About

re-declaration of independents

For nearly fifty years, FRF has been a beacon of independent culture and creativity—distributing hundreds of titles, supporting bold storytelling, and connecting audiences with films that provoke and inspire. But lately, corporate consolidation and digital disruption have threatened the future of independent media.

FRF's mandate has always been to keep the indie flame — championing films with heart, risk, and a point of view. That work is needed now more than ever, which is why we're doubling down on our mission by finding new ways to meet it.

“Let’s raise a glass to First Run – It takes remarkable courage to distribute cutting-edge and sometimes controversial works that they believe should and must be seen.”

~ The Film Society of Lincoln Center

Through limited releases, archival revivals, and new inventions like the Original Filmagram, the FRF Video Club is committed to pushing the boundaries and cultural influence of independent film.

Discover indie gems, share what you love, submit your own work to The Independent Pulse, our monthly zine, and support the next generation of independent filmmaking. The Video Club is powered by FRF Fellows -- film students who steward this project as a way to create, curate, and celebrate independent culture together.

Since First Run’s founding, New York City film students have been an integral part of the FRF story, with many going on to work in independent media and some becoming filmmakers themselves. Most famously, Spike Lee worked here as a student while finishing his master's thesis, Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads, which FRF distributed. Now, we're building on that legacy by developing the next generation of independent filmmakers.

let's build the future of independent film

In 2025, we formed the nonprofit FRF NYC INC to protect the future of independent film as a valued force for good. We're building viable pathways for independent filmmakers, production, and distribution—connecting audiences with bold storytelling that challenges conventional narratives and keeping independent film accessible, sustainable, and central to cultural dialogue.

501c3 fiscal sponsorship currently provided by Fractured Atlas, where tax-deductible donations can be made to fund our work.

Support FRF NYC INC >>

re-declaration of independents

FRF's mandate has always been to keep the indie flame — championing films with heart, risk, and a point of view. That work is needed now more than ever, which is why we're doubling down on our mission by finding new ways to meet it.

“Let’s raise a glass to First Run – It takes remarkable courage to distribute cutting-edge and sometimes controversial works that they believe should and must be seen.”

let's build the future of independent film

501c3 fiscal sponsorship currently provided by Fractured Atlas, where tax-deductible donations can be made to fund our work.

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