WELCOME TO INDY SHORTS
MICHAEL AULT
Welcome to the 8th Annual Indy Shorts International Film Festival! We have constructed a lineup of groundbreaking short films that you can experience at Living Room Theaters and Newfields.
The programming team received thousands of short film submissions, that were sifted through to select 253 shorts, and then jigsawed into 39 themed programs. As you work your way through Indy Shorts, I challenge you to dig deeper by exploring a variety of programs.
I'd also like to welcome the hundreds of filmmakers who come out to showcase their art and participate in the Q&As after the screenings. They are the foundation of the festival, and we are so appreciative of their time and talents.
I hope you enjoy this year's rock-solid lineup!
JOHN DEWEY
Thank you for being a part of the Academy Award®-Qualifying Indy Shorts International Film Festival!
As Heartland Film's Board Chair, I may be biased, but I think Indy Shorts raises the bar for film festivals. Indy Shorts' blueprint of outdoor screenings, incredible theaters, engaging filmmaker Q&As and unique events have kept it on MovieMaker Magazine's list of Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World for a second year!
Heartland Film's vision is to be the preeminent destination to connect audiences and filmmakers to experience transformative film, and I believe Indy Shorts embodies that vision incredibly well. I have never walked away from the festival without building new friendships, perspectives and memories.
I hope you enjoy this summer festival as much as I do. These films are short, but prepare for a BIG impact!
Heartland Film President
Heartland Film Board Chair
PRESENTED BY
Thank you to the true master of construction, F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co., for being the presenting sponsor of Indy Shorts!
F.A. Wilhelm Construction is a legacy Contractor and Construction Management company capable of a diverse range of work – especially the more challenging projects. With a focus on honesty with their clients and partners, Wilhelm has over 100 years of experience and uncompromising quality of work on projects across the country.
Fostering meaningful relationships and supporting others is ingrained in Wilhelm's culture. They stand behind their work, guided by a set of standards and values that lay the foundation of their efforts.
Wilhelm works the plan, no matter the barriers, to deliver what is expected. Looking forward, they are committed to providing that same excellence while investing in their people, their growth and our community.
WELCOME TO INDY SHORTS
MEET IGGY
Iggy is the official spokesgnome for the Indy Shorts International Film Festival and has been immortalized as the Indy Shorts award statuette.
Being born of short stature, Iggy has a special place in his heart for all things short, but nothing tops his passion for short films.
Iggy can be seen all around our summer shorts festival and is more than happy to have a photo taken with every film fan he comes across!
Stay alert for warning signs throughout the guidebook. They'll provide you with handy festival tips!
HIGH SCHOOL FILM COMPETITION
Indy Shorts runs the High School Film Competition, presented by founding sponsors Robert and Alison Spoonmore.
Launched in 2010, the High School Film Competition encourages tomorrowʼs filmmakers to follow their passion and create short films that push their talent, creativity and art to the next level.
Shorts made by talented high school students from around the world will compete for the $2,500 Summer White Lynch Memorial Award, underwritten by Gary D. and Marlene Cohen. You can find more information about this award on Page 13.
HOW TO FEST
where to watch
LIVING ROOM THEATERS
Dates: July 22-27 /// Address: 745 E 9th St Suite 810, Indianapolis, IN 46202
With Living Room Theaters' amazing reclining seats, there's no need to crane your neck to see these riveting shorts! Living Room Theaters will validate up to 3 hours of parking in the Bottleworks District's gated lots and the 9th Street parking garage. Just visit their concession stand for a parking voucher.
NEWFIELDS
Dates: July 23-27 /// Address: 4000 N Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Newfields is zoned for both indoor and outdoor screenings! Check out shorts in The Tobias Theater, The Amphitheater and The Beer Garden.
Your Indy Shorts tickets at Newfields include complimentary general admission to the art museum and grounds! Just show your festival ticket at the Newfields front desk for access before or after your screening.
STREAM THE FESTIVAL (USA Only)
Hammer through hundreds of shorts at home with a Streaming Fest Pass! Films not available virtually are denoted in Part 2 (Page 15).
HOW TO FEST
how to watch
FEST PASSES & TICKET OPTIONS
Construct your perfect festival experience with these ticket and Fest Pass options!
