The final paper will be a 2000-word (roughly six pages, double-spaced) research-driven, argumentative essay about your chosen film and how it is defined as an “independent film” within your specific context. Analysis should demonstrate an understanding of the different ways scholars and critics have defined independent film over time, and focus on one of the following contexts: industrial, economic, sociocultural, visual/stylistic, narrative/formal, generic, historical, international, or technological. This is an argumentative research paper, meaning students should critically engage with their film and the choices made in its production, distribution, or reception, rather than a business-report style recitation of information. Sources: Your paper must include at least three academic sources and three news/trade articles. Research must be original and supplemental to the course material, not simply a repetition of information provided in lectures and readings. Thesis: Your paper must make a specific and compelling claim about your chosen film and its definition of “independent film,” articulated in an original and argumentative thesis statement. Your supporting evidence and analysis should then be in service of your thesis statement. Format: Your writing should be well-organized, thorough, and concise. Your paper should be formatted according to MLA, APA, or Chicago style and include a bibliography, or in-text citations with a work cited page. You should use Times New Roman 12-point font, with 1” margins and no extra spaces between paragraphs.