We have a bit of a redundancy in the recognition of those that create good work, but that good work does not end with what is up on the screen — which is the part that everyone seems to want to write about. I feel however that we must recognize those that focus not just on the development and production of good work, but those that commit themselves to ALL of cinema, including discovery, participation, appreciation, and presentation — what I consider the other 4 pillars of cinema.

Last year at this time, I put forth a list of inspiring folks, people who by their acts and ideas were giving me the energy to keep striving for a better film culture and infrastructure, one that was accessible to all, and slave to none. We are closer to a truly free film culture...

Perhaps the greatest contribution the AmerIndie scene has made to film culture has been the demystification of the filmmaking process. It once was a very closed-door operation, and as a result shut out many people from joining by sheer intimidation.

The studios are evidently very concerned about opening it up further, since so much of the hype/sell is about control (and the timed release) of information. Reports have been in the media about contracts prohibiting Twittering from set. I have also heard about other stars being contractually required to Twitter a few times each week.

Now, granted, I think that anarchy never gets a fair shake, but I also believe that a community is also about responsible behavior. And adults don't really need that defined for them: They know it whey the are in it.

I am really excited by the possibility of looking...

The art house audience is graying at a rapid rate. Indie film has lost its marketing muscle in a way that indie rock never has. New film audiences aren't developing in the same way that they once was.

Why aren't we all doing more to recruit new participants?

Now, mind you, I am not providing statistics to back this statement up (do you really need to do that on that internet?). I admit I am just speaking from instinct, from standing in the center of the hurricane and trying to observe the weather.

If we are going to have a sustainable industry, we have to consistently recruit new blood, both in terms of audience, staff, and creators -- that's just common sense, but the indie side of things has had a hard time of doing it.

What is it that new audiences want? What must the indie community do to engage them?

It is really...