And let us not forget that the existing cinema system has not worked for most people. That system still encourages most to just to try to get theirs and dream of being the 1%. It is a POSITIVE thing to declare that world dead. Let's move on and dream of the better world. Overreach and we will still get a hell of a lot further than we would have otherwise.
Exactly exactly. Righteous anger at the systems of injustice is wholly positive. I find the more love I feel for something, the hotter my anger burns when it's abused. We gotta push that Overton Window!
This is so Spot on! We must allow our stack own individual works to build something bigger than any one movie! I love the references to Radical Optimism too! ❤️❤️❤️
Yes agree Chris, we've gotta shoot higher than just one movie one time. It's bigger than that. And why not have a little more fun while we're doing it? It's fun to have fun!
I really appreciate the generosity in this piece, especially the emphasis on Both/And thinking and the idea that there isn’t one “right” way to participate in the movement. Your point about optimism not being naivety but a strategic, collective fuel resonates deeply, especially when building alternative systems that aren’t yet fully visible or supported.
That openness feels essential if we’re truly trying to build something new. Optimism here reads as a collective choice. Excited to see how this continues to grow through small, human acts of collaboration as much as big moments -- and as a reminder that change often starts with how we choose to engage with one another.
Thank you, and here’s to a wonderful 2026 for all of us.
Yes, how you said "change often starts with how we choose to engage with one another" is exactly right. We can ferociously approach the goal, we can be sharks, we can be relentless and dogged, and also we can lead with generosity and curiosity and we'll find much more energy for the long game. Thanks for reading and for all the good will you bring to the NonDē movement.
I agree with you Courtney. Very well said. As I look at this business as an outsider looking to get in, the current distribution system for independent films doesn't work. I'm impressed by your initiative in organizing a movement to create a better world for independent filmmakers. I mentioned you in my article this morning hopefully that will help get the word out, although you and Ted have done so much already. You don't know here you are going until you start. Now is the time. https://open.substack.com/pub/mjwallace/p/christmas-eve-reflections-the-year?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
Thank you so much Michael! All of us have a particular way to speak to the movement and our place in it. Your article and your perspective is fortifying to the cause. Thanks so much for writing personally and truthfully about how you're navigating each step, it's a wonderful thing.
I am so with you Courtney. Well said!
And let us not forget that the existing cinema system has not worked for most people. That system still encourages most to just to try to get theirs and dream of being the 1%. It is a POSITIVE thing to declare that world dead. Let's move on and dream of the better world. Overreach and we will still get a hell of a lot further than we would have otherwise.
Exactly exactly. Righteous anger at the systems of injustice is wholly positive. I find the more love I feel for something, the hotter my anger burns when it's abused. We gotta push that Overton Window!
This is so Spot on! We must allow our stack own individual works to build something bigger than any one movie! I love the references to Radical Optimism too! ❤️❤️❤️
Yes agree Chris, we've gotta shoot higher than just one movie one time. It's bigger than that. And why not have a little more fun while we're doing it? It's fun to have fun!
I really appreciate the generosity in this piece, especially the emphasis on Both/And thinking and the idea that there isn’t one “right” way to participate in the movement. Your point about optimism not being naivety but a strategic, collective fuel resonates deeply, especially when building alternative systems that aren’t yet fully visible or supported.
That openness feels essential if we’re truly trying to build something new. Optimism here reads as a collective choice. Excited to see how this continues to grow through small, human acts of collaboration as much as big moments -- and as a reminder that change often starts with how we choose to engage with one another.
Thank you, and here’s to a wonderful 2026 for all of us.
Yes, how you said "change often starts with how we choose to engage with one another" is exactly right. We can ferociously approach the goal, we can be sharks, we can be relentless and dogged, and also we can lead with generosity and curiosity and we'll find much more energy for the long game. Thanks for reading and for all the good will you bring to the NonDē movement.
👏👏👏👏
Looking forward to the myriad of ways we’re gonna make our dreams actually come true next year (and every year after)! LFG!
Helllllllllll yeah!
I agree with you Courtney. Very well said. As I look at this business as an outsider looking to get in, the current distribution system for independent films doesn't work. I'm impressed by your initiative in organizing a movement to create a better world for independent filmmakers. I mentioned you in my article this morning hopefully that will help get the word out, although you and Ted have done so much already. You don't know here you are going until you start. Now is the time. https://open.substack.com/pub/mjwallace/p/christmas-eve-reflections-the-year?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
Thank you so much Michael! All of us have a particular way to speak to the movement and our place in it. Your article and your perspective is fortifying to the cause. Thanks so much for writing personally and truthfully about how you're navigating each step, it's a wonderful thing.