Building an Independent Film Community

December 24, 2009 Comments »

“Juno,” “Little Miss Sunshine,” “Thank You for Smoking”—these are just a few of the wonderful independent films I’ve seen over the years.

Don’t get me wrong I love a good Hollywood blockbuster like “The Dark Knight” or “Pirates of the Caribbean” but there’s something so real and refreshing about a film that retains the artistic vision of the director and relies much more on story than action or special effects.

Indie films like the recently released “Precious” also touch on issues that many of the large movie studios shy away from. They give us a broader perspective about life and the realities we and others we may not usually cross paths with face.

When I moved to Jacksonville, there was no venue dedicated to these lower-budget, truly imaginative films made by new and emerging directors.

Then one of the things on my wish list, besides learning to surf (now moved to the 2010 list), came true. The 5 Points Theatre reopened in November of 2008 as a theatre dedicated to art house and indie films.

That wasn’t the only cool thing about its reopening. As I read more about Jacksonville’s early 20th century movie-making roots, I learned that the 5 Points Theatre had been a big part of that legacy.

Built in 1927, the 5 Points Theatre was the first theatre in Florida and the third in the country to show “talkies” or talking movies.

Did you know that the theater is reported to have had the longest run of “The Godfather” of any theater in the country?

When Jack Shad and Pete Moseley who own the building and the theatre were looking at what to do with the venue after it has spent much of the 80’s and 90’s as a playhouse and a nightclub, all that history factored into their decision.

“We looked at other options for the space – restaurants, event space, etc. – but it just seems to want to be a theatre,” Jack highlighted.

“We think there’s a need for a venue to show independent film. There are just not that many places that will take a chance on locally made films or non-blockbuster type movies.”

As someone who makes documentaries, that’s music to my ears.

Locally and independently produced films don’t have access to the big marketing and distribution budgets that the big studios offer. So if the directors of these films want them to be seen, the best place to reach audiences is through community venues like the 5 Points Theatre.

Sure you can rent the DVD in a couple of months, but a theater gives you a chance to meet people with similar interests and have a discussion with them about a film.

That’s community.

Indie film like other arts and cultural offerings makes a city like Jacksonville vibrant and draws people from other parts of the country looking to relocate to an interesting, affordable city with a thriving arts scene.

Jaxindiefilm.com is your central resource for local and independent film in Jax. We’ll feature interviews with local filmmakers and a place for them and film lovers to connect and build community.

Have an upcoming film event? Finished a new film? Send us an email three weeks in advance: news@jaxindiefilm.com

As the big movie season begins, I look forward to bringing people together to watch something a little different, not quite off the beaten path… but maybe a slight detour from the route you normally take.

See y’all at the movies!