Every October, Heartland Film runs the 11-day Heartland International Film Festival in Indianapolis. The festival, first held in 1992, aims to "inspire filmmakers and audiences through the transformative power of film.”
BRINGING FILMMAKERS TOGETHER
Filmmakers participating in the Festival attend numerous screenings of their films and other special events designed to allow interaction between filmmakers and audiences. Filmmakers from around the world are welcome to submit films, but local filmmakers are encouraged to participate as well. The HIFF isn’t just for professionals; student filmmakers are welcomed in each category, too.
IN IT TO WIN IT
The Heartland International Film Festival selects and honors films in several categories. The awards also include substantial cash prizes, including the $20,000 grand prize.
Narrative Feature Grand Prize ($20,000 Grand Prize) - Documentary Feature Grand Prize ($20,000 Grand Prize) - Richard D. Propes Narrative Social Impact Award ($2,000 cash prize) - Richard D. Propes Documentary Social Impact Award ($2,000 cash prize) - Indiana Spotlight Narrative Award ($2,000 cash prize) - Indiana Spotlight Documentary Award ($2,000 cash prize) - Jimmy Stewart Legacy Award ($5,000 cash prize) - Humor & Humanity Award ($2,000 cash prize) - Best Narrative Premiere Award ($2,500 cash prize) - Best Documentary Premiere Award ($2,500 cash prize) - Audience Choice Winners (Overall, Narrative, Documentary, Indiana Spotlight Narrative, Indiana Spotlight Documentary, Narrative Special Presentation, Documentary Special Presentation - no cash prizes)
WANT TO ATTEND?
If you’re a movie lover or have an appreciation for the art of filmmaking, then you don’t want to miss the Heartland International Film Festival. There are several ways you can attend. You can purchase a pass that gets you access to a majority of festival events, or you can purchase a single ticket for a film you are interested in seeing. You can also attend virtually by streaming the event in the comfort of your own home. Looking for the full experience? Tickets to premium events, like Opening Night, Centerpiece Screening, Closing Night, Kick Off, and Awards, are also available for purchase. These events are not included in any regular ticket or pass.
VOLUNTEER
It takes hundreds of volunteers to pull off the festival. There are all types of volunteer opportunities, including planning events and working at the theaters. Special individuals are needed to provide our signature Hoosier hospitality for filmmakers and guests. If you have knowledge and interest in film, you can also apply to be part of the volunteer pre-screening committee. You will watch and review thousands of film submissions and submit the best to the programming staff.
HIDDEN GEM OF THE FILM WORLD
The Heartland International Film Festival was named one of the 25 coolest film festivals in the world in 2023. That’s pretty nifty for the little old Hoosier State. Make sure you add this event to your calendar in October! Be sure to look up local filmmakers who have submitted a film and show up to support them.
