The Independent Cinema Showcase

01/14/2026

A PAUSE LOVE LETTER TO ICS
Hold for the applause (paws up!)

Dear Cinema Family,

As we gather in gratitude this New Year, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come together since 2018. From our humble beginnings in a tiny black box theatre to the Downtown LA Regal Cinema Theatre, then to a virtual platform CYA, my heart is truly full with our unique journey through the film festival market.
We overcame so many obstacles along the way and enjoyed the journey. None of this would be possible without you, our devoted parents, inspiring performers, and dedicated staff. Your loyalty, support, and belief in our mission have built more than just a studio. You’ve built a thriving, creative community that empowers young people to shine on stage and in life.

However, due to the present day world climate circumstances, we are sad to write that we need to take a serious long pause on our independent showcases to reassess and refresh anew as we move forward into the new year. The cinematic arts are built on a powerful truth: growth doesn’t come from showing up once in a while. It comes from consistency, determination, and the courage to keep trying, even when something feels hard.

Every screenplay, every smile and brave moment of trying something new reminds me why we do what we do. We are not just teaching lights or cameras; we are building future leaders through the cinematic arts, and protecting a community of independent artists. Big achievements are made through small, consistent efforts.

From our cinema family to yours, thank you for being such an important supporter. Wishing you a warm, joyful, and beautiful 2026!

With Heartfelt Gratitude,

Mary Rachel Gardner
Founder & Creative Director

01/14/2026

A PAUSE LOVE LETTER TO ICS
Hold for the applause (paws up!)

Dear Cinema Family,

As we gather in gratitude this New Year, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come together since 2018. From our humble beginnings in a tiny black box theatre to the Downtown LA Regal Cinema Theatre, then to a virtual platform CYA, my heart is truly full with our unique journey through the film festival market.

We overcame so many obstacles along the way and enjoyed the journey. None of this would be possible without you, our devoted parents, inspiring performers, and dedicated staff. Your loyalty, support, and belief in our mission have built more than just a studio. You’ve built a thriving, creative community that empowers young people to shine on stage and in life.

However, due to the present day world climate circumstances, we are sad to write that we need to take a serious long pause on our independent showcases to reassess and refresh anew as we move forward into the new year. The cinematic arts are built on a powerful truth: growth doesn’t come from showing up once in a while. It comes from consistency, determination, and the courage to keep trying, even when something feels hard.

Every screenplay, every smile and brave moment of trying something new reminds me why we do what we do. We are not just teaching lights or cameras; we are building future leaders through the cinematic arts, and protecting a community of independent artists. Big achievements are made through small, consistent efforts.

From our cinema family to yours, thank you for being such an important supporter. Wishing you a warm, joyful, and beautiful 2026!

With Heartfelt Gratitude,

Mary Rachel Gardner
Founder & Creative Director

12/20/2022

InkTip's Posting Board is a place where producers can connect with other industry professionals who have projects in pre-production and beyond and may need a missing element to get the film completed.

Any project can be posted as long as it has either first funds ready or has started pre-production beyond securing a great script.

Sign up for free here: http://bit.ly/3YEX92f

10/13/2022

The script listing service InkTip is launching its first screenwriting competition! Each contest will have a new theme and is exclusive to InkTip Pro members.

The theme for the first InkTip Pro Contest is Holiday Scripts - this can mean any holiday! Submissions are open October 17th - 31st.

Winners will have their loglines featured in our industry contest newsletter, finalists will receive free IPM membership and free script coverage, among other perks!

You can find more info here: https://bit.ly/3rRnQ4s

06/28/2022

The ICS Summer Newsletter 2022!!!

Join the ICS Cinema Family and support our dedicated mission to discover and share independent filmmakers' visions from around the world!

05/31/2022

Lena Waithe is an actress, producer, and screenwriter, who created successful TV shows such as The Chi, Master of None, Boomerang and Twenties. In addition to her prolific work, she launched the Rising Voices talent development initiative with Indeed to help marginalized individuals in the entertainment industry.

05/28/2022

Thank you to those who took the time to share their positive reviews about The Independent Cinema Showcase on ! We are so grateful for the constant support from our amazing and dedicated ICS family members! ICS is dedicated to discovering and showcasing independent filmmakers and their visions from around the world.

05/25/2022

Jennifer is a Korean-born American storyboard artist and director. She is best known for her work as the director of Kung Fu Panda 2 and 3, where she became the first woman to solely direct an animated feature from a major Hollywood studio. Her work on Kung Fu Panda 2 also positioned her as the second woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.  “Sometimes, you just have to go in there and bowl people over with your sheer force of will.” – Jennifer Yuh Nelson

05/21/2022

Today's Sunday Spotlight goes to another member of our ICS Family, Juan Paulin! Juan won Best Sound Design during our Fall 2018 Showcase for his film, Un Dia. Born in México, Juan works as an Audiovisual Director with a focus on animation and illustration, and has more than 8 years of experience in Film, Advertising and Art projects. He currently works as a freelance for various audiovisual projects.

Thank you Juan for your support and for being an amazing member of our ICS Family!

If you want to join our talented Cinema Family too, please submit a short film or screenplay on now! We are excited to see your vision!

05/09/2022

Happy Motivation Monday! Today we’re highlighting screenwriter and producer Melissa Rosenberg to get you ready for the week! She is best known for her work as the executive producer of the Showtime series Dexter and Marvel’s Jessica Jones, as well as Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. Her work has won her a Peabody Award, and has been nominated for two Emmy awards and two Writers Guild of America awards.

             

05/07/2022

Thank you so much to everyone who shared positive reviews about The Independent Cinema Showcase on ! ICS is dedicated to discovering and showcasing independent filmmakers and their visions from around the world. We’re so grateful to have members that are just as excited about encouraging people to   as we are!

                           

04/24/2022

The ICS Spring Edition - TODAY
Come join our ICS family!⠀
Sunday, April 24th⠀
The Virtual Doors Open on ⠀
3:00PM-5:30PM (PST) ⠀
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To RSVP and purchase a ticket for $20, visit the Linktree in our bio and select - ‘The Spring Showcase’. *Guests who post, share and tag  will receive 50% off*⠀
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