Skip to main content

2026 Heartland Film Festival Guidebook

Page 1

WHAT WE’RE MADE OF The films we watch don't just entertain us. They expose us to new stories, alter our core realities and become what weʼre made of. From October 8-18, discover 100+ transformative films at the 35th Annual Heartland Film Festival presented by Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at The Square! We are proud to have Alamo Drafthouse Cinema as the presenting sponsor of not only the 2026 festival, but also the 2027 and 2028 Heartland Film Festivals! “Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has quickly become an incredible home for independent film in Indianapolis,” said Michael Ault, President of Heartland Film. “We're excited to continue our partnership for a second year and give audiences and filmmakers another opportunity to experience the theater's commitment to excellence, from its state-of-the-art presentation to its unique hospitality.” We can't wait to see you at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema during the festival! Learn more on Page 101.


Welcome to the 35th Heartland Film Festival! What began in 1991 as a shared dream of our founder, Jeff Sparks, and a generous group of community donors has grown into one of the worldʼs most respected film festivals right here in Indianapolis, Indiana. For 35 years, Heartland Film has brought audiences and filmmakers together through the power of storytelling. None of this would be possible without you, so THANK YOU for being a part of this remarkable journey. We are thrilled to present the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at The Square as our title sponsor. With five active screens dedicated to festival programming, we encourage everyone to experience this beautiful new theater. We are also partnering with Indy Art Center in their newly-renovated theater to showcase films during the festival. And of course, we are grateful for the continuing partnerships with Living Room Theaters, Kan-Kan Cinema, Newfields and the Scottish Rite Cathedral. I am so honored to be part of the Heartland Film team. The combined passion and commitment of our staff, volunteers, sponsors, patrons, donors, board, advisors, community partners and filmmakers continue to move Heartland Film forward and make this festival possible. Together, we share events and create opportunities to experience stories and conversations that reflect the world around us. I hope you enjoy the Heartland Film Festival and continue supporting stories that stay with you and make you who you are. Hereʼs to 35 years of transformative films!

MICHAEL AULT President, Heartland Film


CHAIN REACTION Heartland Film believes that supporting filmmakers ignites a positive chain reaction. Since 1991, the organization has invested $4 million in filmmaker cash prizes— more than any other film festival in North America.


Thank you so much for being a part of the 35th Heartland Film Festival! As we celebrate this remarkable anniversary, it is especially meaningful to also be recognized as the #1 Best Film Festival by USA TODAYʼS 10Best Readersʼ Choice Awards. This honor is a testament not only to the festival's longevity, but to the strong foundation built over three and a half decades by visionary leaders, dedicated filmmakers, passionate volunteers, committed sponsors, generous donors and loyal audiences. Our continued growth and success have been fueled by the unwavering support of our community, whose belief in our mission to celebrate thoughtful and engaging films has helped shape the festival into what it is today. This recognition belongs to everyone who has been part of our journey, and it makes this anniversary even more special as we look toward the future together. Cheers to 35 years!

Board Chair, Heartland Film


Welcome to the Heartland Film Festival! For 35 years, Heartland Film has brought extraordinary stories to Indianapolis. This yearʼs theme, “What Weʼre Made Of,” is a reflection of what film can do – shape us, challenge us, move us and maybe even change the way we see whatʼs possible. Weʼre especially proud to celebrate Heartland Film Festivalʼs place in our cityʼs arts community as the #1 Best Film Festival in the USA TODAYʼS 10Best Readersʼ Choice Awards. Itʼs a well-deserved recognition of the filmmakers, artists, volunteers, audiences and supporters who make this festival such a meaningful part of Indianapolis. Whether youʼre a longtime fan or experiencing the festival for the first time, I hope youʼll discover a story that stays with you long after the credits roll. Thank you to everyone who continues to make the Heartland Film Festival a destination for great films and meaningful connection. Enjoy the festival!

JUDITH B. THOMAS President & CEO, Indy Arts Council


HOW TO FEST WAYS TO WATCH It's been tested and proven: arriving at the theater at least 20 minutes before the screening decreases stress and increases the festival experience! Festival films start on time without trailers or previews. REMINDER: If your ticket is not scanned at the event or screening by the official start time, Heartland Film reserves the right to consider admission forfeited and release your ticket. Sold out screenings will result in a Rush Line.

STREAM THE FESTIVAL Hypothesis: If someone virtually watches festival films in their free time, then they'll be able to watch more films than someone who just watches films in theaters. Many, but not all, of the festival films are available to stream in the US through October 18.

ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS Heartland Film Festival venues are ADA-accessible. Learn more about the festival's accessibility features and each venue's options at the QR code or tickets.heartlandfilm.org/accessibility.


HOW TO WATCH There are a few different ways to get to the end result of watching movies at the Heartland Film Festival. Check out all of the festival scenarios below to identify the best solution for you! REMINDER: The festival box offices can only process card-based payment methods.

FEST PASS + TICKET OPTIONS PURCHASING TICKETS: • Available at HeartlandFilmFestival.org • Available at venue box offices an hour before the dayʼs first screening INDIVIDUAL TICKETS

FEST PASSES

Theater Ticket: $13 Streaming Ticket: $15

VIP Fest Pass: $220* • One ticket to any theater screening • Access to stream all available films

TICKET PACKS Theater 10-Pack: $120* Streaming 10-Pack: $140*

Duo VIP Fest Pass: $430* • Two tickets to any theater screening • Access to stream all available films

The evidence is clear: Attendees have a more comprehensive festival experience when purchasing a Fest Pass! *A Ticket Pack or Fest Pass excludes Premium Events (Festival Preview Screening, Opening Night, Centerpiece, Closing Night, Kick-Off and Awards). All passes must be redeemed for tickets to ensure a seat.


FESTIVAL VENUES

ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMA AT THE SQUARE Where: 3898 Lafayette Rd, Indianapolis, IN When: Friday, October 9 - Sunday, October 18

INDY ART CENTER (IAC) Where: 820 E 67th St, Indianapolis, IN When: Sunday, October 11 - Saturday, October 17

KAN-KAN CINEMA Where: 1258 Windsor St, Indianapolis, IN When: Friday, October 16 - Saturday, October 17


NEWFIELDS Where: 4000 N Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN When: Saturday, October 10 / Wednesday, October 14 / Sunday, October 18

SCOTTISH RITE CATHEDRAL Where: 650 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN When: Wednesday, October 7 - Thursday, October 8


SPECIAL EVENTS FIRST FIVE WORLD PREMIERE


Craig Culver

• Bill C. Brown Associates • Philip and Roberta Caito • The Carmichael Hotel • Christie, Bell, & Marshall Law Office • Crowe, LLP • Stephen L. Ferguson • Forvis Mazars • Grandstaff Hentgen Funeral Service • Klapper Family Foundation • Michael Hall & Elizabeth Kaznak-Hall • Michael Heaton • Hunton

• Indiana Sports Corp • IntentShot • JCB Bank • JR Promotions Outdoor Advertising • Karen Mangia • Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Searles, Akers, Howard Wealth Management • MJ Insurance • Dr. Yung Nguyen • RSM US • Sabbatical Solutions


FESTIVAL WORLD PREMIERE


KICK-OFF PARTY

Presented by MovieMaker Magazine Where: Living Room Theaters Bar & Lounge (2nd Floor) When: Friday, October 9 from 8-11 PM Price: $15 (Free for Filmmakers)* Bond with other film fans at the annual Kick-Off Party! Admission includes a drink ticket and appetizers.

AARP INDIANA PRESENTS Where: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Films Included: Artists in Residence, One Day in Sedona, Unspoken Bond AARP Indiana is dedicated to empowering Hoosiers 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. Join the AARP team at the three films listed above to experience powerful stories and learn more about getting involved locally.

* Must reserve a ticket in advance. _


PITCHDOX MAIN EVENT Where: Kan-Kan Cinema When: Saturday, October 17 at 4 PM Price: $7 Five documentary short film projects have been pre-selected to present pitches. The audience, along with our esteemed jury, will vote for their favorite, and a total of $40,000 will be awarded to the filmmakers. PitchDox is presented by Hoodox with financial support from the Herbert Simon Family Foundation.

AWARDS BRUNCH Supported by the Lilly Endowment

Where: Tinker House Events (1101 E 16th St, 2nd Floor) When: Sunday, October 18 Breakfast at 10:30 AM, Ceremony at 11:30 AM Price: $15 (Free for Filmmakers)* The results are in! Be the first to celebrate the 2026 Heartland Film Festival award-winning filmmakers as they receive over $60,000 in cash prizes. The Awards Brunch includes breakfast, coffee and a drink ticket.


DOWN TO A SCIENCE With 35 years of experience, Heartland Film programmers have the festival lineup down to a science. The perfect formula includes innovative independent films, sparks of studio presentations and essential local elements.


AWARDS LIST OF AWARDS Narrative Feature Grand Prize Underwritten by Lilly Endowment ($20,000 Cash Prize) Documentary Feature Grand Prize Underwritten by Lilly Endowment ($20,000 Cash Prize) Allen Whitehill Clowes Awards Narrative & Documentary ($10,000 Cash Prizes Each) Jimmy Stewart Legacy Award ($5,000 Cash Prize) Best Premiere Awards Underwritten by Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Narrative & Documentary ($2,500 Cash Prizes Each) Richard D. Propes Social Impact Awards Underwritten by Lisa & Jeffrey Breall Narrative & Documentary ($2,000 Cash Prizes Each)

Hoodox Indiana Documentary Award ($2,000 Cash Prize) Indiana Narrative Award ($2,000 Cash Prize) Humor & Humanity Award ($2,000 Cash Prize) Audience Choice Awards • Overall Narrative • Overall Documentary • Narrative Official Selection • Documentary Official Selection • Narrative Spotlight • Documentary Spotlight • Animated Spotlight • Indiana Narrative • Indiana Documentary • Horror


AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS Presented by La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Decor

It's time for peer review! Tell us which films were the most electrifying. You'll receive an email with the Audience Choice ballot for each festival ticket purchase. For virtual screenings, the voting ballot will appear below the viewing window. Scoring is on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best! Cast your vote by 11:59 PM EDT on Sunday, October 18. The winners of the Audience Choice Awards will be announced on Monday, October 19.

The Jimmy Stewart Legacy Award honors a single winner, selected from the festivalʼs feature-length narrative and documentary titles. The winning film best embodies the ongoing legacy of actor and national hero Jimmy Stewart. It demonstrates the triumph of the human spirit through determination and the defiance of odds, humble vulnerability and courage in the face of adversity.


HFF 2025 WINNERS GRAND PRIZES: Narrative Happy Birthday Directed by Sarah Goher

HUMOR & HUMANITY AWARD: Tight & Nerdy Directed by Jeff Nucera & Jonathan Ruane

Documentary Jimmy & The Demons Directed by Cindy Meehl

BEST PREMIERE AWARDS: Narrative Shakti Directed by Nani Sahra Walker

JIMMY STEWART LEGACY AWARD: The Eyes of Ghana Directed by Ben Proudfoot RICHARD D. PROPES SOCIAL IMPACT AWARDS: Narrative Shakti Directed by Nani Sahra Walker Documentary Comparsa Directed by Vickie Curtis & Doug Anderson

Documentary À demain sur la Lune Directed by Thomas Balmès INDIANA FILM JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION AWARD: Blue Moon Directed by Richard Linklater HOODOX INDIANA SPOTLIGHT DOCUMENTARY AWARD: Just One Man (Formerly “The Tenderness Tour”) Directed by Andie Redwine


2025 AUDIENCE CHOICE SPECIAL PRESENTATION AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS: Narrative Rental Family Directed by HIKARI Documentary John Candy: I Like Me Directed by Colin Hanks OFFICIAL SELECTION AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS: Narrative A Simple Machine Directed by Mark Alan Hoffman Documentary Tight & Nerdy Directed by Jeff Nucera & Jonathan Ruane

INDIANA SPOTLIGHT AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD: Just One Man Directed by Andie Redwine HORROR AUDIENCE CHOICE: Queens of the Dead Directed by Tina Romero OVERALL AUDIENCE CHOICE: Narrative Nuremberg Directed by James Vanderbilt Documentary Best Day Ever Directed by Ben Knight & Berne Broudy


AWARDS JURIES NARRATIVE Sarah Goher Lana Link Nani Sahra Walker

DOCUMENTARY Cindy Meehl Jeff Nucera Christine Turner

Jesse Carfield Marisol Gouveia Andie Redwine


As Artistic Director, it is my honor to present this year's lineup, featuring our signature mix of diverse themes and genres. This includes the independent films in our Official Selections slate, alongside major awards season contenders showcased in our Spotlight Screenings and three signature event presentations. Setting the tone for our 35th festival is the Opening Night premiere of “JIMMY.” HFF shares a special bond with The Stewart Family Foundation, proudly hosting the Jimmy Stewart Legacy Award. Stewart remains an enduring American icon, and we are thrilled to open the festival with the story behind the role that defined his legacy. Our Centerpiece presentation will feature “Wild Horse Nine” from Martin McDonagh and Searchlight Pictures, while Closing Night will end the festival with “The Debut” from Jesse Eisenberg and A24. The film marks Eisenberg's return following “A Real Pain,” our 2024 Opening Night selection and eventual Oscar® winner. We hope you enjoy these films of the HFF35 lineup as much as we did selecting them!

