From the Mouths of Filmmakers: Intro

FROM THE MOUTHS OF FILMMAKERS: 

INTRO

By Joshua Handler

Recently I've been disturbed by the amount of people who don't seek out independent films, non-English-language films, and classics.  So many of these people are aspiring filmmakers and it terrifies me that the people who want to carry on the art form of film don't care about what came before them or about the other voices out there.  This is not to say that it is bad to view blockbusters and mainstream films.  As you've likely noticed by the past few weeks worth of reviews, I love a good blockbuster as much as anyone else.  That being said, I believe the most original voices come from the indies and foreign films (and let's be real, many people will start directing indies), so I asked the filmmakers or distributors who I believe to be the most original voices in the industry to submit responses to the following questions:

-Do you feel that it is important for aspiring filmmakers and filmgoers to view independent and world cinema and why?
-Do you feel that it is important for aspiring filmmakers and filmgoers to view classics and why?
-How has viewing indies and films from around the world helped you as a filmmaker?
-What's one American indie and one film not in English that you would recommend that film-lovers or young/aspiring filmmakers see?

An overwhelming number of people have agreed to submit responses.  For the first week of responses (I'll publish one each day through Thursday, then continue through the next few weeks), I'm featuring those of David Lowery (director of AIN'T THEM BODIES SAINTS and editor of UPSTREAM COLOR), Marshall Curry (two-time Oscar-nominee, director/producer/editor of POINT AND SHOOT, Rodney Ascher (director of ROOM 237), and Sumyi Khong Antonson (Vice President of Marketing & Distribution for Drafthouse Films). 

Happy Reading!  Let me know what you think.