Independent film matters.

Everything we do at Film Independent is compelled by that simple premise and three underlying beliefs: We believe that artist-driven storytelling is critically important to our culture. We believe that our film culture is enriched by the inclusion of voices from all parts of our society. And we believe our role is to help the untold stories be told and heard.

Film Independent’s artist development and education programs help diverse and emerging artists make new work. Our exhibition programs—including the Los Angeles Film Festival and Film Independent at LACMA—bring innovative films to the community, building and strengthening the audience for independent film. And our annual Film Independent Spirit Awards celebrates the achievements of the most visionary artists working today.

If you share our beliefs, today is the day to help Film Independent in our efforts to keep independent film alive and thriving. It’s easy to GIVE NOW. Just text “FIND” to 41444 or visit our donation page.

Here’s how your gift can make a difference today.

1. Give the camera to diverse artists. 
The lack of diversity in film is Hollywood’s worst kept secret. Of 172 recently released films examined by the Bunche Center for African American Studies at UCLA, just 12% were directed by minorities, while a mere 4% were helmed by women. In another study, the Annenberg School at USC found that of 2012’s highest grossing films, women made up: and 20% of producers, 13% of writers and just 7% directors.

Film Independent’s artist development programs (Directing Lab, Documentary Lab, Producing Lab, Screenwriting Lab, and Project Involve) help close the diversity gap. In the past year, 85% of the 90 filmmakers selected for these programs were from under-represented communities in film.  Your support helps us ensure that voices from all parts of our society are heard.

2. Give the audience access to innovative independent film.
We bring audiences exciting cinema and events through the Los Angeles Film Festival, Film Independent at LACMA and a wide array of film education programs and screenings that pull back the curtain on the creative process for filmmakers and film lovers alike. Your support helps us keep independent film alive by giving audiences access to innovative work.

3. Give the award to the most visionary artists working today.
It’s impossible to imagine our film culture today without the contributions of remarkable artists Spike Lee, Robert Rodriguez, David O. Russell, Kasi Lemmons, Spike Jonze, Patty Jenkins, Charlie Kaufman and Ryan Coogler. These past Best First Feature Spirit Award winners are just a handful of the visionary artists we have celebrated throughout the 30-year history of the event. From the John Cassavetes Award for a project made for under $500,000 to the Best First Feature, the Spirit Awards honor films and artists who may otherwise go unnoticed. After three decades, we have become a very large family–a truly supportive filmmaking community. Your support helps us honor our community’s achievements.