Artistic Director, Heartland Film


A Talent for Murder Director: Anton Corbijn

Narrative | 106 min | United Kingdom+ | 2026 | Page 80

The film follows a mysterious young man from a New York publisher (Alden Ehrenreich) who is sent to Switzerland to persuade the renowned writer Patricia Highsmith (Helen Mirren) to write one final installment of the Ripley anthology. Special presentation of Bleecker Street. Fri, 10/16 | 7:30 PM | Alamo

00374f

All of a Sudden

Director: Ryûsuke Hamaguchi

Narrative | 196 min | France+ | 2026 | Page 83

Two scholars exchange letters about chance and risk. As the philosopher falls ill, their academic correspondence evolves into intimate discussions about mortality and a deeper connection forms between them. Special presentation of NEON. Sat, 10/17 | 6:30 PM | Kan-Kan

Bedford Park

Director: Stephanie Ahn

Narrative | 117 min | USA | 2026 | Page 82

Sat, 10/17 | 6:45 PM | Alamo

Haunted by an abusive childhood, Audrey, a Korean American woman in her 30s, faces her emotional past. When her motherʼs car accident brings her back to her parentsʼ home, she meets the man responsible for the accident. Their relationship builds, passions ignite and they form a loving connection. Special presentation of Sony Pictures Classics.


Bitter Christmas

Director: Pedro Almodóvar

Narrative | 111 min | Spain | 2026 | Page 77

Wed, 10/14 | 7:15 PM | Living Room

"Bitter Christmas" tells two alternating stories, one starring Elsa, an advertising director, in 2004, during a long weekend in December. The second takes place in 2026 and stars Raúl, a screenwriter and director who is writing a script that we soon discover is the story of Elsa, her boyfriend Bonifacio and her friends Patricia and Natalia. Special presentation of Sony Pictures Classics.

Carl Sagan: We Are Made of Star Stuff Director: Nanette Burstein

Documentary | 99 min | USA | 2026 | Page 84

Sun, 10/18 | 12 PM | Alamo

An intimate portrait of visionary astronomer, author and television star Carl Sagan, whose groundbreaking ideas transformed our understanding of the cosmos and human existence. Special presentation of National Geographic Documentary Films.


Clarissa

Director: Arie Esiri, Chuko Esiri

Narrative | 125 min | Nigeria+ | 2026 | Page 81

Fri, 10/16 | 4:15 PM | Kan-Kan

A modern reimagining of the Virginia Woolf novel “Mrs. Dalloway.” Follows society woman Clarissa as she prepares to host a party at her home in Lagos, Nigeria, where she will unexpectedly encounter once-intimate friends from her youth. As the group reflects on their shared past over the course of a single night, memories of their intricate relationships, passionate love, hidden desires and lost aspirations give rise to bittersweet reckoning. Special presentation of NEON.

The Debut

Director: Jesse Eisenberg

Narrative | 105 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 19, 85

Sun, 10/18 | 6 PM | Newfields

When Mona Friedman (Julianne Moore) is cast in a bit part at a small community theater, she transforms from a shy, unassuming housewife into a zealous method actor willing to do anything to protect the artistic integrity of her marginal role—even if it means waging war against the showʼs domineering director (Paul Giamatti). Special presentation of A24.

Gentle Monster

Director: Marie Kreutzer

Narrative | 114 min | Austria | 2026 | Page 73

When a police raid shatters her life, concert pianist Lucy (Léa Seydoux) must protect her son and confront how little she knows about her husband after he is accused of an unspeakable crime in this tense thriller about trust and survival. Special presentation of Netflix. Mon, 10/12 | 7:15 PM | Living Room


I Play Rocky

Director: Peter Farrelly

Narrative | 128 min | USA | 2026 | Page 69

Sat, 10/10 | 3 PM | Newfields

The film is an electrifying true story about an unknown actor with an unshakable belief that he wasnʼt just meant to write “Rocky”—he was meant to be Rocky Balboa. Told “no” at every turn, Sylvester Stallone bets everything on himself, holding the line on playing the lead against seemingly impossible odds. The result is the ultimate underdog story behind the ultimate underdog movie. Special presentation of Amazon MGM Studios.

In Waves

Director: Phuong Mai Nguyen

Animated | 91 min | France+ | 2026 | Page 68

Sat, 10/10 | 7:30 PM | Alamo

In Los Angeles, AJ, a shy teenager, meets Kristen. She lives for surfing; he loves skateboarding and drawing. They fall madly in love, and a happy future seems within reach. But everything changes when Kristen faces a sudden illness. Together, they face adversity, driven by the strength of their love, their friends and their newly shared passion for surfing and the ocean. Special presentation of Netflix.

Iron Boy

Director: Louis Clichy

Animated | 90 min | France+ | 2026 | Page 84

The film follows 11-year-old Christophe in rural France as he tries to live up to his rigid and distant father on the family farm. Special presentation of Sony Pictures Classics.

Sun, 10/18 | 2:45 PM | Alamo


JIMMY

Director: Aaron Burns

Narrative | 120 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 16, 65

Thurs, 10/8 | 6:30 PM | Scottish Rite

The untold true story of Americaʼs most-beloved actor and the iconic role that saved him, "JIMMY" focuses on the most transformative season in Jimmy Stewartʼs life; from winning the Academy Award® for Best Actor in "The Philadelphia Story" to enlisting and becoming a combat pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps at the beginning of World War II.

La Bola Negra

Director: Javier Calvo, Javier Ambrossi Narrative | 155 min | Spain+ | 2026 | Page 83

"La Bola Negra" is a bold, passionate triptych spanning nearly a century of Spanish history from the 30s to modern day. The film tells the story of three men whose lives are intimately connected through desire, pain and inheritance. Special presentation of Netflix. Sat, 10/17 | 12:30 PM | Kan-Kan


Love of Your Life

Director: Rachel Morrison

Narrative | 106 min | USA | 2026 | Page 74

Maya (Margaret Qualley), a smart, wry nurse, is swept up in an immersive love, which sets her life on a trajectory she never would have imagined. Special presentation of Amazon MGM Studios.

Tues, 10/13 | 7:45 PM | Alamo

Mouse

Director: Kelly OʼSullivan, Alex Thompson Narrative | 120 min | USA | 2026 | Page 83

Callie and Minnieʼs relationship is suddenly upended at the start of the summer before their senior year of high school. Left rudderless without her charismatic best friend, Minnie starts to form a complicated friendship with Callieʼs mother. Special presentation of Independent Film Company. Sat, 10/17 | 2:30 PM | Living Room

Nuisance Bear

Director: Gabriela Osio Vanden, Jack Weisman Documentary | 97 min | USA+ | 2026 | Page 85

Sun, 10/18 | 2:45 PM | Living Room

A polar bear is forced to navigate a human world of tourists, wildlife officers and hunters as its ancient migration collides with modern life. When a sacred predator is branded a nuisance, it becomes unclear who truly belongs in this shared landscape. Special presentation of MUBI. In partnership with the Indianapolis Zoo.


Once Upon a Time in Harlem

Director: William Greaves, David Greaves Documentary | 100 min | USA | 2026 | Page 71

A decade post-death, filmmaker William Greaves reveals his final work: footage of a 1972 gathering he arranged with Harlem Renaissance legends, which he deemed his most significant capture. Special presentation of NEON. Sun, 10/11 | 5:15 PM | Living Room

The Only Living Pickpocket in New York Director: Noah Segan

Narrative | 88 min | USA | 2026 | Page 82

Sat, 10/17 | 5 PM | Alamo

34

Harry Lehman (John Turturro) is an aging pickpocket who plies his trade in a drastically changed New York. Wallets stuffed with cash have been replaced by easily canceled credit cards, and Harry struggles to make ends meet as he cares for his disabled wife. When he unwittingly fences a valuable USB stick, Harry finds himself in a race against time to return the loot or face the rage of a vengeful crime family. Special presentation of Sony Pictures Classics.


Possible Love

Director: Lee Chang-dong

Narrative | 164 min | South Korea | 2026 | Page 81

A story of two married couples—a laid-off worker and his spouse and a documentary filmmaker and her spouse—crossing paths to film a documentary and facing their different lives and hidden desires. Special presentation of Netflix. Fri, 10/16 | 7:30 PM | Kan-Kan

Rehearsals for a Revolution Director: Pegah Ahangarani

Documentary | 95 min | Spain+ | 2026 | Page 74

Tue, 10/13 | 4:45 PM | Alamo

Through five portraits of relatives and mentors, five expressions of resistance, Ahangarani sketches her life story. Drawing from personal archives, home videos, street protests footage, newspapers and recorded voices, she retraces more than 40 years of Iranʼs history. Special presentation of Sony Pictures Classics.

Tangles

Director: Leah Nelson

Animated | 102 min | USA | 2026 | Page 79

Thu, 10/15 | 7:30 PM | Living Room

A young woman is forced to return to the conservative small town where her bizarre family lives to take care of her mother, having to deal with the cruel reality of her mom's Alzheimer's disease and become the daughter they need. Featuring a voice cast including Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Seth Rogen and Wanda Sykes. Special presentation of Independent Film Company.


Tender Loving Care Director: Mike Leigh

Narrative | 107 min | United Kingdom | 2026 | Page 78

Thu, 10/15 | 7:15 PM | Alamo

Amy (Kate OʼFlynn), a government child protection worker, moves back with her upbeat best friend Rosie (Alice Bailey Johnson), a social services officer facing daily anger and resentment. Amy's aging parents worry about her happiness while dealing with their own crisis. Special presentation of Bleecker Street.

Union County

Director: Adam Meeks

Narrative | 97 min | USA | 2026 | Page 82

Will Poulter and Noah Centineo are brothers Cody and Jack Parsons, each navigating a court-mandated drug rehabilitation program in a pocket of rural Ohio hit hard by the opioid epidemic. Special presentation of Oscilloscope Laboratories. Sat, 10/17 | 7:30 PM | Alamo*

*Will Poulter is scheduled to attend and will be honored with the Pioneering Spirit Award at our Awards Brunch on Sunday, October 18.

Wild Horse Nine

Director: Martin McDonagh

Narrative | 118 min | USA+ | 2026 | Pages 18, 77

Wed, 10/14 | 7 PM | Newfields

Shortly before the 1973 Chilean coup, CIA agents Chris (John Malkovich) and Lee (Sam Rockwell) are dispatched from Santiago to Easter Island by their bureau chief, MJ (Steve Buscemi). Amongst the island's iconic statues, and as the longtime partners wrestle with their dark pasts and present conspiracies, Chris's newfound bond with a pair of rebellious students threatens to send everyoneʼs trip to this remote paradise sideways. Special presentation of Searchlight Pictures.


A Goodnight Kiss

Director: Giedrė Žickytė

Documentary | 87 min | Lithuania+ | 2025 | Pages 70, 74

Sun, 10/11 | 2:30 PM | Alamo Tue, 10/13 | 7:30 PM | Alamo

Irena Veisaitė is turning 92. A remarkable woman and leading voice in Lithuaniaʼs culture, Irena lived through the horrors of two totalitarian regimes—and came out on the other side—with an unabating belief that life should be radiant. This film is supported by the generosity of Diane and John Abrams.

A Light in the Darkness

Director: Ryan Patrick Killackey

Documentary | 67 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 70, 76

Venturing into intricate cave systems, the deep oceans and subterranean aquifers where light barely reaches, "A Light in the Darkness" reveals fascinating adaptations of species that have evolved in perpetual darkness. In partnership with the Indianapolis Zoo. Sun, 10/11 | 5:15 PM | Alamo Wed, 10/14 | 7:30 PM | Alamo


A Long Way to Go

Director: Carolyn Jones

Documentary | 72 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 68, 71, 73

“A Long Way to Go” explores the human realities of immigration through the intertwined journeys of three women; nurses who leave their home countries, the Philippines, Ghana and India, to join the healthcare workforce in the United States. Sat, 10/10 | 2:45 PM | Alamo Sun, 10/11 | 5:30 PM | Living Room Mon, 10/12 | 5:30 PM | Living Room

A Woman's Work

Director: A.R. Ephraim

Narrative | 91 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 72, 78, 81

Following the loss of her parents, Jolene takes up work as a coal miner to provide for her two younger sisters, and it rests upon her shoulders to care for them even though sheʼs still figuring out how to care for herself. Mon, 10/12 | 7:15 PM | Alamo Thu, 10/15 | 7 PM | Alamo Fri, 10/16 | 4:45 PM | Living Room

All American Girls

Director: Christy Wegener

Documentary | 95 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 66, 69, 80, 82

"All American Girls" explores inclusivity in U.S. historical narratives through the famed American Girl brand, which was brought to life by legendary entrepreneur, Pleasant Rowland. Fri, 10/9 | 4:45 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/10 | 12:15 PM | Living Room Fri, 10/16 | 2:30 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/17 | 7:45 PM | Alamo


Artists in Residence Director: Katie Jacobs

Documentary | 93 min | USA | 2025 | Pages 79, 83

Thu, 10/15 | 1:30 PM | IAC Sat, 10/17 | 5:30 PM | Living Room

Purchasing a house together on the Bowery in the 1950s, three female artists defied societal norms and prioritized their art over traditional roles as wives and mothers. A heartfelt celebration of independence, creativity and the enduring strength of women artists. This film is featured in AARP Presents! See Page 18 for more information.

