INDIANAPOLIS — Heartland Film has announced its three major event film titles ahead of the 32nd Annual Heartland International Film Festival (HIFF), set for October 5-15 across five locations in the Indianapolis area. The Festival has become a major Midwest stop for fall titles on the awards season circuit. Last year’s closing night film, The Whale, went on to win two Academy Awards, including Best Actor in a Leading Role for Brendan Fraser in addition to Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
Opening Night of HIFF 2023 will showcase The Lionheart from HBO and TIME Studios, a documentary about the late two-time Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon, 10 years after his shocking death. Centerpiece will feature Rustin from Netflix, starring Emmy and Heartland Film award-winning actor Colman Domingo as Civil Rights leader Bayard Rustin. Closing Night will spotlight The Holdovers from Focus Features, directed by Academy Award-winner Alexander Payne and starring Academy Award-nominee Paul Giamatti.
Both Domingo and Giamatti have been featured on early lists as top contenders for best leading actor heading into awards season. Domingo was honored by Heartland Film with the Pioneering Spirit Award at the 2022 Indy Shorts International Film Festival. His short films, “New Moon” and “North Star,” were official selections at the Festival and went on to win Audience Choice Awards.
Beyond these three screenings, the 32nd HIFF, with the theme “YOU CAN’T LOOK AWAY,” will feature more than 120 films across 11 days, both in person and virtual. Screenings will take place at Newfields, Living Room Theatres downtown, Kan-Kan Cinema in Windsor Park, Landmark Glendale 12, and Emagine Noblesville. There will be several films available for virtual screenings.
Several films with local ties will be featured in the festival line-up. Besides The Lionheart, Art & Soul: A Portrait of Nancy Noel, Greener Pastures, The Bright Path: The Johnny Bright Story, Bloom, and Thunder Rolls!: The World of Blind Baseball have strong Indiana stories an will be among the selections.
Tickets are available individually, or with several pass options that can save you money. Visit the Web site for more information about individual prices. A festival pass is only $179 and entitles the bearer to every in-person and virtual screening.
