Room When: March 1 Where: DVD/VOD Director: Lenny Abrahamson Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Joan Allen, William H. Macy Why We’re Excited: Now that Brie Larson has officially swept award season and won pretty much every Best Actress award out there (including the Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead), here’s your chance to watch her emotionally charged performance yet again—or for the very first time. Lenny Abrahamson’s adaptation of Film Independent Member Emma Donoghue’s heartfelt and thrilling novel will have you on the edge of your seat, all while reaching for a box of tissues. Donoghue adapted the screenplay of her own bestseller, and was just honored winning the Film Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay. The book and film shine light on the beautiful bond between mother and child; weaved together with the story of a young woman’s relentless need to protect her son and emancipate him from the unthinkable living situation in which they have been burdened with since he was born. Larson is joined by the on-screen talents of Joan Allen and former Film Independent Spirit Award winner William H. Macy, though most of her scenes are shared with young breakthrough star Jacob Tremblay. The film is likely going to steal your heart for two hours, so if you missed it in theaters, snuggle up and check out one of the year’s most talked-about dramas. Experience the creative passions of a talented cast and crew and be inspired by the strength of the film’s message.
James White When: March 1 Where: DVD/VOD Director: Josh Mond Starring: Christopher Abbott, Cynthia Nixon Why We’re Excited: Another must-see film March film featuring two strong performances from actors playing mother and son. In Josh Mond’s first feature, Christopher Abbott delivers a breakthrough performance as James, a 20-something New Yorker who is running wild, self-medicating and adrift in life following the death of his father. While the booze, drugs and women help numb him from hurting, he is still forced to start facing reality and learning how to take care of himself. James’ evolving maturity is accentuated by the relationship between he and his ailing mother (Nixon), who is battling cancer. This is a non-conventional coming-of-age story, but James White (the character) is the kind of character many of us can relate to, especially if you didn’t have your whole life figured out during your 20s. Mond’s debut premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and went on to be nominated for three Film Independent Spirit Awards including Best First Feature and acting nominations for Abbott and Nixon.
Songs My Brothers Taught Me When: March 2 Where: Theaters Director: Chloé Zhao Starring: Irene Bedard, Dakota Brown Why We’re Excited: We are thrilled to see how the passionate, hardworking efforts of Film Independent Fellows Chloé Zhao, Angela Lee and Mollye Asher paid off and resulted in a film that everyone is quite proud of. Zhao’s first feature follows a Native American family as they struggle to keep life on their reservation afloat after the loss of their father. The film makes a bold statement, as audiences peer into the lives of characters and a demographic that is often one-dimensional, misrepresented or simply nowhere to be found on the big screen. Film Independent’s Artist Development programs enabled Zhao and her team to polish the script, prep for shooting and take the passion project to the next level. After completing Film Independent’s Producing and Screenwriting Labs and Fast Track, a producer’s grant was awarded to the film, and before long Zhao was premiering her debut feature at the Sundance Film Festival and Director’s Fortnight at Cannes. We love seeing the lives of other cultures brought to life in cinema, and this labor of love is one that truly celebrates the Film Independent mission statement, while also capturing the spirit of indie filmmaking. A crew of only five and cast of mostly first time actors join Fellows Lee and Asher, Film Independent Member Nina Yang Bongiovi and of course Zhao, making her first feature quite an accomplished debut. The film was nominated for three Film Independent Spirit Awards including Best First Feature and the Someone to Watch nomination for Zhao.
Knight of Cups When: March 4 Where: Theaters Director: Terrence Malick Starring: Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Natalie Portman Why We’re Excited: There’s really no telling what you’re getting yourself into when you sit down to watch a Terrence Malick movie. We’re just excited that the innovative storyteller got right back to work after The Tree of Life, as he is known to take very long breaks in between film projects. In his latest drama, Hollywood decadence and the film business play a key role in the main character’s desire to find love and a stronger sense of self. The film boasts a big Hollywood cast led by Christian Bale, who stars as a writer with a lot of complicated relationships, including those with his father (Brian Dennehey) and brother (Wes Bentley), not to mention ghosts of girlfriends past, present and future. The film begins with Bale’s character about to embark on a journey through Los Angeles and Las Vegas, where he will encounter six beautiful women and endure the challenges and adventures that accompany each. If he succeeds, he’ll break the curse of his disenchantment and live happily ever after. You’re probably just as confused as we are, but that doesn’t make us any less excited to see how this plays out. Plus, it’s Christian Bale and a bunch of awesome actresses, including Imogen Poots, Theresa Palmer, Frieda Pinto and Film Independent Spirit Award winners Cate Blanchett and Natalie Portman.
