What qualifies a film to be called a "blockbuster"?

A film is designated as a "blockbuster" primarily due to its high-budget production and design for mass appeal. This term typically refers to movies that are widely marketed and distributed, aiming to attract a large audience and generate significant box office revenue. Blockbusters often feature impressive special effects, star-studded casts, and extensive promotional campaigns, all contributing to their broad public interest and potential for commercial success.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the characteristics of a blockbuster. Films focusing on niche audiences tend to have more targeted marketing and are not intended for mass appeal, while films that win festival awards typically highlight artistic merit rather than commercial viability. Lastly, independent films are often characterized by lower budgets and may not have the same level of market reach or aim for blockbuster status. Therefore, the defining features of a blockbuster, which include substantial financial investment and broad audience engagement, clearly support the classification of high-budget productions as blockbusters.