Upcoming Events
Donations
While the film industry is usually associated with unlimited budgets, the reality is that as a non-profit arts organization devoted to independent film, Heartland Film depends on donations to carry out our mission to curate, promote and celebrate thoughtful and engaging films from diverse perspectives. Consider making a donation to support the future of our organization and independent film in Indianapolis. You can give online here!
​
If you represent a business or organization and are interested in becoming a Festival Sponsor, click here to learn more.
Your donation may be tax deductible to the extent allowed by law; please consult your tax adviser. Heartland Film, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization (Federal Tax ID #35-1832797).
The 34th Heartland International Film Festival
Presented by Alamo Drafthouse at The Square
Thursday, October 9-Sunday, October 19
Locations TBA​
​​​
Heartland Film has hosted the annual Heartland International Film Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana, since 1992. This festival has grown from a four-day event with fewer than 20 films to what is now an 11-day celebration that typically showcases 300+ feature film screenings and 100+ filmmakers.
Merry Movie Nights 2025
December 4-7
Heartland Film HQ​
​
Get into the spirit of the season with a suite of classic holiday films, each featuring a merry activation!
Previous Events
Best of Fest 2025: Indy Shorts Edition
February 7-8
Heartland Film HQ​
​
The splashiest shorts from #IndyShorts2024 return to the silver screen at Heartland Film HQ.
Best of Fest 2025: HIFF Edition
March 7-8
The Historic Artcraft Theater
​
The brightest stars at #HIFF33 return to the silver screen at the incredible Historic Artcraft Theater, which celebrated its 100th birthday only a few years ago.
Storytelling Through Dance Films
In Partnership with the Indy Dance Council
Friday, March 21 at 7 PM
Heartland Film HQ​​
​
Heartland Film, working in creative collaboration with Indy Dance Council, has curated a shorts program featuring the power of dance in storytelling.
Science on Screen: "Radium Girls" & The Price of Progress
Tuesday, March 25 at 7 PM
Heartland Film HQ​​
​
Heartland Film presents Radium Girls, a part of Science on Screen®, a unique film series that allows audiences to experience the intersection of film and science in celebration of National Science on Screen® Day!
"The Ice Cream Man" Special Screening & Gallery
Thursday, March 27 at 7 PM
Heartland Film HQ​
​
Join us in welcoming back the Oscar® shortlisted film, "The Ice Cream Man." This powerful short film had its sold-out World Premiere at the Indy Shorts International Film Festival last July. It went on to play at film festivals worldwide before making the Oscar® Shortlist for Best Live Action Short.
Cinemania 2025: A Tribute to Dance Films of the '80s
Presented by F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co.
April 11, 2025
The Crane Bay Event Center
​
Come out in eclectic '80s chic and cut loose with radical drinks, legit food, electric entertainment and bitchin' activations at Heartland Film's signature fundraiser, Cinemania!
"Champions of the Golden Valley"
Encore Screening with Exodus Refugee
Thursday, May 1 at 7 PM
Heartland Film HQ​​
​
Don't miss your second chance to see the documentary that won the Overall Audience Choice Award at HIFF33. After the screening, there will be a Q&A with two Afghan refugees who work with Exodus Refugee.
The Film Lab | Demystifying Distribution with Pattern Inc.
Thursday, May 15 at 6 PM
Heartland Film HQ​​
​
Filmmakers! Join Heartland Film and Pattern Inc. to learn about navigating independent film distribution. Keynote speaker and Indiana native Milan Chakraborty will join us remotely to demystify indie film distribution.
Hoosier High School Film Competition
Presented by Robert's Camera
Saturday, May 17
Virtual Event​
​
High schools from all over Indiana have spent the year creating their own short films. These films will showcase their shorts virtually and compete to be the winner of the inaugural Hoosier High School Film Competition.