Fest Passes tickets
Streaming Fest Pass: $100
• Access all streaming programs
VIP Fest Pass: $135
• Access all streaming programs
• One ticket to every theater program
Duo VIP Fest Pass: $225
• Access all streaming programs
• Two tickets to every theater program
Theater Ticket: $13
Streaming Ticket: $15
Theater 5-Pack: $60
Heartland Film members get 20% off tickets and Fest Passes! Learn more about memberships on Page 40.
ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS
All indoor Indy Shorts International Film Festival venues are ADA-accessible. Closed Captioning is available through our virtual streaming platform.
For the full list of our festivalʼs accessibility features and a breakdown of each of our venuesʼ options, use your phoneʼs camera app to scan the QR code or visit tickets.indyshorts.org/accessibility
SPECIAL EVENTS
BACKLOT BASH
When: Thursday, July 24 from 7-9 PM
Where: Pins Mechanical Co., 2nd Floor (856 Carrollton Ave)
Price: General - $10 /// Filmmakers - FREE
Take a detour to the Backlot Bash! Pins Mechanical Co. is the perfect space to build new film friendships over drinks, snacks, backyard games and pinball! Admission includes one drink ticket and complimentary appetizers.
AWARDS PRESENTATION
When: Saturday, July 26 (10:30 AM Doors, 11:30 AM Awards)
Where: VisionLoft Mass Ave (235 N Delaware St)
Price: General - $10 /// Filmmakers - FREE
Celebrate the short films that really nailed it at the 2025 Indy Shorts Awards Presentation, where more than $35,000 will be awarded! Coffee and a breakfast bar will be provided.
* You must reserve a ticket in advance
SPECIAL EVENTS
MIMOSA MIXER
When: Sunday, July 27 from 12:30-1:30 PM
Where: The Tobias Theater at Newfields
Price: General - $10 /// Filmmakers - FREE*
Get on our level and develop connections with filmmakers and film-focused organizations at the Mimosa Mixer! Pastries, mimosas and screwdrivers will be available! This event is followed by the Indiana Spotlight 1 Program at 1:45 PM, which requires a separate ticket.
outdoor screenings
Price: General - $13 /// Fest Passes & Filmmakers - FREE*
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets or drop cloths to Newfields for outdoor screenings at The Beer Garden and The Amphitheater. Come early for free HotBox Pizza and activities!
THE BEER GARDEN AT NEWFIELDS
6 PM Doors, 7:15 PM Films
Thursday, July 24 | Nature & Outdoors /// Page 25
Friday, July 25 | Around America /// Page 17
Saturday, July 26 | The Human Spirit /// Page 22
THE AMPHITHEATER AT NEWFIELDS
7 PM Doors, 9:30 PM Films
Friday, July 25 | Oscar® Shorts /// Page 26
Saturday, July 26 | Award Winners 1 /// Page 17
* You must reserve a ticket in advance
AWARDS & PRIZES
QUALIFYING FILM FESTIVAL
Fewer than 60 festivals in the world have earned the special designation of being a qualifying festival for the Academy Awards® in all three short film categories: Live Action, Documentary and Animation.
The three Grand Prize winners of Indy Shorts for Narrative Short, Documentary Short and Animated Short will receive $5,000 and qualify for consideration in the short film categories of the Academy Awards®. Over the years, 39 short films featured at Indy Shorts and the Heartland International Film Festival have been nominated and 10 have gone on to win Oscars®!
Indy Shorts is also a qualifying film festival for the BAFTA and Goya Awards.
AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS
What was the best short film you saw? After each program, you will receive an email from Eventive asking you to place a vote for each short on a scale of one to five (5 = Best).
Voting closes on Sunday, July 27 at 11:59 PM EDT. The Audience Choice Award winners will be announced on Monday, July 28.
