How did the rise of streaming platforms change the landscape of independent filmmaking?

The emergence and growth of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu have significantly altered the landscape of the film industry since the early 2010s. For independent filmmakers, these platforms have provided both new opportunities and new challenges. On one hand, they offer more avenues for distribution, allowing films that may have struggled to find traditional theatrical releases to reach global audiences. On the other hand, the oversaturation of content and the algorithms that prioritize larger productions can make it difficult for indie films to gain visibility. This question explores the impact of this digital shift on how independent films are financed, produced, and accessed by audiences today.