Kevin Smith on the Future of Indie Film: From Celluloid to Streaming

Cannes Film Festival: Kevin Smith on the Evolution of Indie Film in the Streaming Era The Cannes Film Festival provided the backdrop for a revealing interview with renowned director Kevin Smith, where he shared his perspective on the transformation of American independent cinema. Smith, known for his unique style and contributions to indie filmmaking, discussed the shift from traditional film releases to the dominance of streaming platforms. "What used to be indie films have kind of migrated over to streaming series," Smith observed, highlighting Netflix's significant role in this transition. He noted that Netflix's embrace of the indie world, while corporatizing it, has opened up opportunities for filmmakers globally. Smith further reflected on how their approach to filmmaking would differ today, stating, "Now, Dog—we probably wouldn't make a Dogma movie today. We'd pitch a series to Netflix." This statement encapsulates the shift in the industry towards longer-form content and the adaptation of filmmaking strategies to suit the streaming landscape. The interview offers valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of independent filmmaking and its adaptation to the digital age.