The golden age of independent filmmaking.

It is the golden age of independent filmmaking in alternative movie houses around the country. But behind the screens, filmmakers are finding it increasingly difficult to rise above the growing crowd of would-be Tarantinos and Vinterbergs. "When you talk to independent filmmakers, there is such a volume of output worldwide. You realize how incredibly difficult it is to get your film distributed," said R. Raderman, a former adman with a passion for independent filmmaking. "This is a way to empower [filmmakers]." "This" is Ifilm.net, a site developed by Raderman that combines elements of a free video store, a cocktail party, and a talent agency. Officially launched this week, the site features more than 65 full-length films viewable with RealNetworks_ G2 streaming video software. Raderman promises 150 indie films online as soon as his team can digitize and encode them."Ifilm is in a great position to become the first really high-profile site for indie-film," said John Turk, managing editor of Res Magazine, a publication devoted to digital filmmaking. Visitors to Ifilm.net can view the films at no cost, post reviews, and email the filmmakers. In a retro-media e-commerce play, Raderman said he plans to sell videotapes of the films for those who can_t cope with the herky-jerky look of streamed video. "Normally the cost of distribution is out of the range for filmmakers," said Raderman. "But the vast majority of independent filmmakers are quite passionate that they fundamentally want people to see their work...." Filmmakers currently featured on the site are considered "founding members, " and pay nothing. Raderman promises that Ifilm.net will offer feature-length films in addition to shorter fare.