2009 Heartland Film Festival: Exploring the best of humanity
Published: Aug 31, 2009
Indianapolis will once again host filmmakers from around the world showcasing independent, international short and feature length films during the 18th annual Heartland Film Festival Oct, 15 - 24, 2009. The festival offers moviegoers a rare glimpse at a wide variety of exclusive movies in addition to special events for film enthusiasts of all ages.
This year three movie houses, each located in a different region of Central Indiana (one downtown, one south and one north) will host the 2009 festival:
• AMC Castleton Square - 6020 E. 82nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46250 - 317-595-0985
• AMC Greenwood Park - 461 S. Greenwood Park Dr., Greenwood, IN 46142 - 317-888-7224
• UA Circle Centre - 49 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 - 317-237-6356
Sixteen years ago, a group of farsighted creative filmmakers united to create a film festival to honor productions that commemorate the optimistic aspects of life. In 1991, that festival was a small event in Indianapolis. It's now a full nine days of student and professional films, including special events and a memorable experience for all ages.
Heartland Truly Moving Pictures, a non-profit organization, was established the same year to recognize and honor filmmakers whose work explores the positive values of life.
Each October, Heartland screens indy films worldwide and awards $200,000 in cash prizes and Crystal Heart Awards to the Festival’s leading entries. This includes a $100,000 Grand Prize for Best Dramatic Feature underwritten by the Max Simon Charitable Foundation, a $25,000 Award for Best Documentary Feature and a $10,000 Award for Best Short Film. The remaining $65,000 is split among the Crystal Heart and Jimmy Stewart Memorial Crystal Heart Award winners. Heartland has awarded more than $1.8 million in 16 years to support filmmakers in their quest to create films that bring out the best of the human spirit.
Heartland President Jeffrey L. Sparks was a Heartland co-founder and remains a strong influence behind Heartland's evolving direction. Staff, board and volunteers helped Heartland grow and adapt to changing audiences and social and cultural phenomena.
Check the film festival web site for schedule and ticket information and purchase.
- by Jim Brown , Indianapolis Reporter for HelloMetro
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