Over the past few years there have been several changes in the indie film world. Independent filmmakers are encountering greater obstacles than ever in financing and distributing their films due to the rise of streaming services and the aftermath of the pandemic. Film festivals are an essential way for them to showcase their work and build their careers. Therefor many are glad, that after years of absence, filmfestivals are starting up again.

The pandemic has had a significant impact on the indie film industry with Art Film Houses closing their doors for visitors and many festivals and events being cancelled or postponed. In addition to festival cancellations, the COVID-19 pandemic caused many productions to shut down. Streaming services are continuing to dominate the filmmaking and film-watching scene. One of the festivals that returned after COVID-19 is the Zuidelijk Film Festival in Tilburg the Netherlands. This festival showcases short films from local film makers, including several independent films.

Festival director Jan van Gorkum and indie filmmaker Marijn Raeven are present at the festival that is taking place at the Cinecitta cinema in Tilburg. They explain why a film festival like this one is so important: