Heartland Film Festival Open For Submissions

Indianapolis, Indiana
United States

ABOUT THE HEARTLAND FILM FESTIVAL

Heartland Film has hosted the annual Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana since 1992. We strive to be the preeminent destination for connecting audiences and filmmakers to experience the transformative power of film. This festival has grown from a four day event with fewer than 20 films to what is now an 11-day celebration that typically showcases 300+ feature film screenings and 200+ filmmakers.

Heartland Film is a nonprofit arts organization that runs the 11-day Heartland International Film Festival in October, the Academy Award®-Qualifying Indy Shorts International Film Festival in July, the Truly Moving Picture Award and other year-round programs.

Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Heartland Film was founded in 1991 with the mission to curate, promote and celebrate thoughtful and engaging films from diverse perspectives. The films we select and exhibit – whether they inspire conversation, ignite imagination, or shift perspectives – all have one thing in common: they are entertaining films that do more than just entertain.

Over the years, we presented $3.5 million in cash prize – the largest total amount awarded by any film festival in North America – presented 200+ studio films with the Truly Moving Picture Award, and showcased more than 2,000 feature and short films, including eight Oscar®-winning titles. To view our past Festival guidebooks, pictures, films and more check out digital archives section here!

Vision: Heartland Film is the preeminent destination for connecting audiences and filmmakers to experience transformative film.

DEADLINES & FEES

Opening Submission Date
November 19, 2024

Notification Date
September 4, 2025

Event Date
October 9 - 19, 2025

Visit the Heartland Film Festival website for more information.