Looking for a good movie? The library has a collection of over 100 independent and foreign movies, many of which have won awards at the Cannes Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, or the Toronto International Film Festival.  This collection is growing every month!

What is an independent or foreign film, you ask?  An independent film, also known as an indie film, is a professional film production resulting in a feature length film that is produced mostly or completely outside of one of the major film studio systems. In addition to being produced and distributed by independent entertainment companies, independent films are also produced and/or distributed by subsidiaries of major film studios.  Many independent films are distinguishable by their content and style and the way in which the filmmakers' personal artistic vision is realized. Usually, but not always, independent films are made with considerably lower film budgets than major studio films.  Also, independent films are often characterized by limited release to movie theatres around the country, but this isn’t true for every independent film.

A foreign film, or world cinema, is a film that is made in a non-English speaking country.  Many non-English speaking countries have large, successful movie industries much like our own Hollywood.  Some of these countries include India, Germany, Italy, Afghanistan, Japan, and Russia – just to name a few.  Normally, these movies do not get wide recognition within the United States so they are distributed alongside the independent films and are often never noticed; although a few have captured the attention of the United States like Amelie and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.  Foreign films are normally in the language of the country where it was made with English subtitles for our benefit.  I will admit that it is a different experience to watch a foreign film where you have to read the subtitles to understand the dialogue; however, after a few minutes you won’t even notice as you are drawn into the storyline.

If you have never browsed our independent and foreign movie collection I would recommend that you start now.  We have movies like Anytown USA, about a mayoral race in Bogota, New Jersey and Choking Man, which is about the struggles of a young Ecuadorian dishwasher new to the United States.  If you’re interested in dancing, check out Only When I Dance, about two teens from the ghettos of Rio de Janeiro who are determined to become professional ballet dancers.  For any person who didn’t fit in as a child check out 1981, where an 11-year-old weaves a web of untruths to try to fit in at a new school.

Our independent and foreign movie collection is the focus now through December 31st, so all   the movies have been relocated to the spinner rack next to the DVD section to make it easier for you to browse.  So come check out the collection – I’m sure you’ll find something to take home to watch!