Beyond

Director: Asia Johnson, Michael Kleiman

Documentary | 89 min | USA | 2025 | Pages 68, 71, 76

Sat, 10/10 | 7:45 PM | Alamo Sun, 10/11 | 4:45 PM | Living Room Wed, 10/14 | 7:15 PM | Alamo

At one of the countryʼs most notorious maximum security prisons, a group of incarcerated men prepare for a TED-style event that showcases their personal narratives along with ideas for changing the prison system and healing their communities. With immersive access to Sing Sing prison, the film follows the speakersʼ journeys from auditions to their climactic moments on stage, highlighting themes of vulnerability, healing and redemption.

Breaking the Code

Director: Ben Rekhi, Swetlana

Documentary | 82 min | USA+ | 2026 | Pages 68, 71

A filmmaker retraces his fatherʼs journey from Indian immigrant to tech pioneer, uncovering a powerful story of ambition, sacrifice and love.

Sat, 10/10 | 12:30 PM | Alamo Sun, 10/11 | 7:15 PM | Living Room


California Scenario Director: James Takata

Narrative | 99 min | USA | 2025 | Pages 68, 80, 83

Single parents Jacob Hara and Laura Acker live parallel lives, each needing to heal before they can find one another. A family secret throws everything into chaos, sending Jacob to his daughter Lexi's side to confront the past together. Sat, 10/10 | 5 PM | Alamo Fri, 10/16 | 7:30 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/17 | 5 PM | Living Room

Caterpillar

Director: Chelsie Preston Crayford

Narrative | 93 min | New Zealand | 2025 | Pages 68, 75, 76

In early 2000s New Zealand, three generations of women push against the metamorphosis of family dysfunction as their enmeshed identities evolve and separate. Sat, 10/10 | 7:45 PM | Alamo Tue, 10/13 | 3:15 PM | Living Room Wed, 10/14 | 5:15 PM | Alamo

Ceremony

Director: Banchi Hanuse

Documentary | 84 min | Canada | 2026 | Pages 72, 75, 83

Mon, 10/12 | 7:45 PM | Alamo Tue, 10/13 | 5:45 PM | Living Room Sat, 10/17 | 12 PM | Living Room

For 26 years, the ooligan have not returned to the Bella Coola River. From a ramshackle trailer, Nuxalk Radio opens the case and what the airwaves reveal reaches far beyond the fish: settler tapes, buried declarations, a land claim filed the very day smallpox arrived. As the broadcasts pull back the layers, the ancestors stir alongside the living.


Cycles of Resilience: A Journey Through Austin's Black History Director: Ya'Ke Smith

Documentary | 57 min | USA | 2025 | Pages 74, 82

Hundreds of cyclists bike together through the streets of Austin, Texas, to learn undertold stories of Black history, highlighting the depths of community resilience and inspiration. Tue, 10/13 | 3 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/17 | 4:45 PM | Alamo

DISCONNECTED

Director: Joanne Hock

Narrative | 93 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 70, 74, 79, 85

Sun, 10/11 | 2:15 PM | Alamo Tue, 10/13 | 12:15 PM | Alamo Thu, 10/15 | 7:15 PM | IAC Sun, 10/18 | 12:15 PM | Living Room

After a devastating family loss, a mother moves her teenagers across the country to West Virginia, where a school-mandated AI platform fuels cyberbullying, deepfakes and screen addiction, threatening their fresh start. As secrets surface, the family and community must rediscover what real connection means in an increasingly digital world.


THE DRUG IN OUR POCKET Director: Anne Sundberg

Documentary | 78 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 74, 77, 80

"THE DRUG IN OUR POCKET" examines how smartphones, designed to connect us, have radically reshaped childhood, adolescence and mental health.

Tue, 10/13 | 2:45 PM | Alamo Wed, 10/14 | 5 PM | Living Room Fri, 10/16 | 7:45 PM | Alamo

Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Director: Various

Shorts | 87 min | Page 72

Mon, 10/12 | 7:30 PM | Alamo

Celebrate the 13th anniversary of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, where filmmakers, both with and without disabilities, collaborate in a fiveday filmmaking contest to tell unique stories that embrace diverse forms of disability. This festival screening is presented by Kalogon, eliminating the stresses of sitting and improving health through novel seating solutions.

Empress of the Badlands Director: Daniel Bielinski

Narrative | 124 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 67, 68, 82, 85

In 1883 Dakota Territory, the Marquis de Mores and wife Medora arrive to build a home, town and meat empire, facing hostility from ranchers, beef trusts and violent locals determined to drive them out. Fri, 10/9 | 7:30 PM | Living Room Sat, 10/10 | 4:45 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/17 | 2:30 PM | Alamo Sun, 10/18 | 12 PM | Living Room


ESL: More Than a Language Director: J. William Barlow

Documentary | 56 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 66, 82

A group of immigrant families confront a fundamental need: the ability to communicate in their new English-speaking culture. Their journey to learn English through a family ESL program leads to something much deeper—lifelong friendships and a newfound sense of belonging. Fri, 10/9 | 7:45 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/17 | 3 PM | Alamo

Faraway Home

Director: Terry Loane

Narrative | 97 min | UK | 2026 | Pages 67, 68, 80, 84

Fri, 10/9 | 5 PM | Living Room Sat, 10/10 | 7:30 PM | Alamo Fri, 10/16 | 5 PM | Alamo Sun, 10/18 | 12:15 PM | Alamo

Based on the novel, "Faraway Home" is a story of two young Jewish children sent away by their parents from Nazi-occupied Austria during World War II, on the Kindertransport, where they end up at a Jewish refugee farm in Northern Ireland. This film is supported by the generosity of Diane and John Abrams.

The Fish Don't Care When it Rains

Director: Jennifer Msumba, Siobhan McDonnell Documentary | 74 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 72, 76, 78

Mon, 10/12 | 5:30 PM | Alamo Wed, 10/14 | 3 PM | Alamo Thu, 10/15 | 3 PM | Alamo

After seven years inside the Judge Rotenberg Center, where painful electric shocks were used as behavioral “treatment,” autistic artist Jen Msumba escaped and fought back. "The Fish Donʼt Care When It Rains" tells her story through testimony, music and art, exposing systemic failures while celebrating resilience, creativity, hope and justice.


First Five

Director: Grant Guffin

Documentary | 75 min | USA | 2026 | Page 14, 79

Wed, 10/7 | 7 PM | Scottish Rite Thurs, 10/15 | 4:30 PM | IAC

This is the story of the first five recruits of Bob Knight and their four-year journey to revive the basketball program at Indiana University. It is an intimate account of what took place as told by players, coaches and media during the 1971-1975 seasons, the lasting impact they had on the program and their enduring legacy in college basketball.

Foreign Tongue

Director: Boris Mojsovski

Narrative | 104 min | Canada | 2026 | Pages 66, 69

Fri, 10/9 | 5:15 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/10 | 12 PM | Living Room Sat, 10/17 | 5:15 PM | Alamo

After a freak accident leaves her speaking with a Bosnian accent, a North American woman is suddenly seen as a stranger by everyone around her—forcing her to live the immigrant experience she's never meant to have. “Foreign Tongue” is a gently absurd and emotionally rich exploration of identity, perception and belonging.

Forever Home

Director: Allison Argo

Documentary | 56 min | USA | 2025 | Pages 74, 78, 80

Tue, 10/13 | 7:15 PM | Alamo Thu, 10/15 | 2:30 PM | Alamo Fri, 10/16 | 3:30 PM | Alamo

In North Carolina, two dreamers are revolutionizing animal care through groundbreaking architecture and custom-designed homes for the sanctuary residents. With compassion, their farm animal rescue invites us to rethink the meaning of “home,” sustainability and our relationship with societyʼs forgotten animals. In partnership with the Indianapolis Zoo.


Fork in the Road

Director: Vivian Sorenson, Jonathan Nastasi Documentary | 128 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 66, 69

Fri, 10/9 | 2 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/10 | 4:45 PM | Living Room

Independent farmers across the country reveal the lived realities and growing challenges faced by those resisting the tide of industrialized agriculture. "Fork In The Road" expands the conversation beyond the farm, showing how food sustainability is deeply connected to our kitchens, communities, health and future. Featuring Nick Offerman.

Genevieve's Garden Director: Katie Colosimo

Narrative | 96 min | USA | 2025 | Pages 68, 77, 83

Sat, 10/10 | 2:30 PM | Alamo Wed, 10/14 | 5:15 PM | Living Room Sat, 10/17 | 2:15 PM | Living Room

Dumped and laid off, Lily finds herself at Genevieveʼs Garden, a rising influencerʼs new Hudson Valley wellness retreat. Instead of finding peace, she enters a chaotic operation and distracts herself with an obsessive crush on fellow guest Charlie, a messy dynamic that ultimately forces her to confront herself.

God I Want You

Director: Zac Cooper

Narrative | 87 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 71, 75, 80

After his ex-girlfriend gets engaged, a man struggles to see Godʼs plan for his life. He looks for answers in another lost soul.

Sun, 10/11 | 7:30 PM | Living Room Tue, 10/13 | 4:15 PM | IAC Fri, 10/16 | 5:15 PM | Alamo


HIGHER LOVE

Director: A.W. 'Tony' Scott

Narrative | 108 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 70, 74, 81, 84

Sun, 10/11 | 4:45 PM | Alamo Tue, 10/13 | 5 PM | Alamo Fri, 10/16 | 2:45 PM | Living Room Sun, 10/18 | 2:30 PM | Alamo

An African American man whose wife suffers a severe stroke and a Caucasian woman whose husband has Alzheimerʼs struggle to form a friendship that faces opposition from their families and society, forcing everyone to reconsider what love truly means. Starring Dennis Haysbert, Marilu Henner, Joe Pantoliano and Telma Hopkins.

Hold On To Your Music

Director: Josh Aronson, Adam R. Wood

Documentary | 77 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 71, 75, 78

A young pianist escapes Nazi-occupied Vienna, carrying nothing but her music and her motherʼs final words, creating an artistic legacy that resonates across generations. This film is supported by the generosity of Diane and John Abrams. Sun, 10/11 | 6 PM | IAC* Tue, 10/13 | 3 PM | Living Room Thu, 10/15 | 4:45 PM | Alamo

*Will feature piano performance by Mona Golabek

Home from the Vietnam War Director: Mat Hames

Documentary | 71 min | USA+ | 2026 | Pages 81, 85

Haunted by nightmares, a decorated U.S. veteran returns to Vietnam with a friend who fled the war as a child. Fifty-seven years later, they journey to one of the warʼs bloodiest battle sites, confronting the soldiers they once fought and long-buried memories in a powerful search for healing and reconciliation. Fri, 10/16 | 5:30 PM | Living Room Sun, 10/18 | 3:15 PM | Living Room


I Got Bombed at Harvey's

Director: Bryan Storkel, Amy Bandlien Storkel Documentary | 94 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 70, 80

"I Got Bombed at Harvey's" wheels us into the outrageous events surrounding the biggest and most complicated homemade bomb ever encountered by the FBI and how the investigation and manhunt led them to a mad genius inventor who coerced his two teenage sons to be his unwilling accomplices. Sun, 10/11 | 7:30 PM | Alamo Fri, 10/16 | 2:15 PM | Alamo

In Spite of Ourselves Director: Josh Loeb

Narrative | 100 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 67, 68, 76, 82

Fri, 10/9 | 5:15 PM | Living Room Sat, 10/10 | 2:30 PM | Alamo Wed, 10/14 | 2:15 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/17 | 12:15 PM | Alamo

When Hannah, a warm and determined baker, crosses paths with Archie, an up-and-coming LA comedian, their instant chemistry sparks a whirlwind romance neither expected. But after two blissful weeks together, real life pulls them back to separate cities, forcing them to confront distance, doubts and their own hilariously messy insecurities.

Indy Shorts Winners 1 Director: Various

Short Films | 91 min | Pages 71, 78

A selection of 2026 Indy Shorts award-winning films, including the Oscar®-Qualifying Grand Prize winners!

