighting a book, new or old, that celebrates film, provides important insight, or maybe just a fun take on the world of filmmaking.) The Hays Code, implemented in 1934, - [I Believe in VOD: A Video On Demand Terms Primer](https://scrappycinema.com/i-believe-in-vod-a-video-on-demand-primer/) - For many filmmakers, making the film is the "easy" part. (Those quotation marks are doing a lot of work.) What doesn't come as naturally is the discussion of distribution. If you're trying to self-distribute, or just want to be able to nod knowingly when terms are thrown around by your chosen distributor, then you'll need - [The Duties And Misconceptions Of Location Managers With Kiran Rhe Kestenbaum](https://scrappycinema.com/the-duties-and-misconceptions-of-location-managers-with-kiran-rhe-kestenbaum/) - What does a location manager do during pre-production? What about during production? Where do their duties begin and end, and what do producers get wrong about the role of location managers in a production? We're discussing all of that with Kiran Rhe Kestenbaum, a Baltimore/DC-area location manager. Kiran started her career in filmmaking as an - ["Tuck Me In" Proves Even Really Short Films Can Pack A Punch](https://scrappycinema.com/tuck-me-in-proves-even-really-short-films-can-pack-a-punch/) - Movies often spend a lot of time world building: immersing us in the rules and characters of the universe of any particular film. That's a good thing, and generally makes for a better moviegoing experience. But, it not always necessary, as proven by the short Tuck Me In. Ignacio Rodó's 2014 film is less than - [Is YouTube's Indie Animation Report Surfacing A Trend, Or Just Wishful Thinking?](https://scrappycinema.com/is-youtubes-indie-animation-report-surfacing-a-trend-or-just-wishful-thinking/) - YouTube recently published "Animation's New Wave," a report touting the latest insights into independent animation on the platform. The report makes case studies of a handful of super successful shows, like Helluva Boss, (The only U.S.-based show mentioned), as well as international shows like Argentina's Wasted, and Knights of Guinevere from Australia. The report includes - [Tips For Success At Your First Film Festival](https://scrappycinema.com/tips-for-success-at-your-first-film-festival/) - Spring has sprung, and that means the spring film festival season is upon us. You might be attending your very first festival as a filmmaker, whether you're there with a film in the fest, or just as an audience member. My first film festival was SXSW in 2004. It was a bit overwhelming, and also - [Mark Duplass Offers His Thoughts On Making Indies In 2026](https://scrappycinema.com/mark-duplass-offers-his-thoughts-on-making-indies-in-2026/) - Mark Duplass (and his brother Jay) first landed on the indie film scene when their 2005 film The Puffy Chair debuted at Sundance, and later screened at SXSW. I was at that SXSW, when it felt like we were on the cusp of an indie revolution. In addition to the Duplass Brothers, that year also - [A Look At David Lynch's Earliest Short Films And More](https://scrappycinema.com/a-look-at-david-lynchs-earliest-short-films-and-more/) - The world lost one of the most notable and unique directors of our time when David Lynch, 78, passed away in January 2025. There were many interviews with Lynch through the years about his feature films including Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, and The Elephant Man. Oh, and here at Scrappy Cinema, we recommend the odd - [Jessica Harrop And The Value Of Making Science-Centric Documentaries](https://scrappycinema.com/jessica-harrop-and-the-value-of-making-science-centric-documentaries/) - Just a few years ago the "golden age" of streaming led to a resurgence in appreciation (and funding) for documentary projects. These days many non-profits have exited the market, and documentarians are facing challenges in financing and distribution. In 2020 Sandbox Films was formed with a focus on documentaries with science at their heart, providing - [The Academy Awards Ceremony Needs The "Smaller" Categories Now More Than Ever](https://scrappycinema.com/the-academy-awards-ceremony-needs-the-smaller-categories-now-more-than-ever/) - Every year, it seems the Academy Awards run long. And each year, the Academy and its broadcast partners try to find a way to shorten the show. I've always found this odd because no one seems to have an issue with the Super Bowl, or other live events going long. In theory, you broadcast these - [The Owners Of Shankweiler's Drive-In Talk About The Scrappy World Of Independent Theaters](https://scrappycinema.com/the-scrappy-world-of-independent-drive-in-owners/) - Filmmakers aren't the only ones who frequently have to be "scrappy" to make their dreams a reality. Independent cinema owners face their own challenges, and even more so, owners of drive-in theaters. On the latest podcast, we're chatting with Matt McClanahan and Lauren McChesney, the