7 indie films and where to find them

In recent days, it's come to my attention that for all the writing I do about independent films here, I don't do enough to let people know where to find them. When you're at film festivals, or advance screenings, it's easy to get caught up in the event and forget details like that, so from now on, I'm gonna make more of an effort to let you know where you can see these movies that I write about, beginning with the following list. These are all recent films I've written about and recommend.

'At Home in Utopia'

At Home in Utopia (2008). Doc about a Bronx neighborhood from the early 20th century full of Communists, Jews, unionists and similar freethinking types. I watched it at the site New Day Digital, where you can also buy the DVD. The site offers a variety of streaming options for educational purposes. This was only the third film directed by Michal Goldman, though his career as a producer dates all the way back to the 70s. He hasn't directed anything since.

Battle For Brooklyn (2011). Another doc, this one about the development of Brooklyn's Atlantic Yards into the Barclays Center and the neighborhood residents who were shoved aside in the process. This film has a website where you can purchase the DVD for non-commercial use. It's also available on Amazon.

IMDB says co-directors Michael Galinsky and Suki Hawley are in post-production on a new film called Who Took Johnny, about a 30-year-old missing child case, scheduled to come out this year. This will be their fifth film as a directing team.

'Kinyarwanda'

Kinyarwanda (2011). Seen at the Urbanworld Film Festival, this is a drama inspired by the 1994 Rwandan massacre and its aftermath. Director Alrick Brown has a website with links to download and buy the film. There's also a separate site for the film itself.

This is the first feature-length film for Brown. There's an IMDB listing for an upcoming film called My Manz, but there's no mention of it on his website yet.

Mosquito (2010). Seen at the Queens World Film Festival, this is set in Harlem during the 70s, following the title character around with his friends on Halloween night. It's a 14-minute short which you can watch on Vimeo. There's also a website for the film. Director Jeremy Engle is currently filming a feature called The Teacher, which sounds like it's out to buck the high school movie stereotypes.

Pariah (2011). Coming-of-age drama about a young black lesbian coming to terms with her sexuality. Amazon has links to both watch and buy. This was the first feature film for director Dee Rees. There was talk about an HBO series that Rees was developing with Viola Davis, but that was over two years ago, so who knows what's happening with that.

'Queen'

Queen (2011). Also seen at QWFF, this is about a drag queen who wants to adopt a child. It's also a short, also available on Vimeo. This is the only film from actor/director Adam Rose, who has alternated between film and television throughout his acting career. Doesn't look like he has any other directing plans, which is too bad because I loved this film.

Shut Up Little Man! (2011). Hilarious doc about the surreptitious audio recordings of two ranting old men which somehow turned into a cult sensation. The website has links to watch and to buy the film. This was the first feature film from director Matthew Bate. IMDB says he's in post-production on a short called I Want to Dance Better At Parties.

That's it for now, but I'll do this again soon.