Sun, 10/11 | 12 PM | Living Room Thu, 10/15 | 12:15 PM | Alamo

Titles include: • 9 Million Colors • La barrière • Paving the Way • Stalin Boys • The Second Life of Freddie Nole


Indy Shorts Winners 2 Director: Various

Short Films | 90 min | Pages 72, 81

A selection of 2026 Indy Shorts award-winning films!

Mon, 10/12 | 3 PM | Alamo Fri, 10/16 | 2:30 PM | Living Room

Titles include: • Finding a Way: Revitalizing Nature in the Heartland • JASON • Lottie Baby • Panther Pat • Ruth • The Ghost of the Embassy • The Baddest Speechwriter of All

Indy Shorts Winners 3 Director: Various

Short Films | 88 min | Pages 74, 83

Enjoy this mix of 2026 Indy Shorts Audience Award-winning films!

Tues, 10/13 | 12:30 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/17 | 11:45 AM | Living Room

Titles include: • A FAMILY WOMAN • Constellations of the Sea • Living with a Visionary • Sylvia • The Method • We Were Here

Indy Shorts Winners 4 Director: Various

Short Films | 87 min | Pages 76, 85

Comedy and horror award-winning films from 2026 Indy Shorts!

Wed, 10/14 | 5 PM | Alamo Sun, 10/18 | 12:30 PM | Living Room

Titles include: • Daddy's Girl • SUCKS TO SUCK • Silver Anniversary • The Human, Will • The Taste of Your Scales • Uncle Artoo


Isle Child

Director: Thomas Percy Kim

Narrative | 92 min | USA+ | 2025 | Pages 66, 76, 85

Fri, 10/9 | 2:45 PM | Alamo Wed, 10/14 | 2:45 PM | Alamo Sun, 10/18 | 5 PM | Living Room

Si Miller is a star baseball pitcher – popular, confident and passing in every way that counts. He's adopted at three years old and has never looked back until he finds a hidden letter about his dying birth mother in Korea asking to reunite. Only once there is nothing left to protect, Si returns to Korea to face the truth of where he came from.

Italian Wannabe

Director: Steve Dabal

Documentary | 90 min | USA+ | 2026 | Pages 66, 69, 80

Chef Bill Disselhorst and his wife Anne built one of America's Top 100 restaurants in South Pasadena. After losing everything, Bill returns to a tiny hilltop village in Lazio, Italy, in a search for community and a reason to cook again. Fri, 10/9 | 5:15 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/10 | 2:30 PM | Living Room Fri, 10/16 | 7:15 PM | Alamo

Jackrabbit

Director: Ballard C. Boyd

Narrative | 96 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 70, 74, 81

Sun, 10/11 | 7:15 PM | Alamo Tue, 10/13 | 2:30 PM | Alamo Fri, 10/16 | 5:15 PM | Living Room

An investigative journalist and struggling actress— who hate each other, but share a best friend—begin competing over her friendship until the day their friend mysteriously vanishes. Now the two frenemies are reluctantly forced to team up, only to find that her disappearance is just the first of her secrets.


Kikuyu Land

Director: Andrew Brown, Bea Wangondu

Documentary | 93 min | USA+ | 2026 | Pages 70, 81

Sun, 10/11 | 7:15 PM | Alamo Fri, 10/16 | 7:15 PM | Living Room

When the British colonised Kenya, they took control of prime tea-growing land that still supplies the global market today. As a local Kenyan journalist investigates a legal battle over stolen ancestral land, dark secrets are exposed and ongoing abuses on plantations run by major multinationals become clear. Set against the richness of the landscape, "Kikuyu Land" is a poetic, stunningly cinematic dive into a complex legacy that refuses to stay buried.

Latin Clowns Evolution

Director: Jacob Koestler, Michael McDermit Documentary | 66 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 66, 71

Fri, 10/9 | 3 PM | Alamo Sun, 10/11 | 2:30 PM | Living Room

At the annual Congreso in South Los Angeles, a group of Latine clowns come together to teach enthusiastic attendees the joyful art of clowning. Their optimism is powerfully juxtaposed with their stories of resilience and sacrifice having immigrated to the U.S. – demonstrating how the arts, community and chosen family can forge a path to healing.

The Leader

Director: Michael Gallagher

Narrative | 104 min | USA+ | 2026 | Pages 69, 70, 72

In 1997, 39 members of the UFO cult known as "Heaven's Gate" committed the largest mass suicide to ever take place on American soil. This is their story. Starring Tim Blake Nelson, Vera Farmiga, Jim Parsons, Grace Caroline Currey and Simon Rex. Sat, 10/10 | 8 PM | Living Room Sun, 10/11 | 2:15 PM | Alamo Mon, 10/12 | 2:30 PM | Alamo


The Lightkeeper Director: Vic Sarin

Narrative | 101 min | Ireland+ | 2026 | Pages 72, 79, 84

A lighthouse keeperʼs life of solitude and ritual is disrupted and ultimately transformed by a mysterious American war widow, a hard-lined priest and his housekeeper. Mon, 10/12 | 5 PM | Alamo Tue, 10/13 | 7:15 PM | Alamo Thu, 10/15 | 7:15 PM | Living Room Sun, 10/18 | 2:30 PM | Alamo

Los Lobos Native Sons

Director: Doug Blush, Piero F. Giunti

Documentary | 93 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 66, 69, 84

Fri, 10/9 | 5 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/10 | 12:45 PM | Living Room Sun, 10/18 | 12:15 PM | Alamo

The epic 50-year story of Los Lobos, one of Americaʼs most culturally significant bands, whose musical reinvention has helped expand Chicano visibility and representation. Featuring intimate interviews, rare performances and reflections from friends, collaborators and admirers, the documentary celebrates the bandʼs extraordinary legacy.

Love - Love

Director: Thomas Leisten Schneider

Narrative | 96 min | USA+ | 2026 | Pages 67, 68, 75, 83

Fri, 10/9 | 7:45 PM | Living Room Sat, 10/10 | 12 PM | Alamo Tue, 10/13 | 8 PM | Living Room Sat, 10/17 | 12:15 PM | Living Room

After their grandmotherʼs death, two estranged brothers: Andy, who suffers from schizophrenia, and Jeff, an actor searching for meaning, set out on a road trip to find their father, a disgraced former professional tennis player living near the Salton Sea. Starring Beck Bennett, Haley Joel Osment, Chris Elliott, Penelope Ann Miller and Loan Chabanol.


Loves Company

Director: Jason Laurits

Narrative | 94 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 66, 69, 78, 80

Fri, 10/9 | 7:30 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/10 | 7:45 PM | Living Room Thu, 10/15 | 7:15 PM | Alamo Fri, 10/16 | 5 PM | Alamo

Lonely Antoinette (Rachel Dratch) thinks she's been saved from misery when her favorite gameshow personality, Blake de Troy (Jack Plotnick), crashes in the Florida swamps near her home. But don't meet (or hold captive) your idols.

Loving Karma

Director: Johnny Burke, Andrew Hinton

Documentary | 78 min | India | 2025 | Pages 68, 82

Sat, 10/10 | 5:30 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/17 | 12 PM | Alamo

As a struggling young boy, Lobsang Phuntsok found healing in a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Years later, he returned to the Indian Himalayas to found Jhamtse Gatsal, a home for vulnerable children. "Loving Karma" follows Lobsang, Tashi and the children she now helps to raise, asking whether community can heal even the deepest wounds.

Lucy Schulman

Director: Ellie Sachs

Narrative | 94 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 69, 77, 80

After a crushing breakup, Lucy (Ellie Sachs) moves back in with her eccentric single dad (David Cross) and dives into bad dates, false starts and growing pains. Sat, 10/10 | 5 PM | Living Room Wed, 10/14 | 7:45 PM | Living Room Fri, 10/16 | 2:30 PM | Alamo


Malloryʼs Ghost

Director: Arabella Oz, Nick Canellakis

Narrative | 87 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 72, 75, 78, 82

Mon, 10/12 | 5 PM | Alamo Tue, 10/13 | 5:15 PM | Living Room Thu, 10/15 | 2:30 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/17 | 4:45 PM | Alamo

A timid young woman follows her boyfriend on a creative retreat to coastal Maine, but soon becomes convinced that sheʼs being haunted by the ghost of his ex-lover and muse, forcing her to confront the deeper roots of her jealousy.

The Man with the Big Hat Director: Austin Lee Sayre

Documentary | 89 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 76, 78, 83

An excavation of long-buried archives resurrects obscure yet profoundly influential Texas singer-songwriter Steven Fromholz, revealing a soul-stirring journey of self-discovery and the true meaning of success. Wed, 10/14 | 5 PM | Alamo Thu, 10/15 | 5 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/17 | 4 PM | IAC

Maybe We Should Director: AJ Tesler

Narrative | 90 min | USA | 2025 | Pages 66, 69, 77, 82

Fri, 10/9 | 7:15 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/10 | 3 PM | Living Room Wed, 10/14 | 1:30 PM | IAC Sat, 10/17 | 12:30 PM | Alamo

Frustrated by a medical system failing their autistic daughter, Laurie and Louie chase Louie's vision of a therapy farm where kids with special needs can thrive. Ground down by startup struggles, tragedy and a strained marriage, they must risk everything one last time to see it built. Starring Heather Graham, Jeremy John Wells and Kevin Nealon.


Method to the Madness Director: Eric Pascarelli

Narrative | 74 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 66, 73, 85

After winning a chance to honor her late basketball star twin sister, an awkward woman unknowingly hires an actress posing as a basketball coach, forcing them both to discover confidence, purpose and healing through an impossible free throw. Fri, 10/9 | 7:45 PM | Alamo Mon, 10/12 | 4 PM | IAC Sun, 10/18 | 3 PM | Living Room

Mick Skylark: Mini Golf Prodigy Director: Sergio Rizzuto

Narrative | 118 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 76, 78, 81, 84

Wed, 10/14 | 4:45 PM | Alamo Thu, 10/15 | 12 PM | Alamo Fri, 10/16 | 7:30 PM | Living Room Sun, 10/18 | 5 PM | Alamo

Mick Skylark (Brandon Engram), coached by his mentor Jonsey (David Koechner), quickly rises to the top as a child mini golf prodigy. When a tragedy strikes and he feels responsible, he quits the sport for good. Also featuring Patrick Warburton, Elizabeth Mitchell, Thomas Lennon, Robert Knepper and Jorge Garcia.

Nuclear Boy

Director: Joren Molter

Narrative | 78 min | Netherlands | 2026 | Pages 70, 72, 80

The lonely 17-year-old chemistry fanatic Aike, in his desperate urge to be seen, tries to build a nuclear reactor in his mother's shed, with all the radioactive and catastrophic consequences that entails. Sun, 10/11 | 5 PM | Alamo Mon, 10/12 | 3:15 PM | Alamo Fri, 10/16 | 3 PM | Alamo


Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers

Director: John H. Cunningham

Documentary | 92 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 69, 71, 78, 83

Sat, 10/10 | 2:45 PM | Living Room Sun, 10/11 | 12:45 PM | Living Room Thu, 10/15 | 12:15 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/17 | 7 PM | IAC

Journey through the 1970s and early 1980s with the original members of Jimmy Buffettʼs Coral Reefer Band as they recount their contributions to iconic albums, life on tour, in the studio and the lasting impact they had in shaping a unique genre of legendary music.

The Odyssey of Joy Director: Zgjim Terziqi

Narrative | 101 min | Kosovo+ | 2025 | Pages 71, 74, 80

At the dawn of the new millennium, 11-year-old Lis, displaced by the Kosovo War and haunted by a secret tied to his missing father, joins a troupe of French clowns traveling through the ravaged land to bring joy to its children. Sun, 10/11 | 12:15 PM | Living Room Tue, 10/13 | 5 PM | Alamo Fri, 10/16 | 7:45 PM | Alamo

On the End

Director: Ari Selinger

Narrative | 114 min | USA | 2025 | Pages 69, 70, 76, 82

Sat, 10/10 | 5:15 PM | Living Room Sun, 10/11 | 7:30 PM | Alamo Wed, 10/14 | 2 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/17 | 5:15 PM | Alamo

Based on a true story, "On the End" follows mechanic Tom Ferreira (Tim Blake Nelson) and his girlfriend Freckles as they face eviction from the property where Tom lives and runs his auto shop. As developers close in, the couple fights to remain in the community they call home.


One Day in Sedona

Director: Monique Sorgen

Narrative | 90 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 70, 73, 74, 82

Sun, 10/11 | 7 PM | Alamo Mon, 10/12 | 5 PM | Living Room Tue, 10/13 | 2:45 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/17 | 7:15 PM | Alamo

Two strangers in their 50s, both going through pivotal moments in their lives, meet on a hike and share a deep connection as they talk about life, love, legacy and the betterment of humankind. This film is featured in AARP Presents! See Page 18 for more information.

