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11/16/06
Crystal Heart Award Winner to Air on WFYI, Indianapolis
A 2004 Crystal Heart Award winner, A Place Called Home is the Gaunt family’s struggle to adopt nine siblings in the face of overwhelming odds.  This Indianapolis-based documentary is told from the perspective of the family’s eldest biological son, chronicling the evolution of the United States’ second largest sibling group adoption from moments of doubt to moments of hope and triumph.

Now you can see this compelling documentary on television, Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2006.  WFYI Indianapolis will air the 90-minute documentary at 2 p.m.  Visit the film online or view the Flyer (pdf)

10/30/2006
Heartland Concludes Record-Breaking Year

With an almost 20% increase in screening attendance, Heartland Film Festival concluded a record-breaking year on Friday, October 27 with a sold-out screening of The Queen.  Held at the Indiana History Center, attendees were also present for the announcement of the 2006 Audience Choice Award winners.

The total attendance at the Festival this year, including events and screenings, topped 21,000, with almost 18,000 people attending movies.  View the complete PRESS RELEASE.

10/27/06
Audience Choice Awards Announced
Before a sold-out screening of The Queen at the Closing Night Event, Heartland President and CEO announced the 2006 Audience Choice Award winners.  Every audience member had the opportunity to vote on Crystal Heart Award winning films and Official Selections after each screening by rating the film anywhere between one and five. The numbers were tallied and averaged, and three films in each category - feature, documentary and short - were honored as the audience favorites.  Grand Prize winner Shooting Dogs also received the Audience Choice Award, proving that the Jury and festival-goers have similar tastes.  The inspiring A Man Named Pearl took the prize for documentaries, while I Want To Be A Pilot was the audience's favorite short film.

As a special treat for those attending Closing Night, filmmakers Pippa Cross (producer, Shooting Dogs) and Scott Galloway (A Man Named Pearl) and Pearl Fryar himself were all reached by phone to receive their awards.  Each was received with thunderous applause, their films having made quite an impact on audiences throughout Indianapolis.

10/22/2006
Festival's Top Honors and $200,000 Awarded at Gala

The Vision Award is presented to the best short film of the Festival. This year, Shade took home the $10,000 accompanying the honor. Jury members selected The Hip Hop Project as the Festival's Best Documentary, the first time such an award has been presented. Heartland happily awarded $25,000 with this prize. At the end of the evening, the night's top prize was awarded to the gripping Shooting Dogs (pictured).  Set during the Rwandan genocide of 1994, the powerful film captures the spirit of what difference one voice can make. Click on any of the film titles to see when these award winning films are screening next, and don't miss out!  You can also watch a WEBCAST of the entire ceremony, and relive the night's events!

10/21/2006
Screenings Carry the Festival

Sold-out theaters and lengthy question and answer sessions with filmmakers prove that audiences in Indianapolis are hungry for these enriching films and as excited to see them and Heartland is to bring them to the city. Along with screenings, voting has begun for the 2006 Audience Choice Awards.  This year, seating cards double as voting cards; when you leave the theater, just tear your seating card at the appropriate vote you'd like to cast for the films you just saw.  Don't forget to turn them in before you leave, and get your vote counted!

10/20/2006
Heartland Opens with Grace

The 15th Annual Heartland Film Festival opened Thursday with two sold-out screenings of Amazing Grace, the story of William Wilberforce, who fought for decades to abolish slavery in England.  Director Michael Apted was in attendance, and following a reception and dinner at the Eiteljorg Museum, he and producers Ken Wales and Cary Granat walked the red carpet to the screening.

The film opens worldwide on February 23, 2007; with this special engagement, Heartland hosted the U.S. Premiere.  Audiences filled the hundreds of seats at the IMAX, then followed a bagpiper back to the Eiteljorg for a Q&A with the filmmakers.  If the evening is any indication of the Festival to come, this is a special year indeed.  Check back soon for photos from the night.

10/16/2006
Borders and Waldenbooks Offer 10% Off Immediately Following the Festival

In another example of how incredible Heartland Film Festival's Sponsors can be, Borders Bookstores and Waldenbooks have created an exclusive 10%

coupon for use at select Indianapolis stores immediately following this year's Festival.  Print off the COUPON (pdf) today and visit Borders or Waldenbooks the weekend of October 27 through 29 to take advantage of the discount.  Shop till you drop, as both bookstores will present Heartland with 10% of the proceeds from all the sales generated through this special offer.  With the holidays just around the corner, this opportunity is perfect for checking names off your list while supporting an organization like Heartland Film Festival.  For a complete list of to Borders and Waldenbooks stores that will honor the coupon, view our INTERACTIVE MAP.  Heartland Film Festival wishes to thank Borders Group for its generous support of the Festival and Truly Moving Pictures.

10/13/06
Several Celebrities, Including Jon Voight, Set to Attend Crystal Heart Awards Gala
As the Festival's black-tie event, the Crystal Heart Awards Gala is always the highlight of the nine-day event.  Festival filmmakers and Indianapolis filmlovers alike attend this exciting night of awards and recognition.  This year, Heartland has an impressive line up of celebrities to add to the mix, all of whom are involved in award winning films.  Actor Jon Voight will attend, on hand to receive the Truly Moving Picture Award for Glory Road.  Lee Meriwether, who stars in The Ultimate Gift, is set to be there, as is Julia Jentsch, who starred in the powerful Truly Moving Picture Award winning Sophie Scholl - The Final Days.  Throughout the night, $200,000 in prize money will be awarded and producer Deborah Martin Chase (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Princess Diaries) will be honored for her contribution to film.  If you'd like to see the whole thing in person, it's not too late to get your Gallery Seating TICKETS.  View the complete PRESS RELEASE

10/12/2006
2006 Festival Merchandise Announced

You've asked for it, so here it is:  the 2006 Heartland Film Festival merchandise.  Selection this year is better than ever, so don't wait to get the gear that commemorates this landmark 15th Anniversary Year.  Festival merchandise will be available for purchase at the Festival VENUES.  Items are not available for purchase online at this time, though they may be in the future.

Come to the theater with enough time before the show to see what we've got to offer or check out the MERCHANDISE now!

10/11/2006
Festival Trailers and Videos Now Available Online
Several Festival films have trailers associated with them, and we want to give you the chance to see them all.  You can check out the complete list of SCREENINGS to see which films have trailers online--simply click on the film title and look for the "View the trailer for this Movie" link.  Now, several films have trailers available right on our site.  Check out the TRAILERS AND SHORTS section of The Festival to see which films are included.  And check back often; more trailers will be added soon!

10/10/2006
More Festival Events Sell Out - Opening Night Dinner and Kids' Movie Party
It's a sign that can only mean this year's Festival is going to be incredible:  more Special Events have sold out of tickets.  Closing Night was first to go, then the Education Seminar.  Now, both the Kids' Movie Party and Opening Night Dinner are out of tickets. Not only that, but the evening screening of Amazing Grace is sold out, too.  Which means if you want to see this great film before it comes to theaters in 2007, the Opening Event matinee is your only chance.  Check out the Special Events TICKETS page to see which tickets you can still nab!

10/9/2006
Get Festival Tickets at Nordstrom, Circle Center Mall

Heartland Film Festival is happy to provide a convenient place to purchase all your Festival Tickets, both for screenings and Special Events, at Nordstrom in Circle Center Mall.

As a Festival Sponsor, Nordstrom has agreed to let Heartland enjoy the Concierge Desk on the second level to bring Festival tickets to directly to you.  Visit the Concierge Desk on October 12, October 13 or October 14 and be prepared for the 2006 Festival.  Visit our SCREENINGS or SPECIAL EVENTS to decide how many tickets you'll need this year!

10/6/2006
Acclaimed Director Michael Apted to Attend Opening Night Event
With the U.S. Premiere of Amazing Grace set to open this year's Festival, Heartland is thrilled to annouce that the film's director Michael Apted will visit Indianapolis for this special engagement.  Apted's many distinguished credits include the films Coal Miner's Daughter, Nell and the documentary series 7 Up.  He's the current President of the Directors Guild of America and is a member of the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.  Both Michael Apted and producer Ken Wales will participate in a question and answer session after the 7:30 screening.  Opening Night tickets are still available; visit TICKETS to get yours today! Read the complete PRESS RELEASE.

10/5/2006
Education Seminar SOLD OUT
The second event of the Festival to sell out of tickets, this year's Education Seminar is booked.  Variety editor Steve Gaydos will join Festival filmmakers on a day-long panel on Monday, October 23.  Perfect for anyone interested in knowing more about the film industry from an inside perspective, this popular event is worth the $35 ticket price.  If you'd been meaning to get a ticket and didn't get to it, contact Jessica at the Heartland offices (317-464-9405) to add your name to a waiting list.  Visit the complete SPECIAL EVENTS page to see about attending any of the other exciting events!

10/3/2006
Podcast Episode #2 Now Available
The latest podcast is all about the 2006 Festival. Host Lisa Trifone brings the best of the 2006 Festival to listeners in this inside look at the films and events coming to Indianapolis. Scott Willy, from Festival sponsor three sixty group, recommends a Festival film not to miss, and volunteer Mary Rinck shares her insight on working with Heartland. After the Festival news, Sara Christopherson talks about The F.I.L.M. Project, a fairly new partnership between Truly Moving Pictures and the National Collaboration for Youth. The project's director, Sara's got the latest on which films are F.I.L.M.s, too.  LISTEN to the podcast.

