Beyond the Frame – March 2025 Edition: A Monthly Newsletter from Habethy Films
March 2025 NewsletterIndependent Film is Not Just Alive—It’s ThrivingSean Baker just made history. His independent film Anora swept the Academy Awards, proving beyond a doubt that independent cinema is where the real artistry lives. Five Oscars for a film made on “blood, sweat, and tears” – not studio franchise money. Proof that audiences and movie lovers want fresh, original stories, not the same recycled Hollywood IP. This is a defining moment for indie filmmakers. It’s also why we’re committed to bringing The Quiet Canadians to theatres before streaming. We believe in theatrical experiences and in audiences discovering films together in a darkened cinema. But that only happens when people show up for independent movies. The power of independent filmmaking lies in its ability to take risks. Unlike the studio system—where every decision is driven by profit margins, audience data, and brand synergy—independent films thrive on vision, originality, and bold storytelling. Sean Baker has built his career telling stories no one else would dare to, unfiltered by Hollywood’s commercial considerations. Anora was made because he willed it into existence, not because a corporation deemed it ‘viable.’ When filmmakers don’t have to appease massive marketing departments or corporate boardrooms, they can make bolder creative choices. They can challenge norms, push boundaries, and take audiences to places they’ve never been before. And more importantly—they can trust that there’s an audience out there that wants something different. Anora’s Oscar wins are proof that independent films are not just “small passion projects”—they are the lifeblood of cinema.
Progress on The Quiet CanadiansLast month’s newsletter was a hit! We received incredible support for The Quiet Canadians, including contributions to our Production Fund. If you missed it, you can read last month's issue here: Beyond the Frame – February 2025 Edition. One of the most ambitious sequences in The Quiet Canadians will be a wingsuit jump sequence, capturing both the excitement and intensity of the story. We’re launching a fundraising effort in April to bring this vision to life in the most dynamic and breathtaking way possible. More details soon, but let’s just say—it’s going to be a sequence unlike anything seen in an independent spy film before. Filmmaking, at its best, is about possibility. It’s about taking the impossible and making it real. And that only happens when people believe in the vision. When filmmakers take risks, and when audiences support those risks. We’re still in the process of securing funding and are actively seeking investors. If you’re an accredited/suitable investor, and have ever wondered what it’s like to be part of the movie industry, now is your chance. Investor Perks Include:
If you’re interested, reply to this email or reach out to discuss how you can be part of The Quiet Canadians. 13 Miles is Now on YouTube!Exciting news: Our feature film 13 Miles is now available to watch for free on two YouTube channels! Watch on the Habethy Films YouTube channel: 13 Miles – Full Movie We are receiving proceeds from both channels, so you can watch on either one. However, if you watch on our Habethy Films channel, please Subscribe, Like, and Comment—this helps boost engagement and tells YouTube’s algorithm to recommend the film to more viewers like you. Sharing 13 Miles with friends, fellow filmmakers, and anyone who loves inspiring sports dramas will help independent films get seen by wider audiences. Let’s keep pushing indie cinema forward! Indie Film in Theatres – Island Between Tides Premieres This Friday!Another big win for independent cinema: Island Between Tides, a film we had the pleasure of working on, is premiering this Friday, March 7, in select theaters!
Showtimes and tickets for the Vancouver screening can be available online. You can watch the theatrical trailer here. Let's pack those theatres and show that indie films belong on the big screen. Podcast Spotlight: Off the LotOn Off the Lot, we dive into the raw realities of independent filmmaking. Our latest episodes feature industry professionals who have carved their own paths:
We are very excited for this Friday’s episode—legendary Prop Master Dean Goodine! Dean has worked in the industry for nearly 40 years, on some amazing movies like Unforgiven (with the late Gene Hackman), Inception, Legends of the Fall, Cool Runnings, etc. and recently on the TV series Percy Jackson and the Olympians and A Series of Unfortunate Events. Dean is a champion of independent film also, and talks about what it's like to be a Props Master in Hollywood and on an independent movie. Don't miss that episode this Friday. Listen to our episodes here: offthelotpodcast.com Vertical Series: A New Era for Indie Filmmaking?We’ve also been busy experimenting with Vertical Storytelling, a growing format designed for mobile-first audiences. We worked on two vertical series, tapping into new storytelling techniques to create engaging, dynamic content. Why does this matter? Because as the industry faces slowdowns, alternative formats like vertical filmmaking provide fresh opportunities for filmmakers to keep creating. Read more about the rise of vertical films: Business in Vancouver article. Why Now is the Time to Support Independent FilmSean Baker’s Anora is proof that indie films can succeed—and that audiences want more of them. But for that to happen, people need to show up, support theatrical releases, and champion the films they believe in. We’re building a Canadian filmmaking movement with The Quiet Canadians, and it starts with you—our readers. Here’s how you can help:
Together, we can create a future where independent films thrive. Thank you for being part of this journey. See you at the movies! END CREDITS /Thank you for reading this month's edition. We hope you enjoyed the updates on our work and found something useful that will continue to inspire your own work and life. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel and share this newsletter with friends! If you received this newsletter from a friend and would like to subscribe, click here. Remember, you can read our blog, follow our news, take one of our masterclasses, check out our films and get in touch on our website. Until next month ... stay inspired!
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