The term "underground film" refers to movies that are outside the mainstream or conventional production and are often experimental or avant-garde in nature. Synonyms for the phrase include "cult cinema," "alternative cinema," "independent film," "offbeat movie," "subversive cinema," and "counter-cultural film." These films are often made on a low budget or with nonprofessional actors and can cover a wide range of subjects including social issues, sexuality, and surrealism. The term "underground cinema" can also refer to venues where these films are screened, such as art house theaters, independent cinemas, and film festivals that focus on showcasing independent, avant-garde or experimental films.