By: Gipsy Rodriguez
A Reminder to Support Indie Dreams
We all have dreams — but dreams mean very little if we don’t chase them. An idea will always stay an idea unless we put action behind it, fight through the fear, and work for it. That’s what separates dreamers from doers. One such doer is independent filmmaker Michael Jason Allen, someone who continues to find ways to bring his cinematic visions to life, with or without the backing of a big studio.
Recently, while sitting at a Starbucks enjoying my usual coffee, I met a warm, friendly man named Rhett. He struck up a conversation with me — relaxed, kind, very approachable. We talked about film, about dreams, and soon enough he mentioned a movie he had just wrapped called Moon Valley Quest. Before I knew it, he invited me to the premiere.
I went in with zero expectations. What I walked out with was a deeper appreciation for passion, perseverance, and the indie film spirit.
A Quest Through Time and Imagination
Moon Valley Quest is set in 1988 — a time of VHS tapes, synth-pop, neon colors, and arcade dreams. The plot follows a video game geek and failed musician who’s unexpectedly recruited by a retired battle general. Their mission? To defeat an evil beast and his gang and bring peace back to Moon Valley citizens.
It’s part action-adventure, part nostalgic trip, and part musical journey. You can feel the love for the 80s in every scene — the styling, the dialogue, even the tone of the cinematography. It’s playful, imaginative, and self-aware in all the right ways.
But what impressed me most wasn’t just the story or the throwback theme — it was the energy in the theater.
Real People, Real Dreams
As I sat there, surrounded by the cast and crew, I saw something beautiful: pride. Real, raw pride.
There’s nothing quite like seeing people watch themselves on a big screen for the first time — hearing them laugh when they hear their own lines, smile when their friends appear, or tear up during emotional moments. These weren’t celebrities. These were regular people — neighbors, baristas, servers, students — who had given everything they had to something they believed in.
At the end of the film, the entire cast came up front and shared their experiences. They answered audience questions. They talked about how they got involved. Some shared that this was their first ever film role. Others spoke about the creative process, what it took to bring the 80s to life despite being born long after that era.
What amazed me most was hearing how much they had to do on their own. Without a big crew or budget, they handled their own research, wardrobe, makeup, even some choreography. The 80s vibe you see on screen? That was built from scratch — by digging through thrift stores, watching old movies, and studying photos to get it just right. And they did get it right.
Why This Matters
This experience made something click for me: independent films aren’t just movies — they’re acts of bravery.
These artists don’t have million-dollar studios funding their work. They don’t have giant marketing teams creating buzz. They have themselves, their talent, their friends, and their passion. And they still show up. They still create. They still make something from nothing — because they believe in the story they’re telling.
We often pour money and attention into blockbuster films without thinking twice. We watch them, share them, quote them. But indie films like Moon Valley Quest need us more. They thrive on word-of-mouth, on community, on people showing up — not just for the movie, but for the dream behind it.
My Ask to You
If you’ve ever dreamed of creating something — a film, a book, a song, a business — then you already know how much courage it takes. How many moments of doubt and rejection come before that single moment of joy and success.
So, here’s my ask: Support local art. Support indie films. Support passion.
Buy a ticket. Tell a friend. Show up. Because when you do, you’re not just watching a movie. You’re standing behind someone who dared to believe in themselves.
And honestly? That’s the kind of magic the world needs more of. I am Gipsy Rodriguez also a dreamer and doer that is why I identify with this great people.