The Peril at Pincer Point

Director: Jake Kuhn, Noah Stratton-Twine

Narrative | 83 min | United Kingdom+ | 2026 | Pages 76, 83

On a quest to prove his competency, an inept sound recordist finds himself entangled in a nautical prophecy on the spectral island of Pincer Point.

Wed, 10/14 | 7:45 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/17 | 7:15 PM | Living Room


PHINDA

Director: Will Clothier

Documentary | 67 min | UK | 2026 | Pages 74, 82

Tue, 10/13 | 5:15 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/17 | 2:15 PM | Alamo

In KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, retired schoolteacher Mama Zikhali gathers her class for one final lesson: the extraordinary 40-year story of Phinda, where pioneering conservationists, local communities and wildlife transformed a degraded landscape into one of Africaʼs oldest and most celebrated rewilding successes.

PINBALL

Director: Naveen Chaubal

Documentary | 85 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 66, 78

In a contemplative coming of age portrait, "PINBALL" follows Yosef, a spirited athlete, in Louisville, Kentucky, as he dives into the memories of his journey from Iraq to America and what it means to chase his dreams in the shadow of a war that displaced his family from their Iraqi homeland. Fri, 10/9 | 3 PM | Alamo Thu, 10/15 | 6:45 PM | Alamo

The Protectors

Director: Jeremy Whitham

Documentary | 121 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 68, 77, 82

Living on his own for the first time, a 55-year-old artist with disability creates a comic book to honor the protectors in his life, including his late father.

Sat, 10/10 | 12 PM | Alamo Wed, 10/14 | 7 PM | IAC Sat, 10/17 | 11:45 AM | Alamo


Reimagined

Director: Mateo Messina

Narrative | 86 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 68, 77, 78, 82

Sat, 10/10 | 2:45 PM | Alamo Wed, 10/14 | 4:15 PM | IAC Thu, 10/15 | 2:45 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/17 | 2:45 PM | Alamo

With his town's Christmas tradition on the brink of collapse, a teenager's impossible plan brings street musicians to the stage, wildly leading the orchestra to reinvent their concert. What no one realizes is behind his determination lies a desire that will change the meaning of the season for everyone. Starring Yonas Kibreab and Joel McHale.

Romare Bearden: A Life in Collage Director: Deborah Riley Draper

Documentary | 84 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 68, 71, 81

Sat, 10/10 | 3 PM | Alamo Sun, 10/11 | 2:45 PM | Living Room Fri, 10/16 | 3 PM | Living Room

Romare Bearden, an artist, athlete and activist, challenged cultural gatekeepers. "Romare Bearden: A Life in Collage" traces the unseen odyssey of one of Americaʼs greatest artists as he used art, community and collective memory to disrupt who holds the power to define American history and the value of Black creativity.

Saving Ava

Director: Maximus Peeples, Sümeyye Akgün Narrative | 70 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 66, 73, 78

Fri, 10/9 | 5 PM | Alamo Mon, 10/12 | 1:30 PM | IAC Thu, 10/15 | 4:30 PM | Alamo

Six teenagers set out on a journey through the Midwest to find their missing friend. As the miles pass, old tensions from high school and college resurface. Against a backdrop of summer crickets, endless blue skies and open roads, they confront the memories and missteps that shaped their drifting friendships.


School For Defectors

Director: Jeremy Workman

Documentary | 93 min | USA+ | 2026 | Pages 70, 80

In an industrial area of Busan, South Korea sits the tiny Jangdaehyun School. It has just 20 students - all of whom are North Korean defectors. "School For Defectors" tells a joyful story of youth, inspiration and our shared humanity. Sun, 10/11 | 5 PM | Alamo Fri, 10/16 | 5:15 PM | Alamo

Seized

Director: Sharon Liese

Documentary | 94 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 66, 70, 82

Balancing the absurdity of small-town politics with the gravity of a constitutional crisis, the small town of Marion, Kansas, is thrust into the international spotlight after a police raid on the Marion County Record and the death of its 98-year-old co-owner. Fri, 10/9 | 7:30 PM | Alamo Sun, 10/11 | 2:45 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/17 | 2:45 PM | Alamo

Sender

Director: Russell Goldman

Narrative | 94 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 71, 72, 82

Sun, 10/11 | 7:45 PM | Living Room Mon, 10/12 | 7:30 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/17 | 8 PM | Alamo

After receiving a series of unnervingly personal packages she never ordered, a woman (Britt Lower) spirals into paranoia, convinced someone is watching her. As the online retailer denies responsibility, her search for the anonymous sender sends her down a dangerous rabbit hole, forcing her to confront the fragile reality sheʼs trying to rebuild.


Seniors

Director: Lance Clark

Narrative | 104 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 66, 69, 75

Fri, 10/9 | 2:15 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/10 | 7:30 PM | Living Room Tue, 10/13 | 7 PM | IAC

When a troubled teen begins community service at a retirement home, heʼs recruited for a secret treasure hunt by a stubborn veteran with unfinished business. But as the unlikely duoʼs misadventure unfolds, they discover something they didnʼt realize was missing: friendship, purpose and a sense of belonging neither saw coming. Starring John Rhys-Davies.

Street Angel

Director: Samuel Radford

Narrative | 83 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 75, 79, 84

A hustler finds hope through his relationship with a faithful woman, until his violent past catches up with them. Set between barbershop, church and streets, their story explores redemption's price. Tue, 10/13 | 1:30 PM | IAC Thu, 10/15 | 5:15 PM | Living Room Sun, 10/18 | 5:15 PM | Alamo

Take Me Home

Director: Liz Sargent

Narrative | 91 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 70, 73, 78

Anna, a 38-year-old Korean adoptee, cares for her aging parents in a fragile balance of meeting each othersʼ needs. When a Florida heat wave shatters their family and Annaʼs routine, her future is uncertain until she creates a world where she can thrive. Sun, 10/11 | 4:45 PM | Alamo Mon, 10/12 | 7:30 PM | Living Room Thu, 10/15 | 5 PM | Alamo


TikTok Never Dies Director: Hao Wu

Documentary | 90 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 72, 83

Mon, 10/12 | 5:30 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/17 | 7:30 PM | Living Room

When Congress passes a law to ban TikTok over security concerns, three creators join the platform in suing the U.S. government to defend their First Amendment rights. After a crushing Supreme Court defeat, their last hope lies, ironically, with Donald Trump – the very president who first attempted to ban the app in 2020.

Too Soon

Director: Jeff Dickamore-Florence, Aurora Florence

Narrative | 99 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 68, 71, 81, 82

Sat, 10/10 | 5:15 PM | Alamo Sun, 10/11 | 3 PM | Living Room Fri, 10/16 | 4:30 PM | IAC Sat, 10/17 | 12 PM | Alamo

After meeting the day of their spousesʼ funerals, a young widow and widower form a two-person, music therapy-style support group. But when they start to catch feelings, they are faced with the question everyoneʼs asking, is it too soon?

Tough Old Broads

Director: Stacey Tenenbaum

Documentary | 89 min | Canada | 2026 | Pages 67, 68, 70

Fri, 10/9 | 5:30 PM | Living Room Sat, 10/10 | 12:15 PM | Alamo Sun, 10/11 | 2:45 PM | Alamo

"Tough Old Broads" follows three trailblazing women who continue to fight for a better world. These feisty ladies broke barriers in their youth, and theyʼre still making waves in their old age. Theyʼre living proof that itʼs possible to follow your dreams and maybe even change the world in the process.


Try!

Director: Oisín Mistéil

Documentary | 88 min | Ireland | 2026 | Pages 72, 75, 80

Richie wasn't allowed to play the sport he loves because of his disability until Mixed Ability rugby came along. "Try!" follows four Irish players who defy all expectations on their journey to the most inclusive and competitive World Cup you've never seen. Mon, 10/12 | 2:45 PM | Alamo Tue, 10/13 | 7:30 PM | Living Room Fri, 10/16 | 4:45 PM | Alamo

Unspoken Bond

Director: Don Hardy

Documentary | 80 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 78, 83, 84

Thu, 10/15 | 12:45 PM | Alamo Sat, 10/17 | 2:45 PM | Living Room Sun, 10/18 | 12 PM | Alamo

"Unspoken Bond" is a feature documentary about a relationship often overlooked: the bond between humans and animals. Through three lives transformed by an animal, it reveals a bond that heals and connects us as deeply as any human relationship. This film is featured in AARP Presents! See Page 18 for more information.

Wake

Director: Devon M. Schwartz

Narrative | 102 min | USA | 2025 | Pages 68, 76, 81, 85

Sat, 10/10 | 8 PM | Alamo Wed, 10/14 | 7:30 PM | Alamo Fri, 10/16 | 7:30 PM | IAC Sun, 10/18 | 5:15 PM | Living Room

Four semi-estranged siblings reunite on the day of their father's wake, navigating the clashing personalities of relatives, oblivious guests and a death-phobic funeral director as they fumble into their absurd new reality - one that maybe, just maybe, could bring them closer together. Starring Cole Sprouse, Penelope Ann Miller and Chris Parnell.


We Are Not Invisible: Doulas and the Work of Survival

Director: Nicole Carey, Deonna Weatherly

Documentary | 94 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 68, 73, 83

Sat, 10/10 | 5 PM | Alamo Mon, 10/12 | 6:30 PM | IAC Sat, 10/17 | 4:45 PM | Living Room

"We Are Not Invisible: Doulas and the Work of Survival" is a documentary that explores survival, maternal care and the voices of doulas, mothers and medical professionals who reveal what happens when people are heard, believed, and supported; and the cost when they are not.

Yo (Love is a Rebellious Bird) Director: Anna Fitch, Banker White

Documentary | 78 min | USA | 2026 | Pages 67, 68, 79

Fri, 10/9 | 8 PM | Living Room Sat, 10/10 | 12:15 PM | Alamo Thu, 10/15 | 5 PM | Living Room

Anna spends a decade obsessively building a detailed 1/3-scale version of her friend's house after losing her. Inside lives a puppet of her friend, Yo. When the pair met, Yo was 73 and Anna just 24. Over the decades, they form a deep bond. After Yo's death, Anna re-constructs a magical space where Yo's stories unfold, and their relationship continues.


THE IDEAL ATMOSPHERE Each year, the Heartland Film Festival carefully calculates film and location variables to create the ideal atmosphere for audiences and filmmakers to bond over transformative stories.


THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8

Opening Night: JIMMY 6:30 PM | 120 min Page 32

Narrative

Documentary

Spotlight Screening

Indiana Spotlight

Short Films

TBA


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9

Seniors 2:15 PM | 104 min Page 60

PINBALL 3 PM | 85 min Page 57

All American Girls 4:45 PM | 95 min Italian Wannabe Page 60 5:15 PM | 90 min Page 49

Maybe We Should ESL: More 7:15 PM | 90 min Than a Language Page 53 7:45 PM | 56 min Page 43

Fork in the Road 2 PM | 128 min Page 45

Los Lobos Native Sons 5 PM | 93 min Page 51

Loves Company 7:30 PM | 94 min Page 52

Latin Clowns Evolution 3 PM | 66 min Page 50

Isle Child 2:45 PM | 92 min Page 49

Saving Ava 5 PM | 70 min Page 58

Foreign Tongue 5:15 PM | 104 min Page 44

Method to the Madness 7:45 PM | 74 min Page 54

Seized 7:30 PM | 94 min Page 59

Narrative

Documentary

Spotlight Screening

Indiana Spotlight

Short Films

TBA


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9

In Spite of Ourselves 5:15 PM | 100 min Page 47

Love - Love 7:45 PM | 96 min Page 51

Faraway Home 5 PM | 97 min Page 43

Empress of the Badlands 7:30 PM | 124 min Page 42

Tough Old Broads 5:30 PM | 89 min Page 61

Yo (Love is a Rebellious Bird) 8 PM | 78 min Page 63

Narrative

Documentary

Spotlight Screening

Indiana Spotlight

Short Films

TBA


SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10

Love - Love 12 PM | 96 min Page 51

The Protectors 12 PM | 121 min Page 57

Yo (Love is a Rebellious Bird) Breaking 12:15 PM | 78 min the Code Page 63 12:30 PM | 82 min Page 39

Reimagined 2:45 PM | 86 min Page 58

Genevieveʼs In Spite A Long Way to Go Garden of Ourselves 2:45 PM | 72 min Romare Bearden: 2:30 PM | 96 min 2:30 PM | 100 min Page 38 A Life in Collage Page 45 Page 47 3 PM | 84 min Page 58

