The contradiction of American “Independent” cinema has always perplexed me. How can something be independent if at the end of the day somebody buys it and the creative folks behind the project (mostly the director) give up their ownership rights to a studio or distribution company? It’s a question I often ask myself as the popular model of independent cinema for the past 15+ years has been for the filmmakers to actively seek out dependence. When Miramax and Sundance hit the media, the model of independent filmmaking switched from one where directors maintained creative control to one where they easily give up their rights in hopes of distribution and the ability to make new films.

I was thus extremely excited to wake up today and read about Lance Hammer’s decision to self distribute his film Ballast.

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The TakePart Top 10 Weekly Roundup is a compilation of the week’s most notable stories from our entertainment-meets-social-action blogging network. This week we celebrated some of our own favorite top 10 bloggers who work night and day to provide us up-to-date info on films, literature, and feminist news. Don’t miss these exciting and informative blogs, as well as some of our most popular stories of the week.

Katie:

“La Misma Luna Under the Same Moon,” Not the Same Old Movie

Top 5 Eco-Friendly Gadgets for Under $50

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Nicole:

Top 10 Literary and Book Blogs

NBC11 First Wind Powered TV Station

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Giulia:

Top 10 Feminist Blogs

Horton: The New Mascot for Pro-Life

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Gina:

Top 10 Film Blogs

Top 10 Films I Would See If I Was At SXSW

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Kerry:

Our Pharmaceutically Fouled Water Supply

Top 7 New Sins Against God’s Green Earth

Here on Takepart, I blog a lot about films and so do the rest of the ladies on the Takepart blog team. We’re just little fish in the big pond of film blogging though, thus I present to you the Top 10 Film Blogs. The order is somewhat random, I mostly tried to mix things up and show you a variety of the different types of film blogs that are out there.

Did I miss one? Let me know and leave the left out blog in the comments!

1. GreenCine Daily : http://daily.greencine.com/

A great blog about indie cinema, classic cinema, foreign cinema etc… They are always covering the latest festival and films that aren’t always in the mainstream. More than that, they have reviews, interviews, previews and lots of good old regular views on films, directors and all the other folks who help to bring us great cinema. Give a read and also be sure to check out their sister site, http://greencine.com - an awesome online rental service.

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While most folks are buzzing about who will win at the Oscars, some Hollywood favorites already received honors this weekend at the Film Independent’s Spirit Awards.

Over the last two decades the casual Spirit Awards has become one of the hottest events in Hollywood. Honoring films that are independent and low-budget, eligible films must be at least 70 minutes in length and cost of the completed film, including post-production, has to be less than $20 million. Hosted by Rainn Wilson of “The Office”, this years show aired live yesterday on Independent Film Channel and again last night on AMC.

“Juno” cleaned up at the ceremony winning for best feature film, best actress honors for Ellen Page and best first screenplay for Diablo Cody. Page and Cody are also nominated for Oscars, along with director Jason Reitman.

“I’m Not There”, one of Heath Ledger’s last films won two honors.

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