Since 1992, Heartland Film has transformed Indianapolis into a movie-watching paradise with their annual festival. Now to celebrate this quarter century of fun, the nonprofit is presenting its 25th annual Heartland Film Festival, complete with all kinds of opportunities to check out the latest and greatest flicks.
From October 20-30, the festival will showcase 138 films over 11 days of red carpet premieres and events, parties, and hundreds of film screenings across Indianapolis. As always, several Hollywood stars will make their way to Indy for the fest, with some of this year’s highlights being Jessica Biel, Dr. Kent Brantly, John Rhys-Davies, Rory Feek, and Alan Thicke.
Since its first event in 1992, Heartland has awarded $3 million in prize money to independent filmmakers — more than any other film festival in North America. Much like previous years, the Academy Award®-qualifying festival will once again give its moviegoers access to more than 100 visiting independent filmmakers from all over the world.
“Twenty-five years is a special milestone, and we are thrilled to celebrate with an unprecedented slate of movies, red carpet premieres, and special appearances,” says Craig Prater, president of Heartland Film. “A record 2,535 films were submitted from 92 countries, and we have crafted a fantastic lineup of 138 movies that not only embody the founding spirit of Heartland, but also show what we have grown to become over the past two-and-a-half decades. This anniversary is truly a testament to the ongoing passion and support of our sponsors, moviegoers, board members, volunteers, and staff. ”
Below, we’ve listed some of the notable highlights at this year’s festival. For complete information on all of the 2016 Heartland Film Festival events, be sure and visit Heartland Film’s official website.
Key events and dates
Opening Night Screening and After Party – “The Book of Love”
Thursday, October 20 – Scottish Rite Cathedral, 7 pm
Narrative feature directed by Bill Purple. Scheduled appearances by Actress Jessica Biel, Producer Michelle Purple, and Actor Richard Robichaux. After party to feature live music from Jon McLaughlin. Sponsored by the David and Betty Klapper Family Foundation.
25th Anniversary Celebration
Friday, October 21 – Premiere Pavilion at AMC Castleton Square 14, 5:30 pm VIP, 6:30 pm
Celebrating the 25-year legacy of Heartland Film. Actor Brian Dennehy scheduled to appear to receive the Pioneering Spirit: Lifetime Achievement Award from Heartland Film.
Awards Party
Saturday, October 29 – Premiere Pavilion at AMC Castleton Square 14, 7 pm
Heartland Film Festival will unveil all its winners and bestow $129,000 in cash prizes to independent filmmakers with music by Tonos Triad. Sponsored by the David and Betty Klapper Family Foundation.
Filmmakers’ Brunch
Sunday, October 30 – Sheraton Indianapolis at Keystone at the Crossing, 11 am
Discover the inspiration behind some of your favorite Heartland Film Festival movies by joining the filmmakers for an informal brunch. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to speak one-on-one with storytellers and to hear different perspectives on all aspects of the filmmaking process.
Closing Night Screening and After Party – “Josephine”
Sunday, October 30 – AMC Castleton Square 14, 7 pm
Narrative feature directed by Rory Feek. Scheduled appearances by Director/Writer Rory Feek, Producer Aaron Carnaha, Musician Heidi Feek, and Musician Dillon Hodges. Sponsored by the David and Betty Klapper Family Foundation.
U.S. and World Premiere Titles
These 13 U.S. or World Premiere special events will be hosted at AMC Castleton Square 14, with select after parties set at the expanded Premiere Pavilion. Filmmakers and/or talent from every film are scheduled to attend and take part red carpet festivities.
- “High School 9-1-1” – Friday, October 21, 12:15 pm
- World Premiere, Documentary Feature – Directed by Tim Warren
- Director Tim Warren, Producer Kelli Joan Bennett, cast, and crew scheduled to attend.
- “Winter Thaw” – Saturday, October 22, 3:30 pm
- World Premiere, Narrative Feature – Directed by Adam Thomas Anderegg
- Actor John Rhys-Davies, Director Adam Thomas Anderegg, cast, and crew scheduled to attend.
- “The JJ Project” – Saturday, October 22, 5:45 pm
- World Premiere, Documentary Feature – Directed by Matt Starr
- Featured Subject JJ Hunt, Director Matt Starr, cast, and crew scheduled to attend.
- “When War Comes Home” – Sunday, October 23, 12:45 pm
- U.S. Premiere, Documentary Feature – Directed by Michael King
- Director Michael King, cast, and crew scheduled to attend.
- “Reengineering Sam” – Sunday, October 23, 3:15 pm
- World Premiere, Documentary Feature – Directed by Brian Malone
- Director Brian Malone, Featured Subject Dr. Scott Falci, Featured Subject Dr. Scott Grigsby, cast, and crew scheduled to attend.
- “New Life” – Sunday, October 23, 6 pm, Sponsored by Lilly
- World Premiere, Narrative Feature – Directed by Drew Waters
- Director Drew Waters, Actress Erica Bethea, cast, and crew scheduled to attend.
- “Facing Darkness” – Sunday, October 23, 8:30 pm
- World Premiere, Special Presentation, Documentary Feature – Directed by Arthur Rasco
- Featured Subject Dr. Kent Brantly, Director Arthur Rasco, cast, and crew scheduled to attend.
- “The Healer” – Monday, October 24, 5:30 pm
- U.S. Premiere, Narrative Feature – Directed by Paco Arango
- Director Paco Arango, Actress Kaitlyn Bernard, cast, and crew scheduled to attend.
- “Men in the Arena” – Monday, October 24, 7:45 pm
- World Premiere, Documentary Feature – Directed by J.R. Biersmith
- Director J.R. Biersmith, cast, and crew scheduled to attend.
- “It’s Not My Fault and I Don’t Care Anyway” – Tuesday, October 25, 7:15 pm
- U.S. Premiere, Narrative Feature – Directed by Chris Craddock
- Director Chris Craddock, Actor Quinton Aaron, Actress Leah Doz, cast, and crew scheduled to attend.
- “Matsanjeni (The Bones) – A Thirst Project VR Film” – Wednesday, October 26 and Thursday, October 27
- Documentary Short, Special Presentation, World Premiere – Directed by Zach Richter, Sam Smith and Corey Petrick
- Virtual reality experience with recurring screenings throughout both days at AMC Castleton Square 14.
- Executive Producer Seth Maxwell, cast and crew scheduled to attend.
- “Bugs on the Menu” – Wednesday, October 26, 7 pm
- U.S. Premiere, Documentary Feature – Directed by Ian Toews
- Director Ian Toews, cast and crew scheduled to attend.
- “From the Ashes: The University of Evansville Purple Aces” – Thursday, October 27, 5:30 pm
- World Premiere, Documentary Feature, Indiana Spotlight – Directed by Joe Atkinson
- Director Joe Atkinson, cast, and crew scheduled to attend.