Too Soon 5:15 PM | 99 min Page 61

Wake 8 PM | 102 min Page 62

We Are Not Invisible: Doulas and the Work of Survival 5 PM | 94 min Page 63

In Waves 7:30 PM | 91 min Page 31

Empress of the Badlands 4:45 PM | 124 min Page 42

Beyond 7:45 PM | 89 min Page 39

California Scenario 5 PM | 99 min Page 40

Faraway Home 7:30 PM | 97 min Page 43

Tough Old Broads 12:15 PM | 89 min Page 61

Loving Karma 5:30 PM | 78 min Page 52

Caterpillar 7:45 PM | 93 min Page 40

Narrative

Documentary

Spotlight Screening

Indiana Spotlight

Short Films

TBA


SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10

All American Girls 12:15 PM | 95 min Page 38

Los Lobos Native Sons 12:45 PM | 93 min Page 51

Maybe We Should 3 PM | 90 min Page 53

Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers 2:45 PM | 92 min Page 55

On the End 5:15 PM | 114 min Page 55

The Leader 8 PM | 104 min Page 50

Lucy Schulman 5 PM | 94 min Page 52

Seniors 7:30 PM | 104 min Page 60

Foreign Tongue 12 PM | 104 min Page 44

Italian Wannabe 2:30 PM | 90 min Page 49

I Play Rocky 3 PM | 128 min Page 31

Fork in the Road 4:45 PM | 128 min Page 45

Loves Company 7:45 PM | 94 min Page 52

Narrative

Documentary

Spotlight Screening

Indiana Spotlight

Short Films

TBA


SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11

DISCONNECTED 2:15 PM | 93 min A Goodnight Kiss 2:30 PM | 87 min Seized Page 41 Page 37 2:45 PM | 94 min Page 59

The Leader 2:15 PM | 104 min Tough Old Broads Page 50 2:45 PM | 89 min Page 61

Take Me Home 4:45 PM | 91 min Page 60

HIGHER LOVE 4:45 PM | 108 min Page 46

One Day in Sedona 7 PM | 90 min Page 56

School for Defectors 5 PM | 93 min Page 59

I Got Bombed at Harveyʼs 7:30 PM | 94 min Page 47

A Light in the Darkness 5:15 PM | 67 min Page 37

Jackrabbit 7:15 PM | 96 min Page 49

On the End 7:30 PM | 114 min Page 55

Nuclear Boy 5 PM | 78 min Page 54

Kikuyu Land 7:15 PM | 93 min Page 50

Narrative

Documentary

Spotlight Screening

Indiana Spotlight

Short Films

TBA


SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11

Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers 12:45 PM | 92 min Page 55

Too Soon 3 PM | 99 min Page 61

A Long Way to Go 5:30 PM | 72 min Page 38

God I Want You 7:30 PM | 87 min Page 45

The Odyssey of Joy 12:15 PM | 101 min Page 55

Romare Bearden: A Life in Collage 2:45 PM | 84 min Page 58

Indy Shorts Winners 1 12 PM | 91 min Page 47

Latin Clowns Evolution 2:30 PM | 66 min Page 50

Once Upon a Time in Harlem 5:15 PM | 100 min Page 34

Sender 7:45 PM | 94 min Page 59

Beyond 4:45 PM | 89 min Page 39 Hold On To Your Music 6 PM | 77 min Page 46 Breaking the Code 7:15 PM | 82 min Page 39

Narrative

Documentary

Spotlight Screening

Indiana Spotlight

Short Films

TBA


MONDAY, OCTOBER 12

The Leader 2:30 PM | 104 min Page 50

Indy Shorts Winners 2 3 PM | 90 min Page 48

The Lightkeeper 5 PM | 101 min Page 51

Easterseals Disability Film Challenge 7:30 PM | 87 min Page 42

TikTok Never Dies 5:30 PM | 90 min Page 61

Ceremony 7:45 PM | 84 min Page 40

Try! 2:45 PM | 88 min Page 62

Nuclear Boy 3:15 PM | 78 min Page 54

Malloryʼs Ghost 5 PM | 87 min Page 53

The Fish Donʼt Care When it Rains 5:30 PM | 74 min Page 43

A Womanʼs Work 7:15 PM | 91 min Page 38

Sender 7:30 PM | 94 min Page 59

Narrative

Documentary

Spotlight Screening

Indiana Spotlight

Short Films

TBA


MONDAY, OCTOBER 12

INDY ART CENTER

LIVING ROOM THEATERS

Saving Ava 1:30 PM | 70 min Page 58

Method to the Madness 4 PM | 74 min Page 54 One Day in Sedona 5 PM | 90 min Page 56

Gentle Monster 7:15 PM | 114 min Page 30

A Long Way to Go 5:30 PM | 72 min Page 38 We Are Not Invisible: Doulas and the Work of Survival 6:30 PM | 94 min Page 63 Take Me Home 7:30 PM | 91 min Page 60

Narrative

Documentary

Spotlight Screening

Indiana Spotlight

Short Films

TBA


TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13

DISCONNECTED 12:15 PM | 93 min Page 41

Indy Shorts Winners 3 12:30 PM | 88 min Page 48

THE DRUG IN OUR POCKET 2:45 PM | 78 min Page 42

HIGHER LOVE 5 PM | 108 min Page 46

Love of Your Life 7:45 PM | 106 min Page 33

Jackrabbit 2:30 PM | 96 min Page 49

Cycles of Resilience

3 PM | 57 min Page 41

Rehearsals for a Revolution 4:45 PM | 95 min Page 35

The Odyssey of Joy 5 PM | 101 min Page 55

Forever Home 7:15 PM | 56 min Page 44

A Goodnight Kiss 7:30 PM | 87 min Page 37

One Day in Sedona 2:45 PM | 90 min Page 56

PHINDA 5:15 PM | 67 min Page 57

The Lightkeeper 7:15 PM | 101 min Page 43

Narrative

Documentary

Spotlight Screening

Indiana Spotlight

Short Films

TBA


TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13

INDY ART CENTER

LIVING ROOM THEATERS

Street Angel 1:30 PM | 83 min Page 60

Hold On To Your Music 3 PM | 77 min Page 46

Caterpillar 3:15 PM | 93 min Page 40 God I Want You 4:15 PM | 87 min Page 45

Malloryʼs Ghost 5:15 PM | 87 min Page 53

Try! 7:30 PM | 88 min Page 62

Ceremony 5:45 PM | 84 min Page 40 Seniors 7 PM | 104 min Page 60 Love - Love 8 PM | 96 min Page 51

Narrative

Documentary

Spotlight Screening

Indiana Spotlight

Short Films

TBA


WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14

In Spite of Ourselves 2:15 PM | 100 min Page 47

Mick Skylark: Mini Golf Prodigy 4:45 PM | 118 min Page 54

The Fish Donʼt Care When it Rains 3 PM | 74 min Page 43

Indy Shorts Winners 4 5 PM | 87 min Page 48

Wake 7:30 PM | 102 min Page 62

Beyond 7:15 PM | 89 min Page 39

On the End 2 PM | 114 min Page 55

Isle Child 2:45 PM | 92 min Page 49

The Man with the Big Hat 5 PM | 89 min Page 53

Caterpillar 5:15 PM | 93 min Page 40

A Light in the Darkness 7:30 PM | 67 min Page 37

The Peril at Pincer Point 7:45 PM | 83 min Page 56

Narrative

Documentary

Spotlight Screening

Indiana Spotlight

Short Films

TBA


WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 LIVING ROOM THEATERS

NEW- INDY ART FIELDS CENTER

Maybe We Should 1:30 PM | 90 min Page 53

THE DRUG IN OUR POCKET 5 PM | 78 min Page 42

Bitter Christmas 7:15 PM | 111 min Page 29

Reimagined 4:15 PM | 86 min Page 58 Genevieveʼs Garden 5:15 PM | 96 min Page 45

Lucy Schulman 7:45 PM | 94 min Page 52

Centerpiece: Wild Horse Nine 7 PM | 118 min Page 36

The Protectors 7 PM | 121 min Page 57

Narrative

Documentary

Spotlight Screening

Indiana Spotlight

Short Films

TBA


THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15

Mick Skylark: Mini Golf Prodigy 12 PM | 118 min Page 54

Indy Shorts Winners 1 12:15 PM | 91 min Page 47

Reimagined 2:45 PM | 86 min Page 58

Take Me Home 5 PM | 91 min Page 60

Tender Loving Care 7:15 PM | 107 min Page 36

Forever Home 2:30 PM | 56 min Page 44

Saving Ava 4:30 PM | 70 min Page 58

PINBALL 6:45 PM | 85 min Page 57

Unspoken Bond 12:45 PM | 80 min Page 62

The Fish Donʼt Care When it Rains 3 PM | 74 min Page 43

Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers 12:15 PM | 92 min Page 55

Malloryʼs Ghost 2:30 PM | 87 min Page 53

Hold On To Your Music 4:45 PM | 77 min Page 46

The Man with the Big Hat 5 PM | 89 min Page 53

A Womanʼs Work 7 PM | 91 min Page 38

Loves Company 7:15 PM | 94 min Page 52

Narrative

Documentary

Spotlight Screening

Indiana Spotlight

Short Films

TBA


THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15

INDY ART CENTER

LIVING ROOM THEATERS

Artists in Residence 1:30 PM | 93 min Page 39

Yo (Love is a Rebellious Bird) 5 PM | 78 min Page 63

The Lightkeeper 7:15 PM | 101 min Page 51

Street Angel 5:15 PM | 83 min Page 60

Tangles 7:30 PM | 102 min Page 35

First Five 4:30 PM | 75 min Page 44

DISCONNECTED 7:15 PM | 93 min Page 41

Narrative

Documentary

Spotlight Screening

Indiana Spotlight

Short Films

TBA


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16

I Got Bombed at Harveyʼs All American Girls 2:15 PM | 94 min 2:30 PM | 95 min Page 47 Page 38

Faraway Home 5 PM | 97 min Page 43

A Talent for Murder 7:30 PM | 106 min Page 28

Try! 4:45 PM | 88 min Page 62

Italian Wannabe 7:15 PM | 90 min Page 49

Nuclear Boy 3 PM | 78 min Page 54

God I Want You 5:15 PM | 87 min Page 45

The Odyssey of Joy 7:45 PM | 101 min Page 55

Lucy Schulman 2:30 PM | 94 min Page 52

Forever Home 3:30 PM | 56 min Page 44

Loves Company 5 PM | 94 min Page 52

School For Defectors 5:15 PM | 93 min Page 59

California Scenario 7:30 PM | 99 min Page 40

THE DRUG IN OUR POCKET 7:45 PM | 78 min Page 42

Narrative

Documentary

Spotlight Screening

Indiana Spotlight

Short Films

TBA


FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16

TBA 1 1 PM

Romare Bearden: HIGHER LOVE 2:45 PM | 108 min A Life in Collage 3 PM | 84 min Page 46 Page 58

Home from the Vietnam War 5:30 PM | 71 min Page 46

Jackrabbit 5:15 PM | 96 min Page 49

Mick Skylark: Mini Golf Prodigy 7:30 PM | 118 min Page 54

TBA 2 7:45 PM

Indy Shorts Winners 2 2:30 PM | 90 min Page 48

Clarissa 4:15 PM | 125 min A Womanʼs Work Page 30 4:45 PM | 91 min Page 38

Kikuyu Land 7:15 PM | 93 min Page 50

Possible Love 7:30 PM | 164 min Page 35

Too Soon 4:30 PM | 99 min Page 61

Wake 7:30 PM | 102 min Page 62

Narrative

Documentary

Spotlight Screening

Indiana Spotlight

Short Films

TBA


SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

In Spite Maybe of Ourselves We Should 12:15 PM | 100 min 12:30 PM | 90 min Page 47 Page 53

Reimagined 2:45 PM | 86 min Page 58

ESL: More Than a Language 3 PM | 56 min Page 43

The Only Living Pickpocket in New York 5 PM | 88 min Page 34

Malloryʼs Ghost 4:45 PM | 87 min Page 53

Union County 7:30 PM | 97 min Page 36

One Day in Sedona 7:15 PM | 90 min Page 56

Too Soon 12 PM | 99 min Page 61

Empress of the Badlands 2:30 PM | 124 min Page 42

Loving Karma 12 PM | 78 min Page 52

The Protectors 11:45 PM | 121 min Page 57

Seized 2:45 PM | 94 min Page 59

PHINDA 2:15 PM | 67 min Page 57

Cycles of Resilience

4:45 PM | 57 min Page 41

On the End 5:15 PM | 114 min Page 55

Sender 8 PM | 94 min Page 59

Foreign Tongue 5:15 PM | 104 min Page 44

All American Girls 7:45 PM | 95 min Page 38

Bedford Park 6:45 PM | 117 min Page 28

Narrative

Documentary

Spotlight Screening

Indiana Spotlight

Short Films

TBA


SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

Love - Love 12:15 PM | 96 min Page 51

Unspoken Bond 2:45 PM | 80 min Page 62

California Scenario 5 PM | 99 min Page 40

Ceremony 12 PM | 84 min Page 40

Indy Shorts Winners 3 11:45 PM | 88 min Page 48 La Bola Negra 12:30 PM | 155 min Page 32