9/30/2006
College Night at Heartland Film Festival
For the first time, the 2006 Festival will feature special rates for students on Monday, October 23.  Come to any screening that day and present a valid Student ID to receive two screening tickets for the price of one.  That's two great film programs for just $7!  So check out the FILMS, head out to any of the VENUES after class and experience Heartland for yourself!

9/26/2006

Heartland Featured in Screen Magazine One of the most respected publications in the industry,

Screen Magazine is currently featuring an article on Heartland Film Festival and an interview with President and CEO Jeff Sparks on their site.  In the story, Sparks is quick to remind readers that Heartland can't be easily defined by one genre or audience.  Our MISSION allows us to recognize films and filmmakers from all over the film spectrum.  Visit SCREEN MAGAZINE to read the article and learn more about Heartland from an industry standpoint.

9/21/2006
Join Indianapolis Marion County Public Library at Heartland Film Festival
Heartland is proud to sponsor two special screenings of Secret of the Cave for IMCPL patrons with valid library cards.  These special engagements will feature the Library's mascot, book giveaways and free admission to the films.  Join us to reap the benefits of film and literature coming together for these special screenings.

From the IMCPL Web site: Families are invited to two premiere showings of the award-winning family adventure and mystery film Secret of the Cave as part of the Heartland Film Festival. The showings will take place on Sunday, October 22nd at 6:45 p.m. at the AMC Clearwater Crossing, 4016 E. 82nd Street; and on Tuesday, October 24 at 6:45 p.m. at the AMC Greenwood Park, 461 Greenwood South Park Drive. Free admission will be given to the first 100 people who show their IMCPL library card. All moviegoers will meet Booker, the Library's mascot, and receive a copy of the film-based book by Arthur S. Maxwell, as well as take home movie memorabilia. This program is presented with the support of the Arts Council of Indianapolis and the City of Indianapolis.

9/18/2006
Closing Night Event SOLD OUT
It took less than two weeks after the announcement that The Queen would be the 2006 Closing Night film for the event to sell out!  Heartland is proud to bring this intense film to Indianapolis before it comes to theaters. Didn't get your tickets? It's not too late.  Contact Jessica, the Festival ticket agent, to be added to the Waiting List. Call 317-464-9405 today, and you might get a ticket should any open up! Visit the complete SPECIAL EVENTS page to see about attending any of the other exciting events.

9/7/2006
Complete 2006 Lineup Announced
At long last, we've got a stunning slate of inspiring films to share.  The 2006 Heartland Film Festival is sure to impress, with seventeen Crystal Heart Award winners, ten Official Selections (those exceptional films we couldn't bear to keep from you) and seven past Grand Prize winners.  There's something for every movie goer in this year's lineup, from intense documentaries to light-hearted features to touching short films.  View the FILMS or the SPECIAL EVENTS

Tickets are on sale now, too. Purchase Festival 10-packs and Special Event tickets online--buy for SPECIAL EVENTS or SCREENINGS. Or call the ticket line at 1-866-HFF-1010 to order by phone.

9/6/2006
2006 Special Events Revealed
We've been working hard to secure the most exciting, entertaining and enriching films and guests for the 2006 Heartland Film Festival, and we can finally share some of our results. Heartland is proud to announce that Amazing Grace, starring Ioan Gruffud, will open the 2006 Festival. The period piece is the story of William Wilberforce, the man who abolished slavery in the United Kingdom. Closing the Festival is the much-buzzed-about The Queen, a film about the days immediately following Princess Diana's tragic death.  Starring Helen Mirren, this film is already creating a stir.  Air Buddies was selected as this year's Kids' Party film, the latest in the Bud series from Disney, about the puppies and their adventure to save their parents.
View the PRESS RELEASE

8/30/2006

Carlos Diaz to Emcee Crystal Heart Awards Gala You probably know him from his work as a correspondent on Extra, but Carlos Diaz has got a lot more than that going for him.  For one, he's an Indianapolis native and graduate of Indiana University. He worked at local radio stations WZPL and WRZX while freelancing at the Indianapolis Star. Now, he's returning to Indy in October to host the Festival's black-tie awards gala on the 21st. View the PRESS RELEASE

8/29/06
Heartland Debuts Podcasting
Join host Lisa Trifone for the latest Truly Moving Pictures and Heartland Film Festival news. In this first episode, Lisa introduces listeners to Heartland's MISSION, previews two upcoming Truly Moving Pictures, and runs down the events of the 2006 Festival. Check us out on iTunes, or visit TRULY MOVING PICTURES to get the latest month's episode, and stay in the know!

