When you hear the words "independent films" what comes to mind?

If it's "something Omaha is lacking" then this weekend is just for you.

The Omaha Film Festival is off and running.

It comes as a hunger for independent films is about to be satisfied.

But on opening night of the omaha film festival you won't see Jack Nicholson, Reese Witherspoon or Will Smith as you would at the Oscars.

It’s hosted at the Westwood Cinema and Mayor Mike Fahey kicks off the event.

“I hope everyone has their popcorn and soft drinks," says Fahey.

In all, movie buffs can sit back and enjoy sixty five films from all over the world, even Nebraska.

"I love movies, All types of movies. Right now independent films are a great thing, but in Omaha it’s hard to see those," says Jeremy Decker, the film festival director.

That could soon change as a new theatre takes shape in the NoDo area, north of downtown.

"I think it's going to be terrific. A lot of people could come from West Omaha," says Rachel Jacobson.

Jacobson launched Film Streams, a non-profit organization which provides a forum for independent films.

"I think this will revitalize the area here. I went to Central High School right over here. I just remember nothing over here," says Jacobson.

Nothing is becoming something, a movie theatre that caters to those with a dependence on independent films.

"Anything that's artistically interesting, socially reverent and that's not playing in Omaha otherwise," says Jacobson.

Jacobson raised more than a million dollars to make her dream of opening a movie venue come true.

"I think Omaha has been wanting this for a long time. We’ve pretty much just had commercial theaters all along. It will be the first theater downtown in 20 to 30 years, says Jacobson.

It’s a theatre that could actually help stage Omaha's film festival.

Jacobson says "I just think they're doing a great job with what they do bringing films here. Next year we hope to host the Omaha Film Festival and screen some of their movies on their screens as well."

The theater at 14th and Webster, just a few blocks from the Qwest Center, is scheduled to open in July.

Its name will be unveiled in about a month.

It is all part of a complex that includes a live music venue for Saddle Creek Records, a major force in the independent music world.

The Omaha Film Festival runs through Sunday.