Indie film and marketing

I love the movies. However, in recent years, I have more interest in independent film. Yes, I still enjoy the high end magic of Hollywood film making, but I have developed a taste for unique stories and some of the techniques that are now used by indie film makers. I don't think I'm the only one.

Three independent film channels are now available on Comcast (IFC, Sundance and INDIE). In addition, Robert Redford, founder of The Sundance Film Festival, said that 45 films were sold following the 2011 Fest, up from 14 in 2010. He cites a growing public interest in independent film. Redford Relieved This Year's Sundance Is Ending.

For independent film makers, this is good news. Hopefully, this trend will result in an expanded market for independent film makers and many of those who work to support independent film, including songwriters and writers.

Last year, I worked on a short film project. I wanted to explore the possibilities for creating video to help promote writers, aspiring actors and independent music. Again, I don't think I'm alone.

Thousands of people are now creating entertaining videos and posting them online. Justin Bieber launched a successful career from a viral video. Also, video has become a viable marketing tool that also has applications outside of entertainment. For example, I am currently working with a non-profit organization to help produce video that we hope will raise the awareness of PACT, Inc. PACT provides valuable resources to families with disabled children, requiring private donations to supplement diminishing public support.

Video has also become a popular way for writers to promote themselves. Some writers are creating trailers like the previews for movies. These trailers help to raise the awareness for their unsold manuscripts. In short, many new opportunities now exist for self promotion.

KINYARWANDA wins World Audience Award at Sundance!

Congratulations to Alrick Brown and everyone associated with the film Kinyarwanda after winning the Sundance World Audience Award. A member of my writer's group, Charles Plath contributed to this film and I am especially happy for him.

"At the time of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, the Mufti of Rwanda, the most respected Muslim leader in the country, issued a fatwa forbidding Muslims from participating in the killing of the Tutsi. As the country became a slaughterhouse, mosques became places of refuge where Muslims and Christians, Hutus and Tutsis came together to protect each other. KINYARWANDA is based on true accounts from survivors who took refuge at the Grand Mosque of Kigali and the madrassa of Nyanza. It recounts how the Imams opened the doors of the mosques to give refuge to the Tutsi and those Hutu who refused to participate in the killing."

The message of this film is powerful and could not come at a better time. All people should learn from this valuable lesson of love and tolerance in a world of hate. Please check out the website at KINYARWANDAMOVIE.COM.