Me Him Her When: March 4 Where: Theaters & VOD Director: Max Landis Starring: Luke Bracey, Dustin Milligan, Emily Meade Why We’re Excited: Screenwriter and actor Max Landis makes his directorial debut with this low-budget comedy about a drifter named Corey (Bracey) who arrives in LA to shake things up with his semi-famous friend Brendan (Milligan). Brendan is a closeted actor whose public life is becoming hectic and delirious with all of the different lives he’s living and people he is romantically entangled with. It’s been awhile since we’ve had a good LGBT-themed comedy come around and Landis’ first feature seems to be a good choice for a carefree movie night. The bright young cast also includes an all-grown-up Hayley Joel Osment, Alia Shawkat and Geena Davis. Additionally, the film was produced by Film Independent Members John Turtletaub and Peter Saraf. They Will Have to Kill Us First When: March 4 (NYC Only; with expanding dates to follow) Where: Theaters Director: Johanna Schwartz Why We’re Excited: For anyone who loves music (so, everybody…right?) we ask: what would you do if you were told by your government that you couldn’t play, make or listen to music? Johanna Schwartz’s first feature is a documentary that introduces us to the passionate people of northern Mali, capturing evidence that music is the heart and soul of their community. In 2012, Islamic headliners took control over the land and imposed new laws banning all forms of music, resulting in radio stations being destroyed, instruments being set on fire and sent musicians hiding for their lives. Instead of falling victim and succumbing to the new laws, the brave men, women, children and artists of the Malian culture band together to defend their heritage and demand the freedom to be able to play, create and listen to music as they always have. This unbelievable true story makes one value the simple freedoms we are privileged to enjoy, as we discover the heartbreaking news that in some parts of the world, terrorist acts of violence are being carried out over something that typically makes people come together. The film premiered at SXSW and is being distributed by BBC Worldwide in limited markets throughout April after it premieres in New York on March 4 with future VOD release and airing on BBC. Hello, My Name is Doris When: March 11 Where: Theaters Director: Michael Showalter Starring: Sally Field, Max Greenfield Why We’re Excited: Winner of the Audience Award at the SXSW Film Festival where it premiered, Doris is the charming new comedy from the wonderfully odd and hilarious Michael Showalter. His first film since making his debut The Baxter a decade ago, the film stars iconic Oscar-winner Sally Field as a woman who embarks on a journey of reinvention and frivolous antics after developing a crush on her much younger co-worker. Not only does the movie look sweet and hilarious, it’s also great to see writers creating roles with depth and versatility for women of “a certain age”. What could be more exciting than to see screen legend Field headline a film where she’s trying to win the attention and affection of New Girl’s Max Greenfield? There’s already a lot of buzz surrounding Field’s performance, which will surely be added to the list of countless others she’s delivered throughout her career. Shout out to Film Independent Member Riva Marker, who is one of the film’s producers. Certain Women When: March 11 Where: Theaters Director: Kelly Reichardt Starring: Kristen Stewart, Laura Dern, Michelle Williams Why We’re Excited: We’re always excited for a new Kelly Reichardt film, as she’s one of independent film’s strongest voices, as well as one of the cinema’s premiere creators of strong female characters on the big screen. Reichardt is joined by a talented acting trio in her latest drama—a series of three interconnected stories about women living in Montana. The film stars Film Independent Spirit Award winner Laura Dern as a lawyer dealing with a hostage situation, Michelle Williams as a woman whose marriage may be on the rocks and Kristen Stewart as a young woman who takes a job with a long commute right around the same time as she meets a potential love interest. The lives of these women intersect in this character study that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was produced by Film Independent Member Anish Savjani. Krisha When: March 18 Where: Theaters Director: Trey Edward Shults Starring: Krisha, Robyn and Victoria Fairchild Why We’re Excited: This innovative first feature from writer and director Trey Edward Shults has already put him on the map as one of the most talked about and exciting new filmmakers of the year. Winner of the John Cassavetes Film Independent Spirit Award (which honors excellence