owners of Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre, which happens to be America's - [Director Billy Miossi Finds The Best Stories In His Own Backyard](https://scrappycinema.com/director-billy-miossi-finds-the-best-stories-in-his-own-backyard/) - Sometimes the best stories are practically in your own backyard. Director Billy Miossi has managed to make two shorts based on unique people who happen to live really close to his Cincinnati home. In Goldie, Miossi tells the story of Tim Goldrainer, a cover band star in the Cincinnati area, who also serves a very - [Your Favorite Independent Film Festival Might Not Be As Indie As You Think](https://scrappycinema.com/your-favorite-independent-film-festival-might-not-be-as-indie-as-you/) - Over 38 years, the South by Southwest festival (better known as SXSW) has grown to be important for both music and film. For filmmakers, the scrappy (ahem) and indie feel of the festival in the early days, was a welcome respite from the often-stuffy feel of other festivals at the time. As the popularity of - [It's Short Film Season At Kickstarter With "Long Story Short" In March](https://scrappycinema.com/its-short-film-season-at-kickstarter-with-long-story-short-in-march/) - Unless you happen to be really close to seeking funding for your next short film, this is information that might be most helpful to tuck away for next year. Nonetheless, March means the return of "Long Story Short" at Kickstarter. Of course you can put your short film project on kickstarter any time of the - [Travel Back To The Very Beginning Of Animated Film With "Fantasmagorie"](https://scrappycinema.com/travel-back-to-the-very-beginning-of-animated-film-with-fantasmagorie/) - Way back in 1908, (We did the math for you: 118 years ago) a frenchman by the name of Émile Cohl created what is widely considered to be the first animated film, Fantasmgorie. Through its one minute and seventeen second length, the film tells the tale of a stick figure protagonist who goes through a - [The 2026 Oscar-Nominated Shorts Are (Maybe) Coming To A Theater Near You](https://scrappycinema.com/the-2026-oscar-nominated-shorts-are-maybe-coming-to-a-theater-near-you/) - We previously shared one of this year's Oscar-nominated shorts that you could watch online. Well good news: A program of three feature-length presentations will be made available in theaters across the country. Each program: Live Action, Animated, and Documentary, are presented with introductions from Taikia Waititi. Most theaters showing all three programs have staggered their - [Get Cozy With That Special Someone, And Watch Two-Thirds Of The Greatest Indie Romance Trilogy](https://scrappycinema.com/get-cozy-with-that-special-someone-and-watch-two-thirds-of-the-greatest-indie-romance-trilogy/) - Ah, Valentine's Day is nearly upon us... Love is in the air. (Along with general dread, but let's try to keep it light...) You might be wondering just what movie to watch with that special someone this weekend. Well, look no further than the first two-thirds of the greatest indie romance trilogy: Richard Linklater's Before - [Watch The Academy Award-Nominated Animated Short "Papillon" (Butterfly) Here](https://scrappycinema.com/watch-the-academy-award-nominated-animated-short-papillon-butterfly-here/) - The Academy Awards are almost here (March 15th, 2026), and while a lot of the films fall outside of what we'd consider the "scrappy" type, the shorts, and in particular the animated shorts, of course exhibit a lot of independent, scrappy ethos. One of these films is Papillon (Butterfly). This animated short, which follows the - [The Possible But Unlikely Silver Lining To The Netflix Warner Brothers Acquisition](https://scrappycinema.com/the-possible-but-unlikely-silver-lining-to-the-netflix-warner-brothers-acquisition/) - Let’s get the obvious part out of the way: The potential merger of Netflix and Warner Brothers will be bad for “the industry.” Many jobs will be lost, and the number of films made for theaters could plummet. (Although Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos says they’re committed to releasing Warner Brothers films in theaters.) That much - [Apple's Chinese New Year Short Shows Great Looking Video Keeps Getting Easier](https://scrappycinema.com/apples-chinese-new-year-short-shows-great-looking-video-keeps-getting-easier/) - There was a time not so long ago, when it was a really big deal when a movie was shot with a phone. But it's already been eleven(!) years since Sean Baker shot his feature Tangerine on three iPhone 5s devices. (aside: I used "device" to not figure out the proper way to make '5s' - [Director Jeffrey Morris Reminds Us Of The Potential Positive Power Of Sci-Fi](https://scrappycinema.com/director-jeffrey-morris-reminds-us-of-the-potential-positive-power-of-sci-fi/) - Evil, bad characters, doing evil, bad things. Dystopian futurescapes where bleakness rules. These are some of the hallmarks of most science fiction these days. And yes, the times we live in are enough to make it easy to identify with these possible futures. But science fiction is also uniquely positioned to provide hope and optimism: - [A Glimpse Behind The Scenes Of 'Rushmore'](https://scrappycinema.com/a-glimpse-behind-the-scenes-of-rushmore/) - Every film set is different, and every director brings their own style to set. I always find it intriguing to see the "vibe" of a set, and to think about how it relates to our perception of the director, or their films. Previously, we had a glimpse of Sean Baker's style during The Florida Project. - [The Power Of Sports, And The Grieving Process In "Flowers, Birds & Dad"](https://scrappycinema.com/the-power-of-sports-and-the-grieving-process-in-flowers-birds-dad/) - For many, rooting for a favorite team is not a casual activity. And one of the most passionate fan bases is that of the Philadelphia Eagles. Generations watch the games together, shared moments and unspoken bonds are formed. But what happens when you lose a loved one who you've shared that bond with? How do - [Be Part Of Our Experiment In Community Building!](https://scrappycinema.com/be-part-of-our-experiment-in-community-building/) - One of the great things about Scrappy Cinema is that we're "human-sized." Meaning, we can reply to all of our emails, respond on Instagram, and take the time to really learn more about people who choose to follow us here and on Instagram. (Thank you, by the way!) So now I'd like to try to - [A New Year Means A New Batch Of Works In The Public Domain](https://scrappycinema.com/a-new-year-means-a-new-batch-of-works-in-the-public-domain/) - The new year means a new batch of movies, songs, illustrations, and paintings have entered the public domain. In fact, we previously mentioned the Internet Archive's Remix film contest, promoting the use of public domain materials. A quick copyright primer: United States copyright law, is, to put it mildly, not perfect. But one of the - [We'll See You In The New Year, Ya Filthy Animals](https://scrappycinema.com/well-see-you-in-the-new-year-ya-filthy-animals/) - Not only do we pride ourselves on being one of the newest websites dedicated to independent film and filmmakers, we also want to be a shining example of that vague concept of work/life balance. And so, it's in that spirit that we bid you adieu until 2026. Happy holidays everyone, and thank you for joining - [Hand-Drawn Animation Is Alive And Well In "Snow Bear"](https://scrappycinema.com/hand-drawn-animation-is-alive-and-well-in-snow-bear/) - Hand-drawn animation, as you may have heard, was the foundation of Walt Disney's early success. You probably also know that the studio's renaissance in the late 1980's/90's was due in very large part to a return to hand-drawn animation that was lovingly crafted, with projects being given the time and resources to make some of - [Why We're Starting An Indie Film Website in 2025](https://scrappycinema.com/why-independent-films-deserve-more-recognition/) - We were lied to. The vast accessibility of high-speed internet was going to level the playing field: Anyone with talent could put their project into the world and find an audience. Only, that isn't what happened. Instead, entrenched players in Hollywood have taken over online films and TV with their own streaming services. For a - [Q & A With "American Comic" Writer/Star Joe Kwaczala On His Mockumentary Of The Standup World](https://scrappycinema.com/q-a-with-american-comic-writer-star-joe-kwaczala-on-his-mockumentary-of-the-standup-world/) - He's been doing standup comedy for over 15 years, but Joe Kwaczala has also found time to create all kinds of sketch comedy, reaching millions of viewers on TikTok and Instagram. We caught up with Joe as he was getting ready to head east to the Phoenixville Film Festival, where his new film, American Comic - [John Waters' Adult Summer Camp Coming To An End](https://scrappycinema.com/john-waters-adult-summer-camp-coming-to-an-end/) - Well, John Waters fans, it looks like you'll only have one more chance to attend what must be (hey, we never made it) a rollicking good time. Launched in 2017, in the mountains of Connecticut, the three-day event combined a cabin stay, with Waters film festival with camp activities for adults, but with Waters twists: - [Kudos To Bumble Bee Tuna For The 'CANS' Film Fest Competition](https://scrappycinema.com/kudos-to-bumble-bee-tuna-for-the-cans-film-fest-competition/) - I'm sucker for the silly, and even more so if a quasi-pun is involved, so when I recently saw an ad for the Bumble Bee Tuna "CANS" Film Festival, they sucked me in. Although billed as a "festival," Bumble Bee is really hosting a competition, in which you can submit a 60-second or less film - [Italian Producer Claims To Have Used An AI Director, And I'm Rolling My Eyes](https://scrappycinema.com/italian-producer-claims-to-have-used-an-ai-director-and-im-rolling-my-eyes/) - One of the guiding principles in starting this site was to write minimally about AI. Why? For one, it is covered relentlessly everywhere. Secondly, the term "AI" is often misused and applied to a wide range of things in the film world, from cataloging footage to generating "complete" films. Simply saying "AI is bad" or - [Let's Take A Trip Back To The Very Beginning Of Horror: 1922's "Nosferatu"](https://scrappycinema.com/lets-take-a-trip-back-to-the-very-beginning-of-horror-1922s-nosferatu/) - I'm not sure exactly when the law was passed, but at some point, all movie sites became obligated to highlight and celebrate "spooky season." As it is already the middle of October, we'll have to make up for lost time to retain our movie site license. Now then, let's go back to 1922, and one - [Dara Bruselovsky And Ben Szemerenyi From "So Close" Join Us For Our First Podcast](https://scrappycinema.com/dara-bruselovsky-and-ben-szemerenyi-from-so-close-join-us-for-our-first-podcast/) - As young filmmakers, Dara Bruselovsky and Ben Szemerenyi are navigating an uncertain industry future, while also focusing on creating their own projects. In this (our first!) podcast episode, Dara, the creator and director, and Ben, producer and co-writer, discuss how they work together, and the challenges they now face as they look to turn their - [Before "Bottle Rocket," There Was "Bottle Rocket." The Student Film That Started It All](https://scrappycinema.com/before-bottle-rocket-there-was-bottle-rocket-the-student-film-that-started-it-all/) - In 1996, a little independent feature titled Bottle Rocket launched the careers of Owen Wilson and Wes Anderson. (Okay, Luke Wilson was in it too.) The story, written by (Owen) Wilson and Wes Anderson centers on two friends who along with another buddy, scheme to go on a vague crime spree of some sort. Just - [That Time The National Archives Made A Short](https://scrappycinema.com/that-time-the-national-archives-made-a-short/) - It's not a great time to be a federal employee, and unfortunately, that includes our friends at the National Archives (Officially known as the National Archives and Records Administration, or NARA). Those of us who work largely in documentaries, will inevitably end up using, or at the very least, searching the vast archives of, well, - [A Cinema Classic With An Eye For The Dreamy](https://scrappycinema.com/a-cinema-classic-with-an-eye-for-the-dreamy/) - Un Chien Andalou is for many, one of the foundational films in the history of cinema. And yes, if you were ever a film major, you' ha've probably seen it before, but it's well worth checking out again. Released in France in 1929, Un Chien Andalou, or The Andalusian Dog, is an experimental short film, - [Talking Short Films And The Worst Interview Question With Ryan Dellaquila & Tyler Schnabel](https://scrappycinema.com/talking-short-films-and-the-worst-interview-question-with-ryan-dellaquilla-tyler-schnabel/) - Tyler Schnabel and Ryan Dellaquila have been making movies together since they were in high school in Pennsylvania. With several projects behind them, they join the podcast to talk about their most recent short, Gods of Cable City. We also talk a little bit about film festival strategy, making in the industry today, and the - [Insights To Making A Successful Feature for $7000](https://scrappycinema.com/insights-to-making-a-successful-feature-for-7000/) - When Viljar Bøe was assigned a short film project in film school, he had other ideas. Viljar decided since he had equipment at his disposal, he'd make a feature instead. The result was Good Dog, a film that bought and distributed around the globe. And it was also a success online with over 300 million - [A24 Releases "The Florida Project" Mini-doc. See It Here](https://scrappycinema.com/a24-releases-the-florida-project-mini-doc-see-it-here/) - Sean Baker is widely revered in the independent film community, not only for his storytelling and self-proclaimed love of cinema, but also his embrace of new technology and lean shoots. In this newly released mini-documentary from behind the scenes of 2017's The Florida Project, we see Baker and his crew going through the trials and - [Autumn Tapley Talks About The Importance Of Your First Fest](https://scrappycinema.com/autumn-tapley-talks-about-the-importance-of-your-first-fest/) - Autumn Tapley is fresh off of having her directorial debut, the short Slaughter on the festival circuit. In this podcast she tells us about how she approaches what festivals to enter, the importance of having your movie seen by strangers, and the value of showing up at festivals where your movie is accepted. Oh, and - [Yorgos Lanthimos Reflects On His Career To Vanity Fair](https://scrappycinema.com/yorgos-lanthimos-reflects-on-his-career-to-vanity-fair/) - I've got to be honest: When I started this site, I wouldn't have expected us to be sharing content from Vanity Fair, yet here we are. In a video piece to coincide with the opening of Bugonia, Yorgos Lanthimos opened up to Vanity Fair, taking the time to explain his films, and peppering in some - [Watch "Pieces of April," And Feel Better About Your Family Dysfunction This Thanksgiving](https://scrappycinema.com/watch-pieces-of-april-and-feel-better-about-your-family-dysfunction-this-thanksgiving/) - It's time for Thanksgiving, and for many, a long weekend here in the United States. And that also means family visits, that might be tinged with varying degrees of awkwardness, uncomfortable confrontation, and maybe plain old dislike. But if you're looking for something to (hopefully) make you feel better about your own family strife this - [Cinephiles Rejoice! Indie Streaming Savings This Cyber Monday](https://scrappycinema.com/cinephiles-rejoice-indie-streaming-savings-this-cyber-monday/) - (FYI, we don't have any affiliate deal with these companies, just thought you'd like to know!) This Cyber Monday has the usual streaming savings from the big players, but I wanted to give you a heads up to two smaller streamers you might be interested in. First, The Criterion Channel (Founding member here!) is offering - [Some Film Orgs To Consider Helping This Giving Tuesday](https://scrappycinema.com/some-film-orgs-to-consider-helping-this-giving-tuesday/) - Look, we get it: most scrappy filmmakers (really filmmakers in general) are often tight on cash. But I also know that we have some of the most empathetic hearts, and want to ensure a healthy future and a preserved past of the filmmaking. So in that spirit, here are a few organizations to consider supporting - [(Some) Successfully Funded Kickstarter Projects Headed To Tubi In Partnership](https://scrappycinema.com/some-successfully-funded-kickstarter-projects-headed-to-tubi-in-partnership/) - Getting an independent feature made is only half the battle. Next comes the long, winding road of distribution. Well Kickstarter and Tubi hope to help. Back in June, the two companies launched "The Filmstream Collective," a fund provided by Tubi, intended to help fund near-final projects, and get them across the finish line. The new - [Celebrate The Upcoming Public Domain Day With The Public Domain Remix Contest](https://scrappycinema.com/celebrate-the-upcoming-public-domain-day-with-the-public-domain-remix-contest/) - It has become an annual tradition for the Internet Archive to celebrate January 1st as Public Domain Day. Each year, the organization celebrates the works entering the public domain in the new year. And when the calendar moves to January 1, 2026, several works from 1930, including films, music, and novels will become public domain, - [Festival Dispatch: The Centre Film Festival, Centre County, PA](https://scrappycinema.com/festival-dispatch-the-centre-film-festival-centre-county-pa/) - Sunday marked the end of the 7th edition of the Centre Film Festival, held in Centre County, PA, home to Penn State University. This festival's proximity to Penn State, and the integration of resources/professors from the school help this festival stand out: While most festival Q & A's are comprised of simply the filmmakers and - [Humble Beginnings: Check Out John Carpenter's "Dark Star" Right Here](https://scrappycinema.com/humble-beginnings-check-out-john-carpenters-dark-star-right-here/) - Sure, today John Carpenter is revered as a master of horror and suspense. Oh, and some pretty evocative music too. But back in the early 1970's he probably wasn't all that different from you, dear reader. Carpenter's first feature, Dark Star, started as a student project at USC. After two years of working on the - [Some Lessons We Can All Learn From That Short We've All Seen](https://scrappycinema.com/some-lessons-we-can-all-learn-from-that-short-weve-all-seen/) - There's a an Oscar-nominated short that has been viewed over 487 million times on YouTube, making it the most-watched Oscar-nominated short ever, and probably the most-watched short film period, depending on your definition of short film. There's a good chance you've seen it before. Maybe like me, you'll think you didn't see it before, but - [Festival Dispatch: The Phoenixville Film Festival](https://scrappycinema.com/festival-dispatch-the-phoenixville-film-festival/) - The Phoenixville Film Festival just concluded its third annual edition in downtown Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Festivals this young usually have significant growing pains and issues to overcome if they are to become bigger, more prominent festivals. Bearing in mind, of course, that doesn't have to be the intended goal of a festival. That said, the Phoenixville ## Pages - [Home](https://scrappycinema.com/) - Celebrating Independent Film. Really Independent Film. Scrappy Cinema is here to give exposure to the unseen stories of today's filmmakers. News Explore in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories that shine a light on independent films beyond the mainstream. 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