This module offers you the opportunity to look in depth at the contemporary American independent film sector, tracing recent major developments, and studying some of the key films to have emerged over the last couple of decades. You’ll look at the rise of the Sundance film festival, study Hollywood’s recent investment in ‘specialty’ or ‘indiewood’ productions, examine key directors and genres, and develop an understanding of the different artistic and political approaches employed by filmmakers working in the field. You’ll also think about how the emergence of digital production, distribution and exhibition has affected the independent film sector, and the challenge to create new modes of storytelling in this era.