Because of what we do at Gen Art, friends often ask us what films they should try to see next. And then we describe an amazing flick that we saw at a tiny press screening over a year ago or a random movie that a filmmaker handed us at Sundance, and we get a blank stare. It just loses something in translation. So here are five new indies that you should make it your business to go and see; if you don't believe us, click through to view the trailers now and then admit that we always know best later.

1. "The Pleasure of Being Robbed" (now playing)
This debut from 24-year-old writer-director Josh Safdie was the Closing Night film of the 2008 Cannes Directors' Fortnight and stars Gen Art film program alum Eleonore Hendricks as the sticky fingered protagonist (fun fact: she also wrote the screenplay).

2. "nights and weekends" (October 10)
Mumblecore's Greta Gerwig and Joe Swanberg, who previously collaborated on "Hannah Takes the Stairs," play a pair of long-distance lovers who are struggling to make their New York/Chicago relationship work.

3. "Happy Go Lucky" (October 10)
The effervescent Sally Hawkins stars in Mike Leigh's latest as Poppy, an eternally-optimistic free spirit who never stops smiling. Even when her bike gets stolen. Even when her back is thrown out. Even when her pregnant sister rides her about being 30-something and single.

4. "Frontrunners" (October 15)
Anyone who has ever run for student government will appreciate this documentary about the presidential elections at New York's Stuyvesant High School—considered some of the most competitive in the nation.

5. "The Brothers Bloom" (January 16)
Adrien Brody and Mark Ruffalo play a pair of con men who pick a quirky New Jersey heiress (Rachel Weiz) as their target and end up on an around-the-world adventure. Directed by Gen Art's friend, Rian Johnson.

- Caroline Stanley

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