8/28/2006

2006 Festival Campaign Unveiled Heartland's 2006 Festival campaign focuses on the fifteenth anniversary of the fest. The slogan "Fifteen years of Passon. Fifteen years of Popcorn" sums up the feel of this year's festivities, and the campaign's elegant look captures the spirit of the Festival.  The media campaign captures people’s excitement and passion for the movies and the movie-going experience. It uses a classic movie look with a modern twist, replacing everyday items like a necklace, hat brim, headband and cuff links with the quintessential movie refreshment: popcorn. View the PRESS RELEASE

8/24/2006
Vote for Heartland in Nuvo's Best of 2006
In 2000 and 2003, Heartland Film Festival was recognized as Indianapolis's favorite film festival, as voted on by the readers of NUVO. Now, the Best of 2006 voting is in full swing. Visit their site to enter in your favorites in all sorts of categories.  And most importantly, put Heartland Film Festival in as your favorite Indianapolis Film Festival. Add a comment about why you think we're the best, and you could win a mystery Grand Prize worth over $500!  VOTE TODAY!

8/20/2006
Pension Protection Act and Charitable Giving
President Bush signed the Pension Protection Act into law last week. One aspect of the detailed legislation spells out a way to give back to your favorite charities and non-profit organizations from an IRA without being penalized for the withdrawl. The PLANNED GIVING DESIGN CENTER has summarized what the new law means for those over age 70. CLICK HERE to read the article in its entirety.

If you'd like to remember Heartland Film Festival in your charitable giving, you can become part of our CIRCLE OF FRIENDS today. Or, call our offices at 317-464-9405 to speak with our Advancement Department in greater detail.

8/19/2006
Heartland Film Society Screens Saving Shiloh
The first screening in Heartland's new Film Society went off without a hitch this weekend. Held Saturday morning at LANDMARK THEATERS' KEYSTONE ART CINEMA, Film Society members were invited to a special screening of Saving Shiloh, a 2006 Truly Moving Pictures Award Winner. Over one hundred Friends of Heartland attended the morning screening, participating in a discussion afterwards surrounding the book the film was based on. 

The Heartland Film Society is an exclusive benefit to those in the Circle of Friends at the Cameo Role or above. The Film Society screens recent and classic Truly Moving Pictures throughout the year. In November, Heartland will screen Truly Moving Picture Award Winner SOPHIE SCHOLL - THE FINAL DAYS . Join the CIRCLE OF FRIENDS today and attend this special screening after the Festival.

8/15/2006
15th Anniversary Poster Contest Winner Announced
Heartland Film Festival® is pleased to announce that the winner of the 2006 Festival poster design competition is Kyle Ragsdale of Indianapolis. Ragsdale’s watercolor piece, “Magical Movies,” will be unveiled along with this year’s Festival film and event lineup on September 7.  Ragsdale will be presented with a $1,500 cash prize that night.  Posters of his work will be on sale, and Ragsdale will be on hand to sign them.

Ragsdale currently works in a studio at the Harrison Center for the Arts. Recent honors include a prize at Masterpiece in a Day, final round at Art vs. Art, a fellowship to the Vermont Studio Center, arts council downtown mural project and the poster for Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s 25th anniversary Symphony on the Prairie summer series. View the PRESS RELEASE

8/2/2006
Heartland Marks a Record-Setting Year in Submissions
For the first time since its inception, we've passed the 600 mark on submitted films. Thanks for all your interest! Films this year have come from all over the world, including France, Italy, The United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, Spain, Austria, Finland, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, China, Japan, Tibet, Ireland, India, Hungary, Greece, Guatemala, New Zealand, Poland, Israel, Russia, Taiwan, Uganda, Czech Republic, South Korea, Sweden and Turkey...just to name a few.  We're overwhelmed by the positive response and can't wait to announce which films have made the cut. View the PRESS RELEASE

6/30/2006
New Truly Moving Pictures Web Site Debuts
It's finally here. After weeks of hard work by both Heartland and the great folks at BitWise Solutions, Heartland is proud to unveil the new look and feel of Truly Moving Pictures online. The new site is packed with features, and we can't wait for you to take a look around. Not only does everything look different, but you'll quickly figure out all the ways the new site lets you get involved and get the most out of Truly Moving Pictures.
Visit TRULY MOVING PICTURES
View the PRESS RELEASE

3/15/2006
Festival Prizes Double to $200,000
Heartland Film Festival® officials announced today the Festival is increasing its total prize money to $200,000. This includes doubling its Grand Prize for Best Dramatic Feature to $100,000, making it one of the largest single cash prizes given by a film festival worldwide. The increase is the largest amount offered in Heartland's history and is made possible by the Lilly Endowment, Inc. and the Max Simon Charitable Foundation. Besides the $100,000 Grand Prize for Best Dramatic Feature, the $200,000 prize money includes two new awards: a $25,000 cash prize for Best Documentary Feature and a $10,000 cash prize for Best Short Film. The remaining $65,000 will be shared among the 2006 Crystal Heart and Jimmy Stewart Memorial Crystal Heart Award winners. View the PRESS RELEASE