AWARDS & PRIZES
list of awards
$5,000 Cash Prize
Academy Award®-Qualifying Category
Grand Prize for Documentary Short
$5,000 Cash Prize
Academy Award®-Qualifying Category
Grand Prize for Animated Short
$5,000 Cash Prize
Academy Award®-Qualifying Category
Lens of Hope Award
Presented by TDB Family Foundation
$5,000 Cash Prize for Film & Nonprofit
Summer White Lynch
Memorial Grand Prize
(High School Film Competition)
$2,500 Cash Prize
Underwritten by Gary D. & Marlene Cohen
The Children's Resilience in Film
Short Film Prize
Presented by Shine Global
$2,500 Cash Prize
Jenni Berebitsky Legacy Award
$1,800 Cash Prize
High School Film Competition
Indiana Spotlight Winner
$1,500 Cash Prize
Indiana Spotlight
Narrative Award
$1,000 Cash Prize
Hoodox Indiana Spotlight
Documentary Award
$1,000 Cash Prize
Richard D. Propes
Social Impact Award
$1,000 Cash Prize
Horror Award
$1,000 Cash Prize
Comedy Award
$1,000 Cash Prize
Directorial Debut Award
$1,000 Cash Prize
Overall Audience Choice Award
$1,000 Cash Prize
Audience Choice Awards
$500 Cash Prize each
Categories: Narrative, Documentary, Animated, High School, Indiana Spotlight, Horror, Comedy
AWARDS & PRIZES
JENNI BEREBITSKY LEGACY AWARD
The Jenni Berebitsky Legacy Award honors longtime Heartland Film friend, Jenni Berebitsky, who was diagnosed with ALS in March 2009 and passed away in August 2019.
A documentary short film that centers around her life, “Grateful: The Jenni Berebitsky Story,” among other tributes, won the Audience Choice Award at the inaugural Indy Shorts International Film Festival in 2018.
Regarding the award, Jenni remarked, “It is no easy task to create a piece of art that is both meaningful and entertaining. I am honored to play a role, alongside Heartland Film, in this award that encourages filmmakers to follow a dream and inspire audiences around the world.”
SUMMER WHITE LYNCH MEMORIAL AWARD
High School Film Competition shorts compete for the $2,500 Summer White Lynch Memorial Award, underwritten by Gary D. & Marlene Cohen.
Summer White Lynch passed away from breast cancer in June 2014.
When she received the news that there was nothing else that could be done, it inspired a Random Act of Kindness that became a movement over social media that spanned across the community, the country and overseas.
Gary D. and Marlene Cohen wanted to give back by bringing her spirit through a Heartland Film award, both to honor her and inspire others to do something kind for a random stranger.
AWARDS & PRIZES
PIONEERING SPIRIT AWARD
Doug Blush is an award-winning filmmaker with credits on over 200 film and TV projects. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, Television Academy and American Cinema Editors.
Doug was the Executive Producer of the Criticʼs Choice and Peabody Award-winning "Mr. SOUL!" (2020) and several Academy Award®-winning documentaries, including Indy Shorts Official Selection "Period. End of Sentence" (2019).
awards juries
NARRATIVE
Cindy Lee
Jens Georg
Joey Moser
DOCUMENTARY
Nicholas Ma
Jenifer McShane
Julio Palacio
ANIMATED
Sheila Lynne Bolda
Rebecca Martin Fagerholm
Jamie-James Medina
INDIANA SPOTLIGHT
Alicia Kozma
Sam Mirpoorian
Deonna Weatherly
HIGH SCHOOL FILM COMPETITION
Mark Cabus
Grace Hanna
Gunnar Sizemore
SHORT FILM LINEUP
INFORMATION
Visit the online guide at IndyShorts.org for content warnings. All shorts (unless noted) are available to watch virtually from Tuesday, July 22 through Sunday, July 27.
PREMIERES & STATUSES
ALTERNATE WORLDS
Wednesday, July 23 at 5:15 PM | Living Room Theaters | 106 Min | Page 31
Gaze into different dimensions where reality is not what it seems.
• Worst. Experience. Ever.
• Strangers Like Us
• Skroll
• Pinion
• Goodbye Sun
• Two People Exchanging Saliva
SHORT FILM LINEUP
AROUND AMERICA
Friday, July 25 at 7:15 PM | Newfields (The Beer Garden) | 100 Min | Page 33 Journey across the United States, from Yellowstone National Park to the southern border and beyond, in this captivating collection of documentaries.
• Appalheads
• This land
• Get Your Line In & Pray
• How the Land Remembers Us
• Beneath the Same Sky
AROUND THE WORLD
• MEET MR. MEAT
• A Drastic Tale
Tuesday, July 22 at 7:15 PM | Living Room Theaters | 111 Min | Page 30
Stamp your passport as you travel alongside subjects of these international stories.
• Patience (Sabali)
• Sarah Thankam Mathews: After All This
• Correct Me If I'm Wrong (如你所愿)
• LARGO
• Butterfly
• Death Education
• SUSANA
AWARD WINNERS 1
Saturday, July 26 at 9:30 PM | Newfields (The Amphitheater) | 90 Min | Page 34
A selection of 2025 Indy Shorts award-winning films, including the Oscar®-Qualifying Grand Prize winners under the stars at Summer Nights!
