@desireereports: To the independent filmmakers, writers, directors, producers, and talent in Hollywood: The problem isn’t just media consolidation. It’s that you have no unified voice on Capitol Hill. Disney, Fox, Amazon, Paramount, and other media giants spend millions annually lobbying Congress to advance their interests, including public funding and tax incentives. Even NPR and PBS have engaged in lobbying. But who is advocating for you? Long term: Establish an annual Capitol Hill Film Festival to showcase independent films directly to lawmakers, advocate for federal funding opportunities, and build lasting relationships with Congress. Short term: Explore opportunities with the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) to license independent films and television series for international distribution, consistent with its mission. Think about the impact your storytelling could have in countries like Russia, Iran, and China. Your work could challenge perceptions of America, promote cultural understanding, and potentially reach individuals vulnerable to extremist recruitment. That’s cultural diplomacy with real national-security implications. It’s time independent Hollywood had a seat at the table in Washington. You have just as much reason to advocate for your industry as the major corporations do, perhaps even more. Supporting independent filmmakers means putting people to work: actors, writers, directors, crews, editors, and countless others. If Congress wants to rebuild Hollywood, it needs to invest in the people creating the films, not just the corporations distributing them.

Desirée Townsend

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Region: US

Friday 09 October 2026 16:22:26 GMT