Code of Conduct
At Heartland Film, we appreciate, respect, and honor the vibrant diversity and viewpoints of our world community of guests and staff and hold steadfast in a commitment to freedom of creative expression. We encourage the open exchange of ideas and perspectives in a mutually respectful environment that provides guests and staff with a safe and enjoyable experience while attending our film festivals and events.
We ask that everyone—artists, audiences, volunteers, press, industry, staff, board members, and beyond—maintain an environment that is welcoming to all. Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:
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Demeaning, discriminatory or harassing behavior or speech, including but not limited to personal insults, sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, ageist or ableist language or any language that insults or demeans the characteristics of any person.
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Inappropriate physical contact; you should have someone’s consent before touching them. Be mindful of the personal space and boundaries of others by avoiding unwelcome, unlawful attention, including sexual harassment and harassment of any kind, stalking, and inappropriate physical contact of any kind.
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Bullying including repeated verbal abuse; verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a threatening, intimidating or humiliating nature; or the sabotage or undermining of a person’s performance. Be respectful of moderators, artists, and audience members by refraining from disruption of screenings, sessions, talks, or other events
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Possession of dangerous or unauthorized materials such as explosives, firearms, weapons or any item that can be used as a weapon, and may cause danger to others if used in a certain manner.
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Possessing any open can, bottle or other receptacle containing any alcoholic beverages, except in areas specifically designated for the consumption of alcohol. Please drink responsibly.
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Possessing any illegal substance, including but not limited to narcotics, marijuana, or other illegal drugs, as well as the use, distribution, sale, or transfer of illegal drugs.
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Wearing clothing that is not suitable or potentially offensive.
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Failure to obey any rules or regulations of the event venue.
The Code of Conduct covers all events and venues including, but not limited to, the Indy Shorts International Film Festival, Heartland International Film Festival, Best of Fest, education programs, special screenings, Heartland Film offices, and in all Heartland Film digital spaces.
Heartland Film will review all incidents that violate our Code of Conduct in a timely and equitable manner. We reserve the right to immediately remove, and permanently ban, any person from an event and/or venue for violations of this Code of Conduct, including the revocation of membership, tickets, passes and other privileges.
Code of Conduct
If you, or anyone else, are in immediate danger of physical harm, please call 911 or seek assistance from a member of our staff immediately to call 911.
If you require assistance, or would like to report an onsite incident, please ask a staff member to speak with our head manager onsite at the venue or event.
If you would like to report an incident after you have left the event or venue, please send a detailed description of the incident to info@heartlandfilm.org including your contact information so we may follow up with you if we need additional information.
If you would like to inform us of an incident anonymously, please use THIS FORM to do so, but understanding that not providing contact information limits our ability to follow up on the incident.
Please bear in mind that notifying us does not constitute or replace notifying law enforcement. Thank you for your support and interest in Heartland Film.