Learn more about our awards and Academy Award® qualifications on Page 11
SHORT FILM LINEUP
AWARD WINNERS 2
Sunday, July 27 at 5:15 PM | Living Room Theaters | 90 Min | Page 35
A selection of 2025 Indy Shorts award-winning films!
Learn more about our awards and Academy Award® qualifications on Page 11.
BETTER TOGETHER
Sunday, July 27 at 5 PM | Living Room Theaters | 118 Min | Page 35
From prison inmates to puzzle enthusiasts, profound human connections are forged by unforeseen circumstances and unlikely places.
• Morning
• Classroom 4
• Dream Car Wash
• A Film in Another Language
CARE & CONVICTION
• Livestreams with GrandmaPuzzles
• Camp Widow
• Mildred 4 a Million
Saturday, July 26 at 6 PM | Living Room Theaters | 88 Min | Page 34
Community, care and advocacy are paramount in three documentaries featuring survivors changing the Troubled Teen Industry and doctors making a difference.
• Country Doctor
• The Business of Trouble
• Doc Albany
SHORT FILM LINEUP
COMEDY
Friday, July 25 at 5 PM | Living Room Theaters | 100 Min | Page 33
Sunday, July 27 at 4:15 PM | Newfields (The Tobias Theater) | 100 Min | Page 35
Get ready to laugh out loud in this wild collection of comedic shorts!
• Poreless
• TEASER TRAILER
• Drop Off
• Protagonist Gene
CONVERSATIONS
• Learning How To Drive
• Tuesday
• Sandra
• Tacocunr
• Two Minutes
• Eureka!
• Crab Claw
• Royal Foot Guards
• Retirement Plan
Tuesday, July 22 at 5:15 PM | Living Room Theaters | 105 Min | Page 30
Interpersonal communication takes center stage in this mix of witty and revelatory dialogue-driven stories.
• Undeletable
• Bye.
• Fire At Will
• PLAY HARD
• Strangers in the Same Shirt
DARK COMEDY 1
• From You
• Hurricane
• The Clock
Thursday, July 24 at 7 PM | Newfields (The Tobias Theater) | 88 Min | Page 32
Behold, a collection of funky, eccentric and sometimes satirical offbeat comedies.
• Cherry-Colored Funk
• Baby Tooth
• Time Flies
• Endzgiving
• Out for Delivery
• COO-RAGE
• Curtains
• Randy As Himself
SHORT FILM LINEUP
DARK COMEDY 2
Saturday, July 26 at 5:45 PM | Living Room Theaters | 87 Min | Page 34
Behold, yet another mercurial mix of absurd and sometimes-murderous dark comedies.
• Cheat Meal
• She Raised Me
• Peace, Quiet & a Little Dirt
• Quota
• Death of an actor
EPISODIC
• Keep your rubbish
• Gender Reveal
Wednesday, July 23 at 5 PM | Living Room Theaters | 91 Min | Page 31
Sunday, July 27 at 12:15 PM | Living Room Theaters | 91 Min | Page 35
New at Indy Shorts, a dedicated program showcasing episodic projects, including proof-of-concepts and pilots!
• Centaur Baby
• Neo Dome
• The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Sèyí Àjàyí
• Crazy As A Loon
• Chasers
FAMILY TIES
Tuesday, July 22 at 7:45 PM | Living Room Theaters | 108 Min | Page 30
Stories centered on intergenerational relationships, identity dynamics and seeing each other in fascinating new ways.
• Mom's Prank
• Grandma Nai Who
Played Favorites
• Toots.
• The Perfect Tomato
• When We Move
• I Came with Earrings
• A reflection of me
SHORT FILM LINEUP
HIGH SCHOOL FILM COMPETITION
Saturday, July 26 at 1:15 PM | Living Room Theaters | 90 Min | Page 34
Support the creativity of young student filmmakers from around the world!
• Foundation
• Why Can't We Just Be Ghosts?
• Speed Bumps Ahead
• El Deseo (The Wish)
• THE CALL
• The Audition
HORROR 1
• FISHEYE
• Weathered
• Keeper of the Night Sky
• Her First Time
• Iʼm Fine
• Brothers
• Paper Boat
Thursday, July 24 at 8 PM | Living Room Theaters | 95 Min | Page 32
Experience thrills, chills and kills in this fan-favorite collection of horror shorts.
• The Pearl Comb
• Paranoia
• Sacra Lunaria
• Triptych
• The Beguiling
• Playing God
• The Littles
HORROR 2
Saturday, July 26 at 8:15 PM | Living Room Theaters | 99 Min | Page 34
Creature, body and psychological horror stories await, if you dare ...
• Zoé
• The Angel
• VHX
• The Flacalta Effect
• SEEN
• Stomach It
• Jake Goes On a Date
• Long Pork
SHORT FILM LINEUP
THE HUMAN SPIRIT
Saturday, July 26 at 7:15 PM | Newfields (The Beer Garden) | 112 Min | Page 34
Watch the indomitable strength of the human spirit across these extraordinary stories!
• Simple Machine
• Warrior
• Sound of the Somme
• Malka
• Rat Rod
• A Friend of Dorothy
• Tiger
INDIANA SPOTLIGHT 1
Sunday, July 27 at 1:45 PM | Newfields (The Tobias Theater) | 93 Min | Page 35
Explore these captivating stories made by filmmakers with Indiana ties.
• ZANA: Women of the Little 500
• You are Home
• Remembering Indiana Avenue
• Building A Champion
• Lisa Dahl: Blessed By Grace
INDIANA SPOTLIGHT 2
Saturday, July 26 at 2:15 PM | Newfields (The Tobias Theater) | 83 Min | Page 34
Explore these captivating stories made by filmmakers with Indiana ties.
• Dan Thompson
• Calling the Wild
• For Isaiah
• Hawkins Family Farm: A More Than Corn Story
• From the Ashes
• Making Magic
SHORT FILM LINEUP
INDIANA SPOTLIGHT 3
Saturday, July 26 at 4:30 PM | Newfields (The Tobias Theater) | 81 Min | Page 34
Explore these captivating stories made by filmmakers with Indiana ties.
• Patient Zero
• Hometown Video
• Sometimes I Imagine Your Funeral
• Release
• CUPS
• Party Monster
• Fairground
• Big Steps
KIDS’ PROGRAM
Sunday, July 27 at 12:45 PM | Living Room Theaters | 70 Min | Page 35
Embark on a fun journey of family-friendly films for all ages!
• Baking With Boris
• Pow!
• Forevergreen
• Treasure Imagination
• Capybaras
• AMEN (In-Person Only)
• The Piano
• Snow Bear
LENS OF HOPE
Friday, July 25 at 5:30 PM | Living Room Theaters | 80 Min | Page 33
Storytelling that spreads hope and kindness, including this yearʼs Lens of Hope Award Winner presented by the TDB Family Foundation.
• Cycling Without Age
• The Power of Small
• The 17%
SHORT FILM LINEUP
LET’S BE HONEST
Sunday, July 27 at 2:30 PM | Living Room Theaters | 108 Min | Page 35
Embrace unfiltered honesty and perspectives across this thought-provoking collection.
• Mesopotamia, TX
• Quaker
• Break Room
• View From the Floor
• EVERYBODY'S SAD
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
• Your Opinion, Please
• Little Goodbyes
• Fox Chase Boy (In-Person Only)
Thursday, July 24 at 5:15 PM | Living Room Theaters | 110 Min | Page 32
Place plays the protagonist in these stories centered around one location.
• An Ongoing List of Things Found in the Library Book Drop, Usually Being Used as Bookmarks
• Baggage
• perfectly a strangeness
LOVE, ROMANCE & DATING
• My teenage blackout
• Rhoda
• CHECK PLEASE
• La Petite Ancêtre
• Placekeepers
• The Second Time Around
Friday, July 25 at 7:45 PM | Living Room Theaters | 101 Min | Page 33
Witness loveʼs twists and turns in this program of missed and made connections.
• Every Man in New York Is Named Andrew
• The Sandwich Line
• Chivalry
• We Were
• You Don't Say!
• Tango in Room 1310
• Divine Intervention
• A Love Letter To M
SHORT FILM LINEUP
MAKING MOVIES
Tuesday, July 22 at 5 PM | Living Room Theaters | 91 Min | Page 30
This meta mix goes behind the scenes highlighting everything from being an extra in "Apocalypse Now" to the "Wilhelm Scream."
