Canon EOS Rebel T5, or Nikon D3200 for indie film making?

Or a better alternative under 500$?

If you know exactly why you need a dSLR to shoot a video then any dSLR will do. They're are the same. If not, here's a cheaper alternative that will get you the same results.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/...order.html

Getting the right tool for the job is the smart thing to do. A camcorder does a superior job. I suggest the JVC Everio GZ-R440DUS Quad-Proof HD Camcorder. I would probably get the orange one, but you may prefer the black one.

Just about any camcorder.