What is an "Independent Film?"

I asked my sister to read my blog the other day and of course with her 13-year-old attitude she responded, "I don't even know what the heck an independent film is!"  So, I decided to clarify exactly what makes an independent film.  Basically, an "indie" film is any film that is made outside of the Hollywood studio system.  The Hollywood studio system is a group of major American film studios located primarily in Los Angeles but generally all over the world.  I'm not downgrading the big studios by any means, but in my opinion, most of the movies that come out of these powerhouses are just movies.  They are great for entertainment but usually have no purpose or emotional impact.  The executive pricks in charge of these studios usually will not even glance at a script that has thought to it.  It's all about the money instead of the art.  But that's an entirely different blog.  Which brings me to the notion that most independent films have a life lesson somewhere in there and can truly touch an audience.  Enough with my negativity... according to Wikipedia, "Independent films today are generally defined as American films financed and distributed by sources outside today's Big Six..."  So, it's not rocket science as to what an independent film is.