INDIANAPOLIS — The 34th Heartland International Film Festival takes place from October 9-19 with the theme “Connect to What Matters.” Attendees are encouraged to dial into 100+ independent films with screenings at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at The Square, Indy Art Center, Kan-Kan Cinema, Living Room Theaters, Newfields and virtually.
The 11-day festival, which was named on MovieMaker Magazine’s list of Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World for 2023 & 2024, is expected to have 100+ filmmakers in attendance for Q&As following their screenings. Tickets start at just $13 and will be available online at www.HeartlandFilmFestival.org
There are five venues this year, including Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at The Square, Indy Art Center, Kan-Kan Cinema, Living Room Theaters and Newfields. Many of the films will be available to stream as well. With 19 World/U.S. premieres, 17 special presentations from major distributors, and over 100 filmmakers expected to attend, this year’s festival will be something truly special.
Opening night, Oct. 9, features Rental Family, starring Brendan Fraser. Centerpiece night, Oct. 15, will show Train Dreams starring Joel Edgerton. The Closing night film on Oct. 19 is Nuremberg starring Rami Malek and Russell Crowe. These films will likely sell out fast, so order tickets now to ensure a good seat.
Big stars Bradley Cooper, Laura Dern, Sydney Sweeney, Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, Ayo Edebiri, Ethan Hawke, Aziz Ansari, Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, Natalie Portman, Will Ferrell, America Ferrera, Mark Ruffalo and Andy Samberg will be on the screen. A prominent Hoosier featured in a major event title is former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who cameos in Bradley Cooper’s latest film Is This Thing On?, which will be playing as HIFF’s Spotlight Screening. Fresh off its world premiere as the Closing Night Film at the New York Film Festival, the film is director Bradley Cooper’s third feature and stars Will Arnett and Laura Dern alongside Andra Day and Cooper.
Six films that screened at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in May will play as a part of the ‘Cannes at the Kan-Kan’ series, including the festival’s 2025 Palme d’Or winning film, It Was Just An Accident.
Tickets to HIFF can be purchased at HeartlandFilmFestival.org or at the theater. A Fest Pass gives access to any theater and virtual screening, excluding Premium Events (Opening, Centerpiece, Closing Night, Kick-Off and Awards). Heartland Film Members receive 20% off tickets and Fest Passes. A Duo VIP Fest Pass is the simplest way for two people to access and secure tickets to every in-person and virtual screening together.
