Holofcener's first experiences with film as a child left her either frightened or sad; she recalled her fright at Jerry Lewis's The Nutty Professor. Returning east to college, Holofcener originally wanted to become an Artist like her father, but felt she wasn't as talented as others in her classes. From there she gravitated into taking some film courses. She studied film at Columbia University, and made two shorts titled Angry and It's Richard I Love. While at Columbia, she was taught by Martin Scorsese. After viewing one of her college works, her stepfather wondered aloud if she shouldn't make a career change. Disappointed, she became a clerk at a video store for a while, then entered Columbia's graduate school program. At the time of his death in 2008, Charles Joffe had become one of the most ardent fans of his stepdaughter's work. Angry received critical praise at the Sundance Film Festival. Holofcener has been viewed as an indie filmmaker despite the financial and critical success of her feature-length films.The films Holofcener has worked on are highly regarded as indie films. The Common theme of realism is integrated into the conventions of independent films as well. Many of Holofcener's films are shot on location during their production. Today, Holofcener is often referred to as the female Woody Allen and she has gone on to direct several feature-length films.