Making a film isn’t easy, and making the film YOU want to make without millions of dollars is even more challenging. That said, here we present our fourth installment of this Best Indies Ever series, featuring six of our favorite Spirit Award-winning films that were made on miniscule budgets, yet packed a big Hollywood punch, proving great material and passion have no price tag. Spirit Awards trivia: In 2000, the Best Feature category was split in two—one for films made for $500,000 or less, and one for the rest. In 2002, the John Cassavetes Award was introduced, honoring filmmakers for their achievements in making a fantastic film on a shoestring budget. Humpday (2010) Director: Lynn Shelton Stars: Mark Duplass, Joshua Leonard, Alycia Delmore Spirit Award Winner: John Cassavetes Award Where You Can Watch It: DVD After winning the “Someone to Watch” Spirit Award for her debut film, We Go Way Back, Lynn Shelton took the “bromance” movie to a whole new level and deservingly won another Spirit Award. Shelton won the John Cassavetes Award for this comedy about two heterosexual buddies who get involved in making an “artful” adult film, exploring the idea of having sex with each other for the sake of the project. Chris Lombardi / Film Independent Blogger
