This Summer's 7 Must-See Indie Films

Summer is known for its big budget blockbuster movie openings, but oftentimes it’s the unsung independent film that tug at the heartstrings and stir emotions, from the psychological thrillers that cause nightmares to the family friendly comedies that renew a sense of peace in the world. Check out these seven indie films in theaters this summer that will captivate an audience until the ending credits roll.

Learning to Drive

Learning to Drive was the first runner-up for the People’s Choice Award at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival. This intriguing film examines the relationship between a New York woman and her devout Sikh driving instructor. In the movie, she takes driving lessons to gain more independence so she can visit her daughter in Vermont after the end of her marriage.

Learning to Drive will be released in theaters on August 21, 2015.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is set to be released in theaters June 12, 2015.

Beyond the Mask

Beyond the Mask opened small, to mostly positive reviews, which allowed for a wider theater expansion this summer. This historical action film is family-friendly, which will give it a greater appeal and audience reach. The story of the risk of a double-crossed assassin for the British East India Company finding adventure, love and redemption in America might make this film an unexpected breakout, with its action coupled with a positive message.

Beyond the Mask will open in theaters on June 5, 2015.

Once I Was a Beehive

Once I Was a Beehive is coming-of age film about a teenage girl who is sent away to camp for the first time when her mother remarries a man of another religion after the death of her father. It is refreshing to see a family-friendly indie film with a positive message and some easily relatable comedy mixed in.

Once I Was a Beehive will be released in theaters August 14, 2015.

The Stanford Prison Experiment

The Stanford Prison Experiment, adapted from Phillip Zimbardo’s book The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil, also premiered at Sundance. This film is based on Zimbardo’s 1971 experiment in which he made his students role play as prisoners and guards. It quickly spiraled out of control and had to be shut down early. Tim Talbott, the screenwriter, was awarded the coveted Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at Sundance. While there are some mixed reviews of the film, it being based on a true story kept the audience on the edge of their seat.

The Stanford Prison Experiment will be released in theaters July 17, 2015.

Love and Mercy

Love and Mercy premiered at Toronto International Film Festival to good reviews. It tells the story of Brian Wilson, of the Beach Boys, and the extreme highs and lows of his career and his personal life. The film explores his struggle with mental illness and the battle between his controversial therapist and the woman he loves. This is a must see-film for Beach Boy fans who want to get a glimpse behind the music.

Love and Mercy is still making the film festival rounds and is set for theater release on June 5, 2015.

Live From New York

Live From New York premiered at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival with good reviews, and it is definitely the nostalgia that makes it so special, as it examines the late night sketch comedy television show, Saturday Night Live. The look back at 40 years of comedy, history, controversy and some behind-the-scenes knowledge feels like the closest thing to time travel through the past four decades.

Live From New York will walk its audience down memory lane when it opens in theaters June 12, 2015

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.