If you’ve ever considered getting into the film business, or any self-financed creative endeavor, I highly recommend American Movie. This documentary is an honest, funny and sometimes heartbreaking portrayal of independent filmmaker Mark Borchardt’s attempt to fulfill his dreams. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Mark started making films at the age of fourteen when he purchased a super-8 camera at a garage sale. After serving three years in the military, he returned to the Midwest to attend film school at a local university.  He spent the next three years attempting to write, shoot and edit his independent film, “Northwestern.” The process was documented by filmmakers Chris Smith and Sarah Price and their resulting film, American Movie, won the Grand Jury Prize at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival.

Ultimately a story of friendship, family and the power of perseverance, American Movie is truly inspiration for the creative entrepreneur.