Mouse 2:30 PM | 120 min Page 33

Artists in Residence 5:30 PM | 93 min Page 39

TikTok Never Dies 7:30 PM | 90 min Page 61

TBA 3 7:45 PM

Genevieveʼs Garden 2:15 PM | 96 min Page 45

We Are Not Invisible 4:45 PM | 94 min Page 63

The Peril at Pincer Point 7:15 PM | 83 min Page 56

PitchDox Main Event 4 PM Page 19

The Man with the Big Hat 4 PM | 89 min Page 53

Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers All of a Sudden 7 PM | 92 min 6:30 PM | 196 min Page 55 Page 28

Narrative

Documentary

Spotlight Screening

Indiana Spotlight

Short Films

TBA


SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 Carl Sagan: We Are Made of Star Stuff 12 PM | 99 min Page 29

The Lightkeeper 2:30 PM | 101 min Page 51

TBA 4 5:15 PM

Los Lobos Native Sons 12:15 PM | 93 min Page 51

Documentary Grand Prize Winner 2:45 PM

Narrative Grand Prize Winner 5:30 PM

Unspoken Bond 12 PM | 80 min Page 62

Faraway Home 12:15 PM | 97 min Page 43

HIGHER LOVE 2:30 PM | 108 min Page 46

Iron Boy 2:45 PM | 90 min Page 31

Street Angel 5:15 PM | 83 min Page 60

Mick Skylark: Mini Golf Prodigy 5 PM | 118 min Page 54

Narrative

Documentary

Spotlight Screening

Indiana Spotlight

Short Films

TBA


SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18

Empress of the Badlands 12 PM | 124 min Page 42

Home from the Vietnam War 3:15 PM | 71 min Page 46

TBA 5 5:30 PM

DISCONNECTED 12:15 PM | 93 min Page 41

Indy Shorts Winners 4 12:30 PM | 87 min Page 48

Nuisance Bear 2:45 PM | 97 min Page 33

Wake 5:15 PM | 102 min Page 62

Method to the Madness 3 PM | 74 min Page 54

Isle Child 5 PM | 92 min Page 49 Closing Night: The Debut 6 PM | 105 min Page 30

Narrative

Documentary

Spotlight Screening

Indiana Spotlight

Short Films

TBA


In 1991, Heartland Film was founded in Indianapolis by Jeff Sparks, with the inaugural Heartland Film Festival following in October 1992. Since then, the festival has grown from a four-day event showcasing nine feature films at two locations into an internationally-recognized, 11-day festival presenting 100+ feature films across six locations throughout the Indianapolis area. While $4.50 festival tickets and reviewing films on VHS tapes are now only memories, the heart of the festival remains the same: showcasing films that do more than entertain. As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Heartland Film Festival, we are honored to be named the #1 Best Film Festival by the USA TODAY 10Best Readersʼ Awards. This recognition is a testament to the passion, support and belief of our community in the transformative power of film. Thank you for being a part of our cherished past, dynamic present and promising future!


“As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Heartland Film Festival, I am filled with gratitude for this community that has championed independent film, encouraged filmmakers and embraced their powerful stories that connect us all. Whether this is your first Heartland Film Festival or your 35th, I hope you discover a film that inspires you, surprises you or opens your eyes to an unexpected perspective.”

MICHAEL AULT President, Heartland Film


OUR MISSION Founded in 1991, Heartland Film is a nonprofit arts organization based in Indianapolis, Indiana, dedicated to curating, promoting and celebrating thoughtful and engaging films from diverse perspectives. Through the Heartland Film Festival, Indy Shorts Film Festival, year-round programming and Community & Education initiatives, Heartland Film connects audiences across Indianapolis and surrounding regions with independent film, global storytelling and arts education.

KEEP UP WITH US Scan the QR code to sign up for our email newsletters and be the first to hear about special events, festival updates and more. FACEBOOK: Heartland Film INSTAGRAM/X: @HeartlandFilm

WEBSITE: heartlandfilm.org EMAIL: info@heartlandfilm.org

MOBILE CINEMA Heartland Film is the proud owner of a Mobile Cinema! This 17ʼx10ʼ traveling LED screen is used day and night for festival screenings, field trips and events. It is also available to rent! Email info@heartlandfilm.org if you'd like more information on using it at your event or school.


Heartland Film can extend your mission in the community through quality programming. Partnership screenings offer our attendees the opportunity to connect to topics on screen, as well as to organizations in our local community. Once paired with a film, your organization can access benefits such as discounted festival tickets, tabling at a screening, introducing the film and a mention in the guidebook. To learn more, email our Senior Manager of Community Initiatives, Abi Lindstedt, at community@heartlandfilm.org.

Heartland Film's education programs give your students film-based experiences that are educational and entertaining! Our programs are flexible and can be customized to your subject, schedule, grade level, timeframe and location. Opportunities include classroom presentations, field trips to the festival or Heartland Film HQ, free film curriculum and more! Learn more at heartlandfilm.org/education.

REMINDER: All students and educators get 50% off festival tickets at any #HFF35 Box Office!


CINEMANIA Presented by F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co.

2027 DATE: Friday, April 16 Heartland Film's signature fundraiser returns to The Crane Bay Event Center for a fourth year! This is an immersive evening inspired by iconic film, and 2027ʼs theme is “A Tribute to Films in Space.” Get ready to launch into an unforgettable night of live music, food, drinks and surprise activations. Individual tickets will be available in January, and sponsorships are available now. This is a party your friends and clients won't want to miss! You can email Heartland Film's Director of Development, Bailey Britton, at development@heartlandfilm.org for more details about sponsorship opportunities.


INDY SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL SHORTS + SWEETS The 9th Annual Indy Shorts Film Festival presented by TQL Wealth Management ran July 21 through July 26. The six-day festival showcased 266 fun-sized films with screenings at the Indy Art Center, Living Room Theaters, Newfields and online. Indy Shorts 2026 was a real treat with 37 World Premieres, 40 short film programs, 17 special events and a record number of 350 filmmakers in attendance! The festival presented more than $35,000 in cash prizes, and the three Grand Prize-winning films received their qualification for the 2027 Academy Awards® in their respective categories and $5,000 in cash awards. NARRATIVE GRAND PRIZE

DOCUMENTARY GRAND PRIZE

ANIMATED GRAND PRIZE

La barrière Christophe Deram

Stalin Boys Bianca Giaever & Ora DeKornfeld

9 Million Colors Bára Anna Stejskalová

REMINDER: If you love short films, splice things up by attending one of the four Indy Shorts Award Winners programs at HFF35 on Page 47-48.


DONATE TO HEARTLAND FILM As a nonprofit arts organization, Heartland Film relies on donations to showcase thoughtful and engaging films. You can make a difference in the future of independent film in Indiana by donating today! DONATE BY MAIL

PLAN A GIFT

Heartland Film 8950 Otis Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46216

Email Director of Development Bailey Britton at development@heartlandfilm.org

DONATE ONLINE Use the QR code or visit heartlandfilm.org/donate Your donation may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law; please consult your tax advisor. Heartland Film, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization (Federal Tax #35-1832797).


BECOME A VOLUNTEER We love our volunteers! From street team marketing to theater support, it takes hundreds of volunteers to host Heartland Film's festivals and events. Becoming a volunteer is as simple as creating an account and selecting your interests! We'll email you when different opportunities open up.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER FILM SCREENER Every year, Heartland Film reviews thousands of film submissions for Indy Shorts and the Heartland Film Festival. Volunteer Film Screeners thoughtfully view and identify films of interest with programming staff. Screeners are required to view a minimum of three feature films a week or 14 short films a week. Apply today on our website to help curate next yearʼs festivals!

BECOME A SPONSOR Heartland Film sponsorships get your company's name out in the arts community and offer an unforgettable experience that can include red carpet events, private parties, ticket packs, custom naming opportunities and more! Every year, new sponsorships open up around our festivals, community screenings and education programs. Our development team would love to chat with you to create an impactful sponsorship package. To explore these opportunities further, please email development@heartlandfilm.org.

PURCHASE MERCHANDISE You'll be magnetic in our new Heartland Film Festival merch! Check it out at your theater's Box Office. Heartland Film Members get 20% off!


BECOME A MEMBER Want the VIP treatment? Become a Heartland Film Member! You'll get 20% off tickets and merchandise, festival updates and invites to exclusive events. Email Senior Development Manager, Emily Chu, at memberships@heartlandfilm.org to learn more. Members at the $250 level and above will be recognized in the Heartland Film Festival Guidebook. See this yearʼs recognized Members on Page 98.

MEMBERSHIP TIERS + BENEFITS Each tier includes the benefits of the tiers below it.

PREMIER SILVER SCREEN • $5,000 • 20 guest tickets to a HFF screening of your choice • 4 HFF Fest Passes

SILVER SCREEN • $2,500 • 2 HFF Closing Night screening tickets • 2 HFF Fest Passes


CINEMA SOCIETY • $1,000 • 2 HFF Opening Night screening tickets • 2 Indy Shorts Fest Passes

SCREENWRITER • $500 • 10 Indy Shorts & 10 HFF tickets (total for regular screenings)

CAMEO • $250 • 2 VIPS & SIPS invites • Recognition in HFF Guidebook • 4 Indy Shorts & 4 HFF tickets (regular screenings)

• 20% off Indy Shorts & HFF individual tickets (6 total per screening)

INDIVIDUAL/DUAL • $75 • Exclusive Member screenings • Mailed festival guidebooks • 20% off Indy Shorts & HFF Fest Passes (2 per festival) • 20% off merchandise • 20% off Indy Shorts & HFF individual tickets (2 per screening)


You don't need a microscope to see that Heartland Film Members are foundational to our organization's success! Check out all of our membership perks on Pages 96-97.

• Jeff Berebitsky • Gary & Marlene Cohen • Karen Fried • Colleen Kenney • David Klapper

• Terry Lee • Tom Foster & Patricia Proffitt • Robert & Alison Spoonmore • Betty Stilwell

• Frank & Katrina Basile • William & Moira Carlstedt • Tom & Jenny Godby • Pam & Greg Greene • John Guy • Aaron Hoeg • Lisa & Jon LeCrone • Robyn McMahon • Jennifer & Dale Nolden

• Gregory Paul • N. Clay & Amy Robbins • Tamera Rutledge • Muniver Singh • Stan & Misty Soderstrom • Carol Weiss & Robert Rifkin • David & Melissa Wong • TJ & Megan Woodard • Turner & Diann Woodard

• Penny & Tom Barrett • Patrick & Julie Bennett • Bill & Lisa Boncosky • Howard & Saundra Bowers • Greg & Lauren Bright • Michael & Irene Curry • Maria Delgado • Gary Denney & Louise Bakker • John & Kimberly Dewey • Peggy Ford • Blair Hartman • Thomas & Patty Hefner • Paul & Barbara Jablonski • Alan & Anne Kimbell

• Cori Korn • Kristi Lee & Andy Gilbert • Jane Magnus-Stinson • Kathy McNabb • John & Carolyn Mutz • Yung Nguyen • Richard Propes • Judy Roudebush • Sally Rowland • Brandon & Kim Smith • Jeff & Connie Sparks


• Mauvene Borton • Lisa & Jeffrey Breall • Molli Cameron • Emily & Tony Chu • Jennifer Darby • Ron & Barb Diehm • Courtney Essett • John Fischer and Juan Sanchez • Marianne Glick & Michael Woods • Leigh Harris & Gary Thompson • Sheryl Holko & Susan Nemeth

• Robin Anderson • Michael Ault • Bihl Beckstedt & Terry Bowdell • Rana & Jeffrey Berry • Vicki Bohlsen • Michele & Gadi Boukai • Lisa Brandin • Brad Brown • Judy Byron & Carl Murray • Katrina & Brandon Canfield • Daniel & Katy Cantor • Carolyn Chambers • Beth Ann Clark • Gabe & Michelle Connell • Donald & Dolly Craft • Marjorie & Tom Crouch • Ann & Bill Cummings • Kelly Cummins • Scott Daugherty • Leslie Donchetz

• Laura King • Lisa Lanham • Sandra Lynch • Greg Malone • Beth Molina • Chris & Laura Phillips • Susan & Phil Salsbery • David Sims • Neelu & Naval Sondhi • Jeffrey & Janet Stroebel • Susie Townsend

• Erin Dorsey • Franklin Heritage, Inc. • Lynda Goeke & Don Katz • Shelly Sheats Harkness • Jeff Hutson • Edwin & Lynne Locke • Lucky 27 Media, Inc. • Ingrid Mail • Garth & Susie McClain • Matt & Heather McLaughlin • Diana Mercer • Jane Messenger • Jennifer Moe • Michael Patton • Amy Pauszek • Larry & Rhonda Peffer • Andie Redwine • Mark Robbins • Heather Ross • Suzanne Rothenberg • Harrison Royce

• Beverly Ruebeck • Kathy Sax & John Ehrmann • Chris Schneider • Erin Schneider • Margaret Sheehan • Kathryn Shorter • Terry Sturmer • Chad & Jamie Troyer • Lew Truex • Roberta & Bob Walton • Jemmie Wang • Beverly Watkins • Joan Wheatley • Henry Winckler • Stephen Wintermeyer & Ginat Mirowski • Gwen Woodard • Robert Young & Adrienne Reiswerg


THE PERFECT PARTNERSHIP Heartland Film brings extraordinary films, filmmakers and movie lovers from around the world together in Indianapolis. We're proud to be right in the middle of it. As presenting sponsor of the 35th Heartland Film Festival, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at The Square will host 151 festival screenings this year, up from 104 last year.