in filmmaking for a budget less than $500,000), Shults’ debut is an intense drama that stars his real-life family—along with a few professional actors who were hired to fill in the slots of fictional characters. Krisha Fairchild delivers a buzzing performance as (you guessed it) Krisha, a woman who hasn’t seen her family for a decade returning home for Thanksgiving to make up for lost time. While Krisha’s intention may be genuine, chaos soon ensues, resulting in an emotionally charged roller-coaster ride for audiences who may feel they are watching a documentary. The film premiered at SXSW in 2014 as a short film. A year later, Shults brought it back as a feature, where it won both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award. It also went on to compete at Cannes and play countless other festivals, making it one of the year’s most talked about independent films. Produced by Film Independent Member Wilson Smith, Krisha may make you feel like your family ain’t so crazy after all! Take Me To The River When: March 18 Where: Theaters Director: Matt Sobel Starring: Logan Miller, Richard Schiff Why We’re Excited: In Matt Sobel’s first feature, Logan Miller stars as Ryder—a gay California teen who’s forced to attend a family reunion in Nebraska…and sees it as the perfect gathering to make coming out all the more dramatic! Much to Ryder’s surprise, a different event becomes the focus of what was supposed to be an otherwise happy occasion. Tensions and a whirlwind of confusion blur after blood is found on the dress of a Ryder’s young cousin, and certain members of the family point the finger toward him, with accusations of sexual abuse swarming in everyone’s ears. Sobel’s daring drama premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was later picked up for distribution by Film Movement, who were clearly not shy about acquiring the controversial subject matter, stating that Sobel’s fearless artistry is the type their company champions. Sometimes a film’s ability to make us uncomfortable and cringe in our seat is just the right ticket. The art of independent filmmaking comes with the creative freedom to not have to follow rules and based on the buzz, Sobel may be a fearless new voice in the industry. Key Film Independent Fellow or Member LA Film Festival Alum Film Independent Spirit Award Winner First-time Filmmaker Microbudget Female Filmmaker Filmmaker or Lead Characters of Color LGBT Filmmaker or Lead LGBT Characters
Me Him Her When: March 4 Where: Theaters & VOD Director: Max Landis Starring: Luke Bracey, Dustin Milligan, Emily Meade Why We’re Excited: Screenwriter and actor Max Landis makes his directorial debut with this low-budget comedy about a drifter named Corey (Bracey) who arrives in LA to shake things up with his semi-famous friend Brendan (Milligan). Brendan is a closeted actor whose public life is becoming hectic and delirious with all of the different lives he’s living and people he is romantically entangled with. It’s been awhile since we’ve had a good LGBT-themed comedy come around and Landis’ first feature seems to be a good choice for a carefree movie night. The bright young cast also includes an all-grown-up Hayley Joel Osment, Alia Shawkat and Geena Davis. Additionally, the film was produced by Film Independent Members John Turtletaub and Peter Saraf.
They Will Have to Kill Us First When: March 4 (NYC Only; with expanding dates to follow) Where: Theaters Director: Johanna Schwartz Why We’re Excited: For anyone who loves music (so, everybody…right?) we ask: what would you do if you were told by your government that you couldn’t play, make or listen to music? Johanna Schwartz’s first feature is a documentary that introduces us to the passionate people of northern Mali, capturing evidence that music is the heart and soul of their community. In 2012, Islamic headliners took control over the land and imposed new laws banning all forms of music, resulting in radio stations being destroyed, instruments being set on fire and sent musicians hiding for their lives. Instead of falling victim and succumbing to the new laws, the brave men, women, children and artists of the Malian culture band together to defend their heritage and demand the freedom to be able to play, create and listen to music as they always have. This unbelievable true story makes one value the simple freedoms we are privileged to enjoy, as we discover the heartbreaking news that in some parts of the world, terrorist acts of violence are being carried out over something that typically makes people come together. The film premiered at SXSW and is being distributed by BBC Worldwide in limited markets throughout April after it premieres in New York on March 4 with future VOD release and airing on BBC.
