Good films being made (and ignored) for comparatively little

In the midst of all the inconsequential run-up and hype surrounding the impending Oscars, I was really happy to see this article in today's morning paper. Based on experience, I would have expected just a blurb next week listing the winners of the Independent Spirit Awards. I can't vouch for the quality of any of the nominees apart from OLD JOY, but I'll seek out the eventual DVD releases and I'm willing to wager that there's more thoughtful filmmaking here on balance. And with direct producer-to-viewer modes of distribution coming into focus, there's reason to see a silver lining in the clouds. Also: wow. Just $30,000 to make OLD JOY? And I'd rather see it twice again than sit through the PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN sequel a second time.