The festival ends. Your love of movies doesn't. At the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, we're here for movie lovers all year long. We take movies seriously. New releases. Indie gems. Cult favorites. Classics. Movie parties. One-night-only screenings. And custom pre-shows that give you a reason to get there early. Settle in as we serve food, cocktails, beer and more right from your heated seat. Order with your server or try our new QR code ordering option whenever you're ready for something else. And yes, we actually watch the movie. No talking. No texting. No glowing screens in the row ahead of you. Because there's still nothing quite like watching a great movie in a dark theater with a room full of people who came to do the same thing. We have the movies everyone's talking about and the ones you'll be telling everyone about afterward. What are we watching next?


The Klapper Family Foundation

Stewart Foundation


Nicholas H. Noyes Jr. Memorial Foundation

Robert & Alison Spoonmore

John & Diane Abrams

Tom & Arlene Grande

Future Keys Foundation

Arthur Jordan Foundation


Constellation Brands Earshot Audiopost Indiana Farmers Insurance Market Square Popcorn Metazoa Brewing Company Richard Propes

Shake Up Sundry & Vice Tinker Coffee Tinker House Events Tito's Handmade Vodka Jan White

Traci Acton | @treatyourselfindy Chris Aragon | @_chrisaragon Danielle Barry | @danielleindy Symphanie Bolds | @symphiiamor Tasha Cheatham | @transparentlytasha

Michael Durr | @instadurr Alesha Martinez | @twainindy Desmond Nicholson | @wwdeatnext Juliana Silva | @julisiilva


OBSERVE, EXAMINE + DISCUSS The Heartland Film Festival receives hundreds of film submissions every year. Our dedicated programmers observe, examine and discuss each film before identifying 100+ for your viewing.


ACLU of Indiana

Geist Elementary School

Our Lady of Lourdes

Anderson University

The Historic Artcraft Theatre

Overdose Lifeline

Armed Services Arts Partnership Ball State University Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana Broad Ripple Middle School Butler University Carmel High School

Indiana Association of School Broadcasters Indiana Humanities Indianapolis Public Library Indy Dance Council Irvington Halloween Festival

Pet Friendly Services of Indiana Pike High School Porter County Career Center Pride of Indy Bands Spanish for Entities Spirit & Place

IU Bloomington

Starbase Indy

IU Indianapolis

Teachers' Treasures

Cicada Cinema

JCC Indianapolis

City of Lawrence

Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza

Ukrainian Society of Indiana

Center for Inquiry School 84

Connection Club DREAM Alive

Lawrence Central High School

Earth Day Indiana

Love Broad Ripple

Easterseals Crossroads

Marion County Reentry Coalition

Eiteljorg Museum Exodus Refugee Immigration Fortune Academy

Mass Ave Merchants Association Moo & Lou Frozen Treats

Veterans Affairs Village of Merici Weatherhouse Co. YMCA Zionsville Community High School


HEARTLAND FILM STAFF Michael Ault President Adam Howell Vice President Sarah Donaldson Organizational Support Manager Bailey Britton Director of Development Emily Chu Senior Development Manager Diana Gingerich Director of Operations & Events Abi Lindstedt Senior Manager of Community Initiatives

Anna Casey Special Events Coordinator Greg Sorvig Artistic Director Sam Opsahl Film Programming Coordinator Julie Landrum Film Programmer Jessica Chapman Director of Marketing & Communications Angelo Auriemma Senior Creative Manager Holleh Moon Digital Marketing Coordinator

Vinnie Manganello Festival Videographer Whitney Walker Festival Photographer Gabe Ellington Seasonal Programmer Abby Specht Seasonal Programmer Christian Arciniega Community Outreach Coordinator Anna Kelley Community Outreach Coordinator Cara Wilson Community Outreach Coordinator


BOARD OFFICERS David Wong Board Chair

Kim Dollin Secretary

Susie Townsend Vice Chair

Gabe Connell Treasurer

John Dewey Immediate Past Chair

BOARD MEMBERS Paul Babcock Frank Basile Charla Booth Jennifer Closshey Daniel Cook Tim Cook Jennifer Darby Marisol Gouveia Shon Harris

Carolyn Hunt Michael Husain Kristi Lee Fred Lockett Karen Mangia Seth Maxwell Yung Nguyen Greg Paul Amy Pauszek

Erin Schneider Ben Shine Stan Soderstrom Robert Spoonmore Betty Stilwell Caity Withers TJ Woodard

ADVISORY COUNCIL Katrina Canfield Council Chair John Abrams Kelly Alexiou Robin Anderson Shamika Anderson Dan Boots Lisa Breall Heather Brogden Andrea Brummett Ellen Butz Gary Cohen Meghan Dagon Maria Delgado Brayton Dewey Claudia Dille Leslie Donchetz Michael Durr

Jenny Godby Lynda Goeke Arlene Grande Tom Grande Nikki Gray Dija Henry Amy Howell Allie Kenney Bridget Kenney Eric Kilbride Lindsey Marie Kirkpatrick Beth Klapper David Klapper Cori Korn Katie Lory Beth Molina Sydney Moody Chris Phillips Traci Prescott

Mark Robbins Heather Ross Suzanne Rothenberg Susan Salsbery Chris Schneider Sarah Silcox Neelu Sondhi David Spencer Chantel Stone Rocky Walls


THEATER STAFF PRODUCTION + PROJECTIONISTS

THEATER MANAGERS

BOX OFFICE MANAGERS

Gabe Ellington Jay Fields Jason Harris Eric Pells Liliia Rawlins

Shelby Adams Emily Hart Hayley Lundberg Kate Powers Abby Specht Cara Wilson

Christian Arciniega Megan Benson Lindsay Cart Martha Clifford Abby Stokes Gabriella Tzougros

VOLUNTEER FILM SCREENERS Blair Allen Claire Anderson Neil Bolding Howard Bowers Eric Buetens John Carillo Shira Chait Jim Clark Ryan Darden Lisa Davis John Debono Tony Doucet Leonardo de Frietas Chloe Gard Samuel Gariy Noah Gegner Karen Gelb

Matt Gillam Emma Ben Hadj Cheryl Halter Lucy Hanna Thomas Holtgraves Ryan Johnson Foster Keirns Eli Kohn Lisa Lanham Alli Linhart Clay Lomneth Max Malavenda Brian McCabe Christine Michael Kyna Morgan Terri Murphy James Newlin

Tiko El Outa Beatrice Pagan Eva Peters Zoe Peterson Jose Pichardo Kazdyn Pierce-Blanchard Amanda Price Grant Smith Marvin Sommer Bonnie Surber Joshua Vanover Gary Wakahiro


A Goodnight Kiss ......................... 37,70,74 A Light in the Darkness ............ 37, 70, 76 A Long Way to Go ............... 38, 68, 71, 73 A Talent for Murder .......................... 28, 80 A Woman's Work ................. 38, 72, 78, 81 All American Girls ....... 38, 66, 69, 80, 82 All of a Sudden .................................. 28, 83 Artists in Residence .................. 39, 79, 83 Bedford Park ...................................... 28, 82 Beyond ................................... 39, 68, 71, 76 Bitter Christmas ................................ 29, 77 Breaking the Code ..................... 39, 68, 71 California Scenario ............ 40, 68, 80, 83 Carl Sagan: We Are Made of Star Stuff ............................ 29, 84 Caterpillar ............................. 40, 68, 75, 76 Ceremony ............................. 40, 72, 75, 83 Clarissa ................................................ 30, 81 Cycles of Resilience: A Journey Through Austin's Black History ............... 41, 74, 82 The Debut .................................... 19, 30, 85 DISCONNECTED .......... 41, 70, 74, 79, 85 THE DRUG IN OUR POCKET ....................... 42, 74, 77, 80 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge .................................. 42, 72 Empress of the Badlands ................. 42, 67, 68, 82, 85

ESL: More Than a Language ................................. 43, 66, 82 Faraway Home ............. 43, 67, 68, 80, 84 First Five ....................................... 14, 44, 79 The Fish Don't Care When it Rains ....................... 43, 72, 76, 78 Foreign Tongue ......................... 44, 66, 69 Forever Home ...................... 44, 74, 78, 80 Fork in the Road ........................ 45, 66, 69 Genevieve's Garden ........... 45, 68, 77, 83 Gentle Monster ................................. 30, 73 God I Want You .................... 45, 71, 75, 80 HIGHER LOVE ............... 46, 70, 74, 81, 84 Hold On To Your Music ....... 46, 71, 75, 78 Home from the Vietnam War ........................ 46, 81, 85 I Got Bombed at Harvey's ....... 47, 70, 80 I Play Rocky ........................................ 31, 69 In Spite of Ourselves ... 47, 67, 68, 76, 82 In Waves .............................................. 31, 68 Indy Shorts Winners 1 .............. 47, 71, 78 Indy Shorts Winners 2 .............. 48, 72, 81 Indy Shorts Winners 3 ............. 48, 74, 83 Indy Shorts Winners 4 ............. 48, 76, 85 Iron Boy ................................................ 31, 84 Isle Child ............................... 49, 66, 76, 85 Italian Wannabe ................. 49, 66, 69, 80 Jackrabbit ............................. 49, 70, 74, 81 JIMMY .......................................... 16, 32, 65 Kikuyu Land ................................. 50, 70, 81


La Bola Negra .................................... 32, 83 Latin Clowns Evolution ............. 50, 66, 71 The Leader ........................... 50, 69, 70, 72 The Lightkeeper ............ 51, 72, 74, 79, 84 Los Lobos Native Sons .......................... 51, 66, 69, 84 Love - Love ..................... 51, 67, 68, 75, 83 Love of Your Life ................................ 33, 74 Loves Company ........... 52, 66, 69, 78, 80 Loving Karma .............................. 52, 68, 82 Lucy Schulman .................... 52, 69, 77, 80 Mallory's Ghost ............ 53, 72, 75, 78, 82 The Man with the Big Hat ............................ 53, 76, 78, 83 Maybe We Should ....... 53, 66, 69, 77, 82 Method to the Madness ........................ 54, 66, 73, 85 Mick Skylark: Mini Golf Prodigy .......... 54, 76, 78, 81, 84 Mouse ................................................. 33, 83 Nuclear Boy .......................... 54, 70, 72, 80 Nuisance Bear .................................. 33, 85 Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers ................. 55, 69, 71, 78, 83 The Odyssey of Joy ............ 55, 71, 74, 80 On the End ..................... 55, 69, 70, 76, 82 Once Upon a Time in Harlem ................................... 34, 71 One Day in Sedona ...... 56, 70, 73, 74, 82 The Only Living Pickpocket in New York .................. 34, 82

The Peril at Pincer Point .......... 56, 76, 83 PHINDA ......................................... 57, 74, 82 PINBALL ....................................... 57, 66, 78 Possible Love ..................................... 35, 81 The Protectors ...................... 57, 68, 77, 82 Rehearsals for a Revolution ........................................ 35, 74 Reimagined ................... 58, 68, 77, 78, 82 Romare Bearden: A Life in Collage ................... 58, 68, 71, 81 Saving Ava ........................... 58, 66, 73, 78 School For Defectors ............... 59, 70, 80 Seized ................................... 59, 66, 70, 82 Sender .................................... 59, 71, 72, 82 Seniors .................................. 60, 66, 69, 75 Street Angel ......................... 60, 75, 79, 84 Take Me Home ..................... 60, 70, 73, 78 Tangles ................................................ 35, 79 Tender Loving Care ......................... 36, 78 TikTok Never Dies ...................... 61, 72, 83 Too Soon .......................... 61, 68, 71, 81, 82 Tough Old Broads ................ 61, 67, 68, 70 Try! .......................................... 62, 72, 75, 80 Union County .................................... 36, 82 Unspoken Bond .................. 62, 78, 83, 84 Wake ................................ 62, 68, 76, 81, 85 We Are Not Invisible: Doulas and the Work of Survival ................. 63, 68, 73, 83 Wild Horse Nine .......................... 18, 36, 77 Yo (Love is a Rebellious Bird) ................... 63, 67, 68, 79

We highly recommend attending screenings with filmmakers in attendance for behind-the-scenes looks at how the films were made. Scan this QR Code to see a filtered view of films with filmmakers in attendance!


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
2026 Heartland Film Festival Guidebook by HeartlandFilm - Issuu