INDIANAPOLIS — Heartland Film has announced the lineup for the 9th Annual Academy Award-Qualifying Indy Shorts Film Festival (Indy Shorts) presented by TQL Wealth Management, running July 21-26. Indy Shorts will showcase 266 short films with screenings at the Indy Art Center, Living Room Theaters and Newfields. Many of the short films will also be available to stream.
The festival will feature short films from 46 countries and include 36 World Premieres, 32 U.S. Premieres and 117 Midwest Premieres. There are also three Indiana Spotlight programs featuring 21 short films with Hoosier connections. In total, more than 250 filmmakers are expected to attend Indy Shorts to participate in filmmaker Q&As following the screenings.
The 2026 summer festival is embracing a candy theme of Shorts & Sweets. Attendees are encouraged to unwrap the 260+ fun-sized films that are curated into 40 themed programs. From comedy and horror to music and sports, there’s a short film program for everyone. Tickets and Fest Passes are now on sale at www.IndyShorts.org.
Indy Shorts is honored to have a total of 185 film premieres spanning World to Midwest. Many of the premiering films have notable names, including Andy Serkis (“Pigeons”), Djimon Hounsou (“Calabash”), Naomie Harris (“Swim Sistas”), Tatiana Maslany (“How Brief”), Cameron Monaghan (“Hello, Dad!”), Ben Mendelsohn (“Falling Short”), Chrisopher Eccleston (“Signal”), Lamorne Morris (“Scratch”), Ann Dowd (“Undelivered”), Janeane Garofalo (“My Bird Is Sick!”) and Tony Cavalero starring in two US Premiere films, “American Rampage” and “Please and Thank You”.
Filmmakers are vying for over $35,000 in cash prizes to be awarded on Saturday, July 25. A selection of award-winning films will be showcased that evening during the Summer Nights: Award Winners program at The Amphitheater at Newfields. Guests are invited to arrive early for complimentary HotBox Pizza and summer activities.
