INDIANAPOLIS — A record 213 films from 104 countries will be featured at the 26th annual Heartland International Film Festival, set for Oct. 12-22, 2017, across Indianapolis. The prestigious Academy Award-qualifying Festival will award $100,000 in cash prizes across multiple categories, including Grand Prizes, the Jimmy Stewart Legacy Award, U.S. and World Premieres, High School Film Competition, and the Indiana Spotlight Program.
Heartland will host 16 premiere titles and more than 150 filmmakers and members of the international film industry, including Chaz Ebert, who will be in attendance for a special screening of the Roger Ebert documentary “Life Itself” and to moderate a film critics panel to include Klaus Eder, the general secretary of the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI). Additional panel topics include Indiana filmmaking, women in film, and entertainment law, all to be hosted at the Woodbridge Pavilion outside of AMC Castleton Square 14 at Castleton Square, a Simon Mall.
Director Rob Reiner will return to Heartland for the opening night screening of his new film “LBJ” (Electric Entertainment) on Thurs., Oct. 12, at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields and will receive Heartland Film’s Pioneering Spirit: Lifetime Achievement Award. “LBJ” stars Woody Harrelson and is about Lyndon B. Johnson’s ascent to the presidency following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Reiner will also be in attendance for special screenings of classic titles “Stand By Me” and “The Princess Bride” the next morning at AMC Castleton Square 14.
“Laddie: The Man Behind the Movies” will close the festival on Sunday, Oct. 22, at AMC Castleton Square 14. “Laddie” is one daughter’s journey to discover her father, Alan Ladd, Jr, the quiet studio head and producer behind such iconic films as “Star Wars,” “Alien,” “Blade Runner,” “Chariots of Fire,” and “Young Frankenstein.” Amanda Ladd-Jones’ quest leads her to understand her father as the man that he is and the impact he’s had on American Cinema. Director Amanda Ladd-Jones will be in attendance to accept Heartland Film’s Pioneering Spirit: Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of her father.
Special presentation sneak previews of major motion pictures and documentaries will include; Heartland Film Truly Moving Picture Award winners “Breathe” (Bleecker Street Media), “The Florida Project” (A24), and “Thank You for Your Service” (DreamWorks Pictures); in addition to “Bill Nye: Science Guy” (PBS Films), “The Ballad of Lefty Brown” (A24), and “Columbus” (Front Row Filmed Entertainment). For the first time ever, Heartland will feature 10 international titles recently announced as official entries for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 2018 Academy Awards.
Heartland Film Festival has evolved into one of the most respected prestigious film festivals in North America. Tickets are available for 12 online or at the theatre box office, $10 for Heartland Film members. Matinee Passes are $125 / $105 members and allows you access to unlimited regular matinee screenings that begin before 5 p.m. any day during the Festival. Must show pass at box office in exchange for a ticket. The Cinephile Pass is $250 / $210 members and allows you access to unlimited regular film screenings. Must show pass at box office in exchange for a ticket. Tickets may be purchased online at heartlandfilm.org or by calling 1-800-HFF-1010. Films will be shown at AMC Castleton Square, 6020 E. 82nd St. and at AMC Showplace Traders Point 12, 5920 W. 86th St.
The Heartland Film headquarters is located at 1043 Virginia Ave., Suite 2 in Fountain Square. Programs will be available there and at theatre locations.