• Breaking Plates
• The Actor
• We Were The Scenery
• The Wilhelm Scream
• The invulnerable
MUSIC
Thursday, July 24 at 7:45 PM | Living Room Theaters | 108 Min | Page 32
Music soars in these diverse stories centered on community, coping, roots and family.
• Songs of Black Folk
• Guadalupe Maravilla's Mariposa Relámpago
• Freeman Vines
• REST
• Shell Yeah
• Family Matter: John Driskell Hopkins
• The Singers
NATURE & OUTDOORS
Thursday, July 24 at 7:15 PM | Newfields (The Beer Garden) | 108 Min | Page 32
Dynamic connections between people, animals and the Earth are showcased across these narrative, documentary and animated stories.
• Qotzuñi: People of the lake
• Presquʼîles (In-Person Only)
• The Flowers Stand Silently, Witnessing
• Two Breaths
• WILD ANIMAL
• A Brutal, Beautiful Life
• Silent Panorama
• The Last Observers
SHORT FILM LINEUP
OSCAR® SHORTS
Friday, July 25 at 9:30 PM | Newfields (The Amphitheater) | 89 Min | Page 33
Watch a selection of recent Oscar®-recognized films under the stars at Summer Nights!
• The Last Ranger
• Anuja
• The Elephant Whisperers
QUIRKY TALES
Sunday, July 27 at 2:45 PM | Living Room Theaters | 107 Min | Page 35
Witness unusual stories and peculiar situations in this delightfully-unconventional collection of shorts!
• What's The Deal With Birds?
• Hippopotami
• A Bear Remembers
• Chips Or Crackers
• Dormilón
SCI-FI & FANTASY
• THE KING OF FORKS
• Three Keenings
• The Sentry
Saturday, July 26 at 8 PM | Living Room Theaters | 127 Min | Page 34
Dive into captivating domains with these mind-bending narratives, dystopian futures and fantastical creatures.
• Em & Selma Go
Griffin Hunting
• Houston, We Have a Crush
• GOING
• The Inconvenience Store
• Neuro
• Help Me Tom
• Civil Service
• The Most Perfect Perfect Person
SHORT FILM LINEUP
SPORTS
Wednesday, July 23 at 7:45 PM | Living Room Theaters | 83 Min | Page 31
Celebrate the intersection of sports, community and identity.
• Breakaway:
The Refugee World Cup
• Uncaged
• Maybe It's Just the Rain
• Swimming with Butterflies
• Courage
• Hoops, Hopes & Dreams
BALL STATE UNIVERSITY RADIANCE CINEMA
Wednesday, July 23 at 7 PM | Newfields (The Tobias Theater) | 73 Min | Page 31
Check out these brand-new shorts from the students of Ball State Universityʼs Radiance Cinema!
• In a Nutshell
• Unrequited
• Loops
• Wanting
• Sizzle
• Alien Behavior
CHILDREN’S RESILIENCE WITH SHINE GLOBAL
Saturday, July 26 at 3:30 PM | Living Room Theaters | 101 Min | Page 34
Witness the incredible resilience and unwavering spirit of children as they overcome challenges and find strength in unexpected places.
• Single Residence Occupancy
• Blackmoll
• When Big People Lie
• Les mousses
• An Olive Branch
• Éiru
• Rise
SHORT FILM LINEUP
MPI SHORT FILM LAB
Saturday, July 26 at 1 PM | Living Room Theaters | 74 Min | Page 34
Indy Shorts is proud to debut the latest slate of films from the Moving Picture Institute Short Film Lab.
• The Art of Inflation
• The Dying Business
• Grind
• Pocket Change
THE NEW YORKER
Friday, July 25 at 7:30 PM | Living Room Theaters | 105 Min | Page 33
Experience a collection of short films from The New Yorker. The short docs from The New Yorker Documentary offer uncommon perspectives on global issues, while the fictional short films from The Screening Room spark curiosity.
• The Ban
• Criminal
• Happy To Help You
• The Guy Who Got Cut Wrong
• Icebreakers
OSCAR® WINNER DOUG BLUSH
Saturday, July 26 at 3 PM | Living Room Theaters | 117 Min | Page 34
Celebrate our 2025 Pioneering Spirit Award honoree in this collection of his newly-produced short documentaries.
• OUT HERE
• Her Fight, His Name: The Story of Gwen Carr and Eric Garner
• The Breakthrough Group
• Middleground
SHORT FILM LINEUP
THIS IS AWKWARD
Wednesday, July 23 at 7:15 PM | Living Room Theaters | 104 Min | Page 31
Cringey, clumsy and uncomfortable short scenarios.
