Independent Filmmaking Spotlight: Cristian Paluso Urges Global Audiences to Champion Original Storytelling

In an era dominated by billion-dollar blockbusters and superhero franchises, independent cinema still stands as a vital force for storytelling, and filmmaker Cristian Paluso wants the world to take notice.

In a recent interview on 1O1 Square with host Ariel Rose, Paluso opened up about the triumphs and trials of indie filmmaking. His passionate reflections offer aspiring filmmakers a roadmap to creating powerful, meaningful films, while also challenging global audiences to rethink the type of stories they choose to support.

Cristian Paluso and Melanie ooi Photo: Zero Films

Breaking Through the Budget Myth

Paluso began by confronting one of the most persistent myths in filmmaking– that money makes the movie.

“You don’t need a big budget to make a great film,” he said. “You just need a story that matters, and a few people who believe in it as much as you do.” For Paluso, the real challenge lies not in raising funds, but in overcoming the mindset that money is essential to creativity.

This do-it-yourself spirit is central to the indie filmmaking ethos. With minimal resources but maximum passion, Paluso believes filmmakers can tap into raw storytelling that connects on a deep, emotional level, often in ways big-budget films cannot.

“La Pointe Courte.”Photograph from Everett

Indie vs. Studio: Passion vs. Process

While studio films follow a rigorous, formulaic process, from agent representation to long pre-production timelines, Paluso described indie filmmaking as a far more personal and intimate endeavor. “You don’t have the luxury of time or money. You rely on a small crew who are all emotionally invested,” he explained.

That investment, he argued, often leads to better results. “I’d rather work with someone who’s already moved by the script than someone who’s there just for a paycheck.”

In indie films, spontaneity and passion replace polish and planning. For Paluso, that’s a strength, not a limitation.

The Rise of IP-Driven Cinema

Paluso also addressed the seismic shift toward intellectual property (IP) based content in the global film industry. From Transformers to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, studios increasingly favor familiar stories with guaranteed audiences.

“This nostalgia factor is powerful,” Paluso acknowledged, “But it’s also crowding out original storytelling.” While these massive franchises rake in billions, indie films brimming with heart, nuance, and innovation struggle for visibility.

Fortunately, indie-focused distributors like A24, Neon, and Roadside Attractions are helping to level the playing field by championing authentic stories discovered through film festivals.

“If you gave an indie filmmaker $100 million,” Paluso said, “they’d probably only need five to seven to tell something incredible.”

Why Indie Films Matter

More than just entertainment, Paluso sees indie films as windows into the human soul. “You’re seeing someone’s heart. You’re seeing years of work. You’re really seeing a person,” he said. This transparency and vulnerability create a unique emotional connection between filmmaker and viewer.

He urged global audiences to embrace indie films not just for their artistic value, but for the statement they make. “The more people show that they want to see original stuff that actually touches people, the more great indie films will be made.”

Photo: David Bolen/Sundance Institute

A Cultural Conversation

Paluso observed that European audiences, especially in countries like France, tend to approach film as art. Surrounded by historical beauty and centuries of culture, they’re more inclined to appreciate subtle, introspective storytelling.

In contrast, he described American cinema culture as still developing a “toddler stage,” captivated by visual spectacle and instant gratification.

Host Ariel Rose echoed these sentiments, suggesting that deeper engagement with film, much like literature, is often missing in mainstream audiences. The solution, Paluso believes, lies in education, exposure, and a conscious effort from viewers to seek out stories that provoke thought and emotion.

Photo: Courtesy Sundance Institute

When Art Meets Audience

For artists like Paluso, the true reward lies in being understood. “When someone says, ‘I got it,’ or ‘I saw myself in it,’ that’s the most special feeling,” he shared. His films, often drawn from personal experiences, feature marginalized characters and intimate journeys that reflect his inner world.

When viewers recognize these emotional threads woven into a film, the years of effort behind each project is validated. It’s a reminder that the purpose of storytelling is not just to entertain, but to connect.

Paluso’s message to audiences everywhere: support indie films– Discover them at festivals, stream them on curated platforms, and share them widely.

Independent cinema may not have the marketing budgets or explosive effects of major Hollywood blockbusters, but it offers something far more lasting: authentic human stories that stay with you long after the credits roll.

Indy Shorts Film Festival

As Paluso concluded, “It’s a very special feeling to acknowledge somebody.” Through indie films, we get the chance to do just that– To acknowledge artists, their truths, and the beautiful, complex world we all share.

Cristian Paluso and Melanie ooi Photo: Kristina Strickland

Support Indie Filmmakers:

• Explore films from distributors A24, Neon, and Roadside Attractions.
• Attend local and international film festivals.
• Share your favorite indie films with friends and on social media.
• Engage with stories that reflect real human experiences.

About Cristian Paluso: is an award-winning independent filmmaker known for his emotionally driven narratives and raw, character-focused storytelling. His work often centers on underrepresented voices and personal journeys, blending poetic realism with a minimalist aesthetic. Paluso’s films have screened at international festivals and are celebrated for their intimate direction and social resonance.

Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristian-paluso-serrano

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/cristianpaluso/?__d=1%2F

IMDb – https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11581519/

This article is part of Independent Voices: Global Cinema Today, a series exploring how filmmakers around the world challenge industry norms and reimagine storytelling through personal, low-budget, and culturally resonant narratives. From guerrilla-style shoots to emotionally raw scripts, the series highlights the power of independent film to shape global conversations and redefine cinematic art.