Hey friends — I’d like to share something I’ve been working on. It’s a review journal for independent, microbudget, and student films called The New Cinephile.
I’ve had a couple of bad breaks and bouts of discouragement in the past few weeks (nothing serious; just disappointment). To shake out of my rut and find a positive outlet, I decided to pursue an idea I’ve been considering for a year or two: a review journal focused on small releases by emerging and diverse creators.
As with any new project, I’m liable to iterate, pivot, or even abandon it at any point. But here’s my current vision:
What is The New Cinephile and how is it different from The Goods?
- The New Cinephile is a journal of reviews for features and shorts created by independent and student filmmakers
- No review scores
- Writing tone is designed as a celebration of fresh ideas and voices; thus I’ll only write about stuff that spoke to me in one way or another, and I’ll do so from a perspective of cheering on bold choices and interesting ideas I liked rather than poking holes or holding against the cast or crew any craft or choices that didn’t work for me. (Frankly, the positivity is part of the point of this for me; I want to provide validation and platform for emerging filmmakers who are out there grinding and trying stuff.)
- Unlike The Goods, I’m trying to make sure I include some diversity in the filmmakers I cover (women, international filmmakers, people of color, etc.)
- Here’s a sample: Robotica (2024) by Isabella Ivos – The machine never stops
- I don’t know how often I’ll publish reviews there
- I definitely won’t cross-post every review here, but if I maintain publishing volume there, I might consider posting occasional (e.g. monthly) roundups here
- Feel free to check it out and pass it along; or not if you’re not interested! It’s something different for sure
- If you know any student or indie filmmakers looking to get feedback or a possible review of their films, short or feature-length, please forward them to me. They can reach me at dan.stalcup@gmail.com
You can visit The New Cinephile here: NewCinephile.com
Thanks, and happy watching!
Pictured: John Cassavetes’s film Shadows, which the book Spike, Mike, Slackers, & Dykes by John Pierson cites as the first independent film.
Dan is the founder and head critic of The Goods. Follow Dan on Letterboxd. Join the Discord for updates and discussion.