Independent films: what are your recommendations and why?

I decided I needed a fun blog post:

Independent films are often considered overly artsy, raunchy, pretentious, or just plain bad. While this may be true for some independent films (BOHICA, Alexander the Last, and Ciao to name a few...) there are many great films too (A deal is a deal, Cherry Blossoms, Back Soon, Live and Become...). Throughout the years a select few indies (mostly that screen at Sundance), can come to general release, and even can become cult favorites (Little Miss Sunshine or Napoleon Dynamite anyone?)

Some of my favorite indies are the comedies, foreign films, (and especially foreign comedies) because they are more than just the film itself, they help bridge cultures. While I'm sure many would not be thrilled about seeing an Icelandic film, an Icelandic film about the misadventures of a pot dealer might get some more interest (Back Soon). Maybe you're a 'Heroes' fan and like James Kyson Lee, then you might get a kick out of "little tokyo, Big dreams" about a caucasian guy trying to be Japanese (or maybe this director's more recent comedy 'White On Rice'). If you like sports movies I think most people would enjoy "Guys and Balls" a German comedy about a gay soccer team.

That said, there are many great dramas as well. Some of my favorites include: Live and Become (Israel) and Cherry Blossoms (Germany), among others which I can't think of right now.

There are so many amazing movies that just don't get the same marketing as your typical hollywood movie, but many more titles can be found on clevelandfilm.org in the archives, and many are available on DVD through blockbusteronline (not in the store) or netflix.

Does anyone else have any indie favorites? Any must-sees?