• Pirateland
• Bootie's
• The Cost of Hugging
• Montsouris
• Chasing the Party
THE UNEXPECTED
• Flame Out
• African Family Dinner
Thursday, July 24 at 5 PM | Living Room Theaters | 115 Min | Page 32
• The Traveler
• CATTYWAMPUS
• Say As I Say
• The boy with white skin
• The Most Powerful Human on Earth
• MOTOS
• One in Fifty
daily schedule
tuesday, july 22
Conversations 5:15 PM | 105 Min Page 19
Family Ties
7:45 PM | 108 Min Page 20
Making Movies 5 PM | 91 Min Page 25
Around the World
7:15 PM | 111 Min Page 17
wednesday, july 23
Alternate Worlds
5:15 PM | 106 Min
Page 16
Sports
7:45 PM | 83 Min Page 27
Episodic
5 PM | 91 Min
Page 20
This is Awkward 7:15 PM | 104 Min
Page 29
Private Event: Ball State University
Radiance Cinema 5:30 PM
Spotlight: Ball State University
Radiance Cinema 7 PM | 73 Min
Page 27
thursday, july 24
The Unexpected 5 PM | 115 Min Page 29
Music 7:45 PM | 108 Min Page 25
Location, Location, Location 5:15 PM | 110 Min Page 24
Horror 1 8 PM | 95 Min Page 21
Dark Comedy 1 7 PM | 88 Min Page 19
Nature & Outdoors (Doors Open) 6 PM
Nature & Outdoors 7:15 PM | 108 Min Page 25
Join us at the Backlot Bash, located at Pins Mechanical Co. (2nd Floor) at 7 PM! Learn more on Page 9.
Comedy
5 PM | 100 Min
Page 19
Spotlight: The New Yorker
7:30 PM | 105 Min Page 28
friday, july 25
Lens of Hope 5:30 PM | 80 Min Page 23
Love, Romance & Dating
7:45 PM | 101 Min Page 24
Around America (Doors Open) 6 PM
Around America 7:15 PM | 100 Min Page 17
Summer Nights Activities 7 PM
Summer Nights: Oscar® Shorts 9:30 PM | 89 Min Page 26
Spotlight: MPI
Short Film Lab
1 PM | 74 Min Page 28
Spotlight: Oscar® Winner
Doug Blush
3 PM | 117 Min Page 28
saturday, july 26
Dark Comedy 2
5:45 PM | 87 Min Page 20
High School Film Competition 1:15 PM | 90 Min Page 21
Spotlight: Childrenʼs Resilience w/Shine Global
3:30 PM | 101 Min Page 27
Indiana Spotlight 2 2:15 PM | 83 Min Page 22
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
8 PM | 127 Min Page 26
Care & Conviction
6 PM | 88 Min Page 18
Horror 2 8:15 PM | 99 Min Page 21
Indiana Spotlight 3 4:30 PM | 81 Min Page 23
The Human Spirit (Doors Open) 6 PM
The Human Spirit 7:15 PM | 112 Min Page 22
Summer Nights: Award Winners 1 9:30 PM | 90 Min Page 17 Summer Nights Activities 7 PM
Join us at the Awards Presentation, located at VisionLoft Mass Ave at 10:30 AM! Learn more on Page 9.
sunday, july 27
Episodic
12:15 PM | 91 Min Page 20
Kidsʼ Program
12:45 PM | 70 Min Page 23
Mimosa Mixer 12:30 PM Page 10
Indiana Spotlight 1 1:45 PM | 93 Min Page 22
Letʼs Be Honest 2:30 PM | 108 Min Page 24
Quirky Tales
2:45 PM | 107 Min Page 26
Comedy 4:15 PM | 100 Min Page 19
Better Together
5 PM | 118 Min Page 18
Award Winners 2 5:15 PM | 90 Min Page 18
OUR MISSION
The nonprofit arts organization Heartland Film was founded in 1991 with the mission to curate, promote and celebrate thoughtful and engaging films. This mission lives through the Indy Shorts International Film Festival in July, the Heartland International Film Festival in October and other year-round community events and screenings.
KEEP UP WITH US
Scan the QR code to sign up for our email newsletters and be the first to hear about special events, festival updates and more.
Heartland Film has a new texting service! Text HAMMER to 833-852-0840 to sign up.
Facebook: Heartland Film Instagram/X: @HeartlandFilm
Website: heartlandfilm.org Email: info@heartlandfilm.org
COMMUNITY & EDUCATION OUTREACH
Films are universal. They inspire conversation, ignite imagination and shift perspectives. At Heartland Film, we love partnering with community organizations, businesses and schools to showcase films that do more than entertain. This can be achieved through film screenings, community events, field trips and film curriculum!
To brainstorm ways Heartland Film can best partner with you, email Community Outreach & Education Manager, Abi Lindstedt, at alindstedt@heartlandfilm.org.
HEARTLAND FILM
DONATE TO OUR MISSION
As a nonprofit arts organization, Heartland Film relies on donations to showcase thoughtful and engaging films. You can make a difference in the future of independent film in Indiana by donating today!
Donate by Mail
Heartland Film 8950 Otis Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46216
Plan a Gift
Donate Online
Scan the QR Code or visit heartlandfilm.org/donate
Email Director of Development, Bailey Britton, at bbritton@heartlandfilm.org.
Your donation may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law; please consult your tax advisor. Heartland Film, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization (Federal Tax ID #35-1832797).
heartland film events
HEARTLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (HIFF)
Presented by Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at The Square Dates: October 9-19
Locations: TBA
One of the Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World returns for its 34th year with screenings all over Indy!
In 2024, we connected with 200+ filmmakers, hosted 298 screenings, streamed 7,500+ films, witnessed 25 U.S. & World Premieres and partied at 15 special events!
The film lineup and tickets for the 2025 festival will be available on September 18.
HEARTLAND FILM
MERRY MOVIE NIGHTS
Dates: December 4-7
Location: The Basile Event Center at Heartland Film HQ
Get into the holiday spirit with a collection of festive films paired with merry activations!
BEST OF FEST: INDY SHORTS EDITION
Dates: February 6-7, 2026
Location: The Basile Event Center at Heartland Film HQ
Channel the summer short film fun in February as we replay some of the most popular programs from the Indy Shorts International Film Festival!
BEST OF FEST: HIFF EDITION
Dates: March 6-7, 2026
Location: The Historic Artcraft Theatre
Heartland Film partners with The Historic Artcraft Theatre in Franklin, Indiana to showcase fan-favorite films from the Heartland International Film Festival. This is your second chance to see some of the most popular festival films!
CINEMANIA
Presented by F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co.
Date: April 17, 2026
Location: The Crane Bay Event Center
Heartland Film's signature fundraiser returns for a third year! This is an immersive evening in celebration of iconic films. Each year's theme is different, but you can expect an unforgettable night with live music, food, drinks and surprise activations! Individual tickets go on sale in November, but sponsorships are available now!
GET INVOLVED
BECOME A MEMBER
Want the VIP treatment? Become a Heartland Film member! Youʼll get 20% off tickets, as well as be the first to get festival updates and invites to exclusive events!
Email Senior Development Manager, Emily Chu, at echu@heartlandfilm.org to learn more. Members at the $250 level or above will be recognized in the Heartland International Film Festival guidebook.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Festival sponsorship opportunities get your company's name out in the arts community and give you an unforgettable experience that can include red carpet events, private parties, ticket packs and more!
For more information about becoming a sponsor of Indy Shorts, the Heartland International Film Festival or other events like Cinemania, email our Director of Development, Bailey Britton, at bbritton@heartlandfilm.org.
HEARTLAND FILM
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
From scanning tickets to passing out flyers, it takes hundreds of volunteers to make Heartland Film events happen. Join us in providing Hoosier hospitality to filmmakers and attendees! Email Film Programming Coordinator, Sam Opsahl, at sopsahl@heartlandfilm.org for more information.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER FILM SCREENER
Every year, Heartland Film reviews thousands of film submissions for Indy Shorts and the Heartland International Film Festival! Volunteer Film Screeners thoughtfully view and identify films of interest to programming staff. Screeners are required to view a minimum of three feature films a week, or 14 short films a week. If you'd like to become a Volunteer Film Screener, apply today to start the evaluation process!
PURCHASE MERCHANDISE
Get decked out in Indy Shorts gear! Festival merch is available at Living Room Theaters and Newfields. Members receive a 20% discount!
HEARTLAND FILM STAFF
Michael Ault President
Adam Howell Vice President
Sarah Donaldson Executive Assistant
Bailey Britton Director of Development
Emