'Long live new-wave cinema', says critic
Critic pays homage to indie film-makers
Following the success of the London Film Festival, one critic is heralding the triumph of the next new wave of cinema.
Writing in the Times, James Christopher claims the proper definition of "indie cinema" was the topical debate among industry insiders at the 52nd BFI London Film Festival.
Mr Christopher maintains that the two words which once stood for an "experimental director in charge of his destiny" are now "shorthand" for a $20 million (£12 million) flick.
The film buff believes this may soon change and lauds a seminar held at the festival - entitled Indiewood is Dead … Long Live the New, True Indies - for showcasing five young American filmmakers including Ramin Bahrani, Joe Swanberg and Azazel Jacobs.
"It was almost impossible not to cheer. American indie directors still lead the way. They have an innate ability to pick up a camera as naturally as we would a book," the critic explains.
He adds it is ironic how these film-makers, who often have to wait tables to make ends meet, are "cooling" towards festivals such as Sundance, which they consider to be too mainstream and instead prefer to congregate elsewhere at events such as the South by Southwest showcase (SXSW) in Austin, Texas.
The SXSW 2009 Film showcase will take place from March 13th to 21st 2009.
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