Making it without breaking it: Independent film distribution in the Post-Pandemic Period

Abstract

My thesis is a scholarly understanding of the distribution of independent films, as seen through an interdisciplinary approach of humanistic and social sciences methods. The thesis explores the film industry from its origins, past industry dynamics, women’s representation in the industry, how the pandemic shifted the scene, and extend the work of sociologist Pierre Bourdieu in the post-pandemic scene. In the end we will have an updated scholarly understanding of independent film distribution and hopefully draw conclusions that can be of use to independent filmmakers. This thesis hopes to shed a light in the post-pandemic turbulent waters so independent filmmakers can take advantage of the changing landscape and successfully produce and distribute their films.