Heartland Film is a nonprofit arts organization that runs the 11-day Heartland International Film Festival in October, the Academy Award®-Qualifying Indy Shorts International Film Festival in July, the Truly Moving Picture Award and other year-round programs. 

Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Heartland Film was founded in 1991 with the mission to curate, promote and celebrate thoughtful and engaging films from diverse perspectives. The films we select and exhibit – whether they inspire conversation, ignite imagination, or shift perspectives – all have one thing in common: they are entertaining films that do more than just entertain.

Over the years, we presented $3.5 million in cash prize – the largest total amount awarded by any film festival in North America – presented 200+ studio films with the Truly Moving Picture Award, and showcased more than 2,000 feature and short films, including eight Oscar®-winning titles. To view our past Festival guidebooks, pictures, films and more check out digital archives section here!

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Vision: Heartland Film is the preeminent destination for connecting audiences and filmmakers to experience transformative film.

Michael Ault

President

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Kelly Alexiou

Director of Office Management ​

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Heather Ross

Director of Development​

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Emily Chu

Development Coordinator

Adam Howell

Senior Director of Strategic Planning​

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Bailey Scales

Production & Special Events Manager

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Greg Sorvig

Artistic Director

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Julia Ricci

Senior Programmer

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Julie Landrum

Volunteer Coordinator

Jessica Chapman

Director of Marketing & Communications

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Angelo Auriemma

Creative Manager​

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Hannah Lindgren

Social Media Coordinator

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Evan Vernon

Hospitality Coordinator

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Please do not email staff members about film submissions. Please visit our Filmmaker FAQ and email submissions@heartlandfilm.org if you have any questions.