Those who read this column frequently know that I am a fierce proponent of true independent film (e.g. micro-budgeted films not featuring famous people slumming). Sadly, most of those films -- even the good ones -- will only play at film festivals and not be seen by a wider audience. From time to time, though, a small film breaks through and makes it into a theater (e.g. where any film should be seen -- fuck DVDs on a widescreen). Tonight at the Silent Film Theater, you can see one of my favorites from last year's Los Angeles Film Festival, Harmony & Me (review and interview here). Even if you don't end up liking the film, it's impossible not to have a good time at the Silent so I encourage everyone to check it out! more ›

If you know who Justin Rice is, you probably know him as the lead singer of Bishop Allen or his appearance in Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist. Very quietly, though -- working mostly with friends -- he's put together an interesting film career. I had the great pleasure of not only seeing Harmony & Me a few days ago at the LA Film Festival (review here), but also had a chance to speak with Justin about the film, his other films and his music. Have a listen and make plans to see Harmony & Me when it screens again later this week. If nothing else, there's a Q&A afterward with the radiantly smart (and hot) Kristen Tucker (and director Bob Byington). more ›

There was a belief a few years ago -- as cheap cameras and Final Cut Pro gained real traction within the filmmaking community -- that we were at the dawn of a cheap indie revolution. Affordability was going to allow new talent to finally be seen and recognized. In some cases that happened, but mostly this surge in access resulted in a colossal amount of dull movies. Thankfully, a micro-budget film still punches through occasionally and restores one's faith in the premise that you don't need a huge amount of money to make a good film. more ›

No one could accuse Bishop Allen of being a slothful band. In 2006 these New Yorkers pumped out 12 EPs, one for every month of the year. They're in Los Angeles tonight at the Echo in support of their latest album The Broken String. Their brainy pop (or as I like to call it brop) has been drawing admiration from far and wide. With their catchy hooks and thoughtful lyrics they're a pop band that you can embrace without the slightest twinge of guilt. These guys are going places. Founding member, Justin Rice was kind enough to talk to us yesterday. more ›

Writers, directors and artists of all stripes are often told, "Write what you know," but few filmmakers accomplish this as successfully as Andrew Bujalski. At age 29 the Boston-based filmmaker has directed two well-received feature films, both of which are set in a post-college, indie rock milieu that he seems to know intimately. Describing his own post-college experience Bujalski says, "Since college I've basically been pursuing these loony little independent movies." Funny Ha Ha... more ›