Film Independent

Film Independent's history stretches back to 1981, when a group of directors, producers, and writers began meeting informally to share ideas and discuss the need to support independent filmmakers. These meetings became 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 over 250 annual screenings, conversations, and other events. Through each of these 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 pOplife PRODUCTIONS's documentary about the story of Roy Anthony Hargrove, the internationally renowned Jazz musical genius.  The documentary follows Hargrove's life from performances with his quintet to late-night jam sessions, to international tours, to off-stage interactions with his band, to his journey with health. 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, D'Angelo, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Chucho Valdes, and Questlove.  Roy 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.