Hello, My Name is Doris When: March 11 Where: Theaters Director: Michael Showalter Starring: Sally Field, Max Greenfield Why We’re Excited: Winner of the Audience Award at the SXSW Film Festival where it premiered, Doris is the charming new comedy from the wonderfully odd and hilarious Michael Showalter. His first film since making his debut The Baxter a decade ago, the film stars iconic Oscar-winner Sally Field as a woman who embarks on a journey of reinvention and frivolous antics after developing a crush on her much younger co-worker. Not only does the movie look sweet and hilarious, it’s also great to see writers creating roles with depth and versatility for women of “a certain age”. What could be more exciting than to see screen legend Field headline a film where she’s trying to win the attention and affection of New Girl’s Max Greenfield? There’s already a lot of buzz surrounding Field’s performance, which will surely be added to the list of countless others she’s delivered throughout her career. Shout out to Film Independent Member Riva Marker, who is one of the film’s producers.
Certain Women When: March 11 Where: Theaters Director: Kelly Reichardt Starring: Kristen Stewart, Laura Dern, Michelle Williams Why We’re Excited: We’re always excited for a new Kelly Reichardt film, as she’s one of independent film’s strongest voices, as well as one of the cinema’s premiere creators of strong female characters on the big screen. Reichardt is joined by a talented acting trio in her latest drama—a series of three interconnected stories about women living in Montana. The film stars Film Independent Spirit Award winner Laura Dern as a lawyer dealing with a hostage situation, Michelle Williams as a woman whose marriage may be on the rocks and Kristen Stewart as a young woman who takes a job with a long commute right around the same time as she meets a potential love interest. The lives of these women intersect in this character study that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was produced by Film Independent Member Anish Savjani.
Krisha When: March 18 Where: Theaters Director: Trey Edward Shults Starring: Krisha, Robyn and Victoria Fairchild Why We’re Excited: This innovative first feature from writer and director Trey Edward Shults has already put him on the map as one of the most talked about and exciting new filmmakers of the year. Winner of the John Cassavetes Film Independent Spirit Award (which honors excellence in filmmaking for a budget less than $500,000), Shults’ debut is an intense drama that stars his real-life family—along with a few professional actors who were hired to fill in the slots of fictional characters. Krisha Fairchild delivers a buzzing performance as (you guessed it) Krisha, a woman who hasn’t seen her family for a decade returning home for Thanksgiving to make up for lost time. While Krisha’s intention may be genuine, chaos soon ensues, resulting in an emotionally charged roller-coaster ride for audiences who may feel they are watching a documentary. The film premiered at SXSW in 2014 as a short film. A year later, Shults brought it back as a feature, where it won both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award. It also went on to compete at Cannes and play countless other festivals, making it one of the year’s most talked about independent films. Produced by Film Independent Member Wilson Smith, Krisha may make you feel like your family ain’t so crazy after all!
Take Me To The River When: March 18 Where: Theaters Director: Matt Sobel Starring: Logan Miller, Richard Schiff Why We’re Excited: In Matt Sobel’s first feature, Logan Miller stars as Ryder—a gay California teen who’s forced to attend a family reunion in Nebraska…and sees it as the perfect gathering to make coming out all the more dramatic! Much to Ryder’s surprise, a different event becomes the focus of what was supposed to be an otherwise happy occasion. Tensions and a whirlwind of confusion blur after blood is found on the dress of a Ryder’s young cousin, and certain members of the family point the finger toward him, with accusations of sexual abuse swarming in everyone’s ears. Sobel’s daring drama premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was later picked up for distribution by Film Movement, who were clearly not shy about acquiring the controversial subject matter, stating that Sobel’s fearless artistry is the type their company champions. Sometimes a film’s ability to make us uncomfortable and cringe in our seat is just the right ticket. The art of independent filmmaking comes with the creative freedom to not have to follow rules and based on the buzz, Sobel may be a fearless new voice in the industry.
Key Film Independent Fellow or Member LA Film Festival Alum Film Independent Spirit Award Winner First-time Filmmaker Microbudget Female Filmmaker Filmmaker or Lead Characters of Color LGBT Filmmaker or Lead LGBT Characters
title: “10 Don T Miss Indies What To Watch In March” ShowToc: true date: “2024-05-22” author: “Caroline Ottis”
DONALD CRIED When: March 3 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Kris Avedisian Starring: Jesse Wakeman, Kris Avedisian, Tyrone Alcorn Why We’re Excited: Kris Avedisian writes, directs and stars in his directorial debut Donald Cried. Having debuted at SXSW, the film introduces Avedisian as a new triple-threat in the indie film world. Avedisian facilitated production with a Kickstarter campaign in an effort to transform his 2012 short film into a full-length feature, starring as Donald, an eccentric, of-the-moment type who reunites with his longtime close friend Peter (Jesse Wakeman), a successful Wall Street businessman. Peter and Donald embark on a trip down memory lane after Peter’s grandmother passes away, with the two revisiting their adolescence while celebrating their opposing personalities.
WOLVES When: March 3 Where You Can Watch: VOD Director: Bart Freundlich Starring: Carla Gugino, Michael Shannon Why We’re Excited: This character-driven domestic drama written and directed by Bart Freundlich (The Myth of Fingerprints) follows the troubled Keller family: parents Lee (two-time Film Independent Spirit Award nominee Michael Shannon) and Jenny (Carla Gugino) plus the couple’s teenage son, Anthony (Taylor John Smith). Gugino takes charge in the strong female lead role, keeping her family alive despite Lee’s volatile behavior as Lee’s gambling addiction begins to create conflict—Anthony’s college basketball recruitment interrupted by the drama at home. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and comes to theaters March 3.
FAIR HAVEN When: March 3/March 7 Where You Can Watch: Theaters/DVD Director: Kerstin Karlhuber Starring: Tom Wopat, Michael Grant Why We’re Excited: Kerstin Karlhuber’s drama tackles the controversial subject of ex-gay conversion therapy, following a young man’s return home to his family after completing “treatment.” Michael Grant stars as James, a young gay man sent to therapy by his father (Tom Wopat)— Karlhuber picks up the story upon James’ homecoming to show how this action continues to affect the relationship between father and son. Last month’s similarly themed I am Michael tackled similar territory, but Karlhuber’s drama is certainly on a smaller scale, celebrating what we love about indie filmmaking and representing unique and important stories from the LGBT community.
PERSONAL SHOPPER When: March 10 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Olivier Assayas Starring: Kristen Stewart Why We’re Excited: Kristen Stewart’s career reached new heights when she became the first American actress to win the Best Supporting Actress César for her role in Olivier Assayas’ Clouds of Sils Maria. Assayas immediately recruited Stewart for his next feature, Personal Shopper, in which Stewart takes the lead as Maureen Cartwright, an ambitious go-getter attempting to climb the ladder in the high-end Paris fashion industry. The unique thriller has a twist, intertwining a ghost story that blends the same themes of celebrity and wealth as the filmmaker and star’s previous collaboration. Assayas won Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival, where the film premiered last year.
UNCERTAIN When: March 9/March 17 Where You Can Watch: Theaters/VOD Director: Ewan McNicol, Anna Sandilands Why We’re Excited: The gist: in the tiny, mysterious town of Uncertain, Texas the lives of three men are captured and presented in a visually arresting way as an invasion of aquatic weed threatens to destroy the city’s livelihood. The nonfiction tale earned directors Ewan McNicol and Anna Sandilands the Albert Maysles New Documentary Director Award at the Tribeca Film Festival. An aging fisherman, a young idealist and an ex-con are all the subjects, chronicled against the backdrop of a 94-person town that “you’ve got to be lost to find.” This is the first feature from the filmmakers; they weave together a tale so unbelievable, some say it seems fictitious.
SUNTAN When: March 10 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Argyris Papadimitropoulos Starring: Makis Papadimitriou, Elli Tringou Why We’re Excited: In Argyris Papadimitropoulos’ third feature, described as a “coming-of-middle-age” story, Makis Papadimitriou stars as Kostis, a doctor relocated to a low-population Greek island. The film hones in on themes of life passing by and embracing your second chapter, focusing on Kostis’s infatuation with the beautiful Anna (Elli Tringou). The film is an uninhibited, explicit look at love, sex and letting go of the past in order to move forward in an exciting new direction. Blending dramedy with romance, expect a “movie for grown-ups” that isn’t too serious, but which might put certain audiences in an uncomfortable seat. The film premiered at Rotterdam before hitting SXSW and a string of other noteworthy festivals.
RAW When: March 10 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Julia Ducournau Starring: Garance Marillier, Ella Rumpf Why We’re Excited: Julia Ducournau’s feature debut is a horrific drama that isn’t for the faint of heart. Garance Marillier stars as Justine, an intelligent 16-year-old developing in a more unique way than other girls her age. When she’s enrolled in a prestigious veterinary school, she undergoes a grossly bizarre hazing ritual, after which a dark and evil hunger is born. The film dares audiences to assume the experience, and the intensity is something many viewers can’t handle. Ducournau’s ravenous debut premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last year where it won the FIPRESCI Third Place Prize before hitting Toronto and Sundance. But despite the acclaim, some audience members are said to have literally lost their appetite (or their lunch) while watching the film.
A VERY SORDID WEDDING When: March 10 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Directors: Del Shores Starring: Whoopi Goldberg, Bonnie Bedelia, Caroline Rhea Why We’re Excited: Del Shores’ comedy Sordid Lives is a cult classic in the LGBT film community. But even still, no one expected a sequel to come along 17 years later. The original film even launched a TV series lasting only one season, but clearly fans kept the movie’s cult alive just long enough to propel this new chapter into existence. Lives’ comedic blend of southern belles, delusional personas and eccentricity returns in A Very Sordid Wedding, with much of the original cast reuniting for the Texas-set tale of marriage, family and equality—all filtered through Shores’ hilarious perspective. The director utilized Indiegogo to scare up funds for his micro-budgeted sequel, which is sure to prove that no matter the production size, heart and laughs are priceless.
WILSON When: March 24 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Craig Johnson Starring: Woody Harrelson, Laura Dern, Cheryl Hines, Judy Greer Why We’re Excited: Delighting audiences at Sundance this year, director Craig Johnson’s latest comedy stars Woody Harrelson as Wilson, a lonesome, neurotic “Woody Allen” type who meets his daughter for the first time. Based on the graphic novel by Ghost World author Daniel Clowes (who adapted his own material into the film’s screenplay), the cast is packed with an abundance of talent, including Spirit Award winner Laura Dern, Cheryl Hines and Judy Greer.
THE BLACKCOAT’S DAUGHTER When: March 31 Where You Can Watch: Theaters Director: Oz Perkins Starring: Emma Roberts, Lauren Holly, Kiernan Shipka Why We’re Excited: Evil takes on a new form in Oz Perkins’ highly anticipated horror film, The Blackcoat’s Daughter. Emma Roberts stars alongside Kiernan Shipka as friends battling a dark, mysterious force when they get left behind at boarding school during winter break. Roberts has even admitted that the actors faced a creepy supernatural experience while in production. Perkins’ first feature—which debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival—is accentuated by moody cinematography, which generated positive buzz from critics and audiences after the festival run. It’s also another accomplishment for Scream Queen Roberts, who seems to excel in these types of roles.
Key Film Independent Fellow or Member LA Film Festival Alum Film Independent Spirit Award Winner or Nominee First-time Filmmaker Microbudget Female Filmmaker Filmmaker or Lead Characters of Color LGBT Filmmaker or Lead LGBT Characters
