Five Amazing Independent Movies

The genre of independent film is loved by many, but with so many to choose from, sometimes the selection can be overwhelming. Here's a list of great indepedent films both foreign and domestic that will enrich your mind, open your heart, and feed your soul!

Butterfly

This hard-to-find film documents the life of Julia "Butterfly" Hill during her residence in a 1500-year old California Redwood. It shows the struggle between loggers and activists as tensions rise and her popularity amongst citizens worldwide grows. She stays, perched high above the landscape, for over 700 days while food and supplies are lifted to her through a pulley system. She allows a few interviews which take place in her "tree home" and this documentary shows footage from these discussions. No matter whose side you're on by the end of the film, it's an interesting find and definitely a must-see.

Enter the Void

This visually-stunning film features beautiful colors and incredible camera work, not to mention a unique storyline. It's about a young man and his sister. When a drug deal goes wrong he gets shot by the police and the rest of the movie takes you on a jaw-dropping journey through the afterlife as he deals with holding on to the people and experiences of his former life. You can find this movie steamed on Netflix.

Lilya-4ever

This foreign film provides a sobering peak into the life of a girl living in Eastern Europe. When her mother meets an American man who offers to take her away, she leaves her daughter to fend for herself. Depressed and lonely, Lilya makes friends with a young boy and they spend their days together. Suddenly a handsome young man comes into Lilya's world and promises her a better life if she moves away with him. But everything is not as it seems.

Interview

Steve Buscemi and Sienna Miller sparkle in this independent film about a reporter chosen to interview a young starlet. The reporter thinks there are better people he could spend his time interviewing, while the actress is offended by his lack of interest in her life. As the dialogue pours out, secrets are uncovered and an unlikely relationship develops. However, the actress may not be as dim as the reporter thinks.

Delirious

Another Steve Buscemi flick, also stars Michael Pitt and Alison Lohman. The story follows the connections between a homeless young man, struggling paparazzi member, and a pop star. When the homless boy stumbles into Les Galantine's (Buscemi) life, they become friends, but soon their worlds begin to change when Toby (Pitt) is whisked into stardom and catches the eye of the pop diva. This is a great movie for Buscemi fans and indie fans alike! A must-see!