Which film is credited for pioneering independent filmmaking in the New Hollywood era?

"Bonnie and Clyde" is recognized for its pioneering role in independent filmmaking during the New Hollywood era due to several key factors. Released in 1967, the film features a distinctive blend of artistic storytelling, rebellious themes, and a fresh narrative approach that deviated from the conventional Hollywood norms of the time.

The film was produced by a small independent studio and received critical acclaim for its innovative techniques, including the use of stylized violence and complex characters. It also played a significant role in attracting a younger audience to theaters and inspiring filmmakers to explore more authentic, gritty narratives that reflected the social upheavals of the late 1960s. Its success demonstrated that there was a viable market for films that broke from traditional storytelling and filmmaking styles, paving the way for future independent projects and filmmakers.

In contrast, the other films listed — "Jaws," "The Graduate," and "Star Wars" — while influential in their own right, typically represent studio-led projects rather than embodying the spirit of independent filmmaking that "Bonnie and Clyde" championed. Their production and marketing were backed by major studios, which made them more conventional in terms of financial and creative control, differing from the pioneering independent spirit that "Bonnie and Clyde"