Author: Shaudi Bianca Vahdat
Indie films, particularly those with small budgets, typically don’t have the luxury of lavish marketing campaigns or celebrity draws. While some indie films do break through with help from major distributors, many rely on word-of-mouth and organic marketing to find their audience.
That’s why your support can make a real difference in the indie filmmaking landscape. And modern tools mean today’s audiences have more power than ever to impact the future of independent movies and the filmmakers behind them.
If you’re passionate about film and want to know how you can support bold, original storytelling from diverse voices, keep reading for simple but meaningful ways to support indie movies!
What is an indie film?
First, let’s clarify what we mean by independent, or indie, film. An indie is generally defined as any film made outside of the traditional large studio system. (We rounded up a list of some of our favorite indies to get you started!)
Indie filmmaking can span a wide range of genres and budgets, though indies are typically working with smaller budgets than their mainstream studio counterparts.
So let’s look at three strategies for supporting low-budget indie movies.
One: seek out indie films
The first step to supporting indies is probably the easiest: go see them! Check out local film festivals or special screenings in your area, and experience these films on the big screen. Directors and actors attend these events when they can, giving you a chance to hear directly from the artists and deepen your understanding of their work.
You can also stream indie films from home on platforms like MUBI, IndieFlix, or The Criterion Channel, all of which prioritize independent filmmaking in their catalogues.
Not looking to commit to a paid streaming service right now? No problem. You can check out a free streaming service like Plex or Tubi, which offer a pretty robust selection of indie films you can watch and support for free.
Two: leave reviews
One of the first things most people do when they’re considering watching a film is to Google it. And more often than not, a film’s ratings are right at the top of the search results, making them the first impression many people get.
For indie films, a high number of positive reviews can make a huge difference in how many people end up streaming it. So if you watch and enjoy an indie film, don’t be shy— leave a review!
IMDb, Letterboxd, and Rotten Tomatoes are particularly high-visibility platforms where your review can make the biggest impact for the film’s reach. Many streaming platforms also allow you to leave a review or rating, which is also very valuable for creators.
Not sure what to write? Try writing your review as if you’re recommending the movie to a friend. You can share how the movie made you feel, what surprised or moved you, or the moments that stuck with you the most. Anything that will help potential viewers get a feel for what the movie is like (while minimizing spoilers!) is helpful and appreciated.
Three: interact on social media
Many indies lack the funding for a big marketing budget, so they rely heavily on social media buzz to reach new audiences. That means following and interacting with the social media for a film or filmmaker you love can genuinely help amplify their work.
You can also share your own thoughts on the film— a selfie video, a written post, or even a quick shot of you and your crew watching it. Just be sure to tag the film’s account so they can see and share your support!
Bottom line? If you liked an indie film, talk about it! Your comment or post might be incredibly meaningful to the filmmakers— and it can help others discover their work as well.
Thank you!
In the world of low-budget indie film, anyone can be an influencer—so go forth and use your power wisely!
Our movie, Glass Casa, is an independent film with a small budget, and the first-time feature for writer/director Laa Marcus. We would love to have your support. Here’s how you can help boost the film right now:
- Stream Glass Casa on your favorite platform
- Leave us a review on IMDb, Letterboxd, or wherever you watched it
- Follow us on Instagram and share your thoughts!
Thank you for supporting low-budget independent movies!