Colorado
How an Innovative Web Doc Secured Traditional Distribution
French filmmakers David Dufresne and Philippe Brault used web engagement to stir interest in American prison reform.
July 15th, 2010 | Courtney Sheehan
Led by two French filmmakers, the web doc Prison Valley addresses prison reform in the US with an interactive online format, making a splash in the world of digital journalism and securing distribution with Arte TV in France.
Prison Valley, a multimedia prison reform project, tells the tale of Fremont County, Colorado: a tiny patch of the Southwest packed with 13 prisons and a local economy that revolves around the incarceration of 7,735 people—many of whom are the county’s own residents.
Shorts at the Aspen Shortsfest
Three short interviews with filmmakers from the Aspen Shortsfest.
April 23rd, 2009 | Sean Jones
Aspen Shortsfest holds a special place in the hearts of many independent filmmakers. Though it has its share of international prestige due to its selectivity and Oscar-qualifying status, it most distinguishes itself for its focus on short film directors. Feature film directors and big name actors step aside to celebrate a medium that often heralds the industry’s up-and-coming visionaries. As a result, Aspen is a place where young film school grads rub shoulders with established veterans. The Independent's Sean Jones catches up with Aspen filmmakers Martina Amati, Destin Cretton (view the trailer for his film Short Term 12 here) and David Cooke.
The Independent caught up with a few of Aspen’s featured directors to talk briefly about their films, careers, and Aspen experiences.
Martina Amati, director of A’Mare
Aspen Shortsfest
July 1st, 2002 | Patricia ThomsonApril in Aspen, Colorado, is a time of transition. The encircling mountains begin shedding their white mantle of snow, ski lifts shut down, skiers ship out, and the conversation changes. Instead of snow conditions, the topic is film, and the action shifts to the center of town, where lively crowds pour into the Wheeler Opera House to partake in the Aspen Shortsfest, now the premiere short film festival in the United States.
Film Festivals: Aspen Shortsfest
July 1st, 2002 | Patricia ThomsonApril in Aspen, Colorado, is a time of transition. The encircling mountains begin shedding their white mantle of snow, ski lifts shut down, skiers ship out, and the conversation changes.
We've had great success with The Independent's Guide to Film Distributors, which features the acquisition details of nearly 200 distribution companies. But times are changing FAST so we're hard at work on a 2nd edition due out later this year. Our current edition is available at 
See all The Independent's