At last night’s annual fundraiser at the Old National Centre, Heartland Truly Moving Pictures announced the titles of several films that will be screened during this year’s 21st Annual Heartland Film Festival, October 18-27 in Indianapolis. A record-breaking 1,240 films were submitted from all over the world – a 45 percent increase over last year. Across the four categories (Narrative Features, Documentary Features, Short Films, High School Film Competition), 118 films have been chosen to screen this year.
Among the events announced last night are:
Opening Night Event: High Ground
Thursday, Oct. 18, The Toby at Indianapolis Museum of Art
For the first time in Heartland’s history, a documentary will open the Festival. Don Hahn, past Heartland filmmaker and Academy Award-nominated producer of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King, will bring his latest documentary to Heartland. The film tells the inspiring story of injured veterans who climb a mountain in the Himalayas. Heartland will partner with local veteran groups to celebrate our heroes in the Armed Forces. Don Hahn and several of the veterans featured in the film are scheduled to attend.
Family Movie Event: 3 Day Test
Sunday, Oct. 21, AMC Castleton Square 14
Actor/director Corbin Bernsen will return to Heartland for the third year in a row with his new family comedy.
Closing Night Event: Under African Skies
Saturday, Oct. 27, The Toby at Indianapolis Museum of Art
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the release of Paul Simon’s Graceland album, this documentary places the album in its tumultuous context both in South Africa and the United States. Enlightening and uplifting, the film will leave audiences ready to celebrate. The Closing Night Party will start immediately after the film at the Jazz Kitchen.
Feature films announced include:
The Citizen
A narrative feature starring Khaled Nabawy, Agnes Bruckner, Cary Elwes and Bill Atherton will see its North American Premiere on Monday, October 22 during the Festival. A Q&A with cast and crew will follow the screening.
Stuck
A documentary feature detailing the difficulties of international adoption and featuring local couple Lori and Nick Leroy.
Mariachi Gringo
A narrative feature about a young man from Kansas who pursues his dream of becoming a mariachi player in Mexico.
Not That Funny
A narrative feature starring Tony Hale (“Arrested Development”) as a man desperately trying to be funny to impress a woman.
Rising From Ashes
A documentary feature detailing the rise of Team Rwanda, the country’s first cycling team.
The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia
A documentary feature from returning filmmaker James Redford that explores dyslexia and its impact on people’s lives.
The complete lineup of films will be unveiled during Heartland’s Announcement Celebration on September 18. The event will be free but limited to members of the Heartland Film Society, a new membership program that allows Heartland fans to be part of the Festival like never before. Members will have the opportunity to purchase advance tickets at the Announcement Celebration; tickets will be available to the general public starting September 24.
“With 118 films from around the world and five exciting special events, we are continuing to introduce audiences to high quality independent films and the filmmakers who made them. These films will change the way audiences look at the world,” said Tim Irwin, Artistic Director for Heartland Truly Moving Pictures. “We couldn’t be more thrilled with this year’s lineup, the filmmakers who will be visiting Indianapolis and the impact each of these films will have on our audiences.”
Heartland will award more than $135,000 in cash prizes to this year’s winners, including the $100,000 Grand Prize for Best Narrative Feature, the $25,000 Grand Prize for Best Documentary Feature and the $10,000 Vision Award for Best Short Film.
