Who We Are
We Are Community
Championing filmmakers and film lovers since 1984.
Film Independent is a Member-driven, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization leading the way to a more inclusive and equitable entertainment industry.
Our mission is to champion creative independence in visual storytelling in all its forms, and to foster a culture of inclusion. We support a global community of artists and audiences who embody diversity, innovation, curiosity and uniqueness of vision.
If you're passionate about storytelling – whether you are a student, working professional, or just love movies and television – you're welcome here. Become a Member, and learn more about the impact of the community that you'll be an important part of.
We Uplift
Everywhere we go and in everything we do, inclusion comes first.
We strive to ensure that stories told on screen, and the storytellers behind them, reflect the world we live in.
That means we bring underrepresented voices to the fore, and further the careers of innovative artists from diverse backgrounds, through our many impactful Artist Development Labs & Programs.
Our Global Media Makers cultural exchange program provides career-building opportunities by providing international filmmakers with hands-on training, industry sessions, mentorships with leading U.S. entertainment professionals and more.
Film Independent Education events and workshops equip filmmakers of all ages and experience levels with the tools, resources and knowledge needed to advance their projects and careers. With a blend of in-person and online offerings taking place monthly, those in Los Angeles – and virtually anywhere else – can benefit from an array of topics and classes.
We Watch
Our signature screening and event series offers something exciting for everyone.
Film Independent Presents is a curated, year-round program that features incredible in-person and online screenings, one-of-a-kind Live Reads of beloved scripts, in-depth An Evening With... conversations and much more.
Recent Live Reads include a 20th anniversary celebration of Napoleon Dynamite directed by Natalie Morales; Wayne's World directed by Zoe Lister-Jones; and Back to the Future directed by Ben Schwartz.
In the past two years alone, An Evening With... conversations have featured Lily Gladstone, Colman Domingo, Emily Blunt, Patrick Stewart, Seth Meyers, Molly Shannon and many other incredible actors, directors and artists.
Take a peek at our events page to see what's coming up!
We Celebrate
Each year, the Film Independent Spirit Awards recognizes the very best independent films, series and artists.
The annual Film Independent Spirit Awards is the premier awards event for the independent film and television community, taking place amidst the signature Southern California backdrop of sand, surf and the world-famous pier in Santa Monica.
The show serves as the primary fundraiser for our year-round slate of programs, which directly supports our mission to champion a community of artists who are leading the way to a more equitable and just future.
The best part is, Film Independent Members receive exclusive access to stream nominated films/series, and vote to determine the winners.
How We Got Here
Hey, it's our 40th birthday!
Founded in 1984 by a small band of filmmakers, the nonprofit, member-driven organization Independent Feature Project/West was born with the aim of sharing creative ideas, increasing resources for independent filmmakers, and making the film industry look more like the world we actually live in. National recognition followed with the launch of the Spirit Awards in the mid-1980’s and, in time, IFP/West became Film Independent, a fuller and more accurate moniker for what that organization had grown into. Film Independent's Artist Development programs expanded significantly in the early 2000’s and, in 2016, the organization’s international reputation grew dramatically with the launch of Global Media Makers.
As we begin another 40 years of supporting independent voices, we invite you to join us. When we stand together, we make an even greater impact.