Film Independent

Film Independent's history stretches back to 1981, when a group of directors, producers, and writers began gathering informally to share ideas and discuss the need to support independent filmmakers. These meetings morphed into Independent Feature Project (IFP)/West, which later became Film Independent. Film Independent is committed to championing creative storytelling and supporting artists in the independent filmmaking community. In addition to offering career development and networking programs for artists, the organization produces the annual Film Independent Spirit Awards, which recognizes the achievements of American independent filmmakers. Film Independent also runs Film Independent Presents, a program that offers more than 250 annual screenings, conversations, and other events. Through these events and programs, the organization works to support Los Angeles's creative, diverse, and dedicated community of independent filmmakers.

In 2020, Film Independent served as a fiscal sponsor for the Poplife Productions documentary about internationally acclaimed and Grammy-winning jazz trumpeter Roy Anthony Hargrove. The documentary follows Hargrove's life from performances with his quintet to late-night jam sessions to international tours to his battle with health issues. It also includes interviews with some of Hargrove's famous collaborators and mentors such as Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis (who discovered him when he was in high school), Erykah Badu (who went to high school with him), Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, and Questlove. Hargrove's inspiring story and his challenges overcoming poverty, addiction, and genetic disease illuminate the power of the human spirit and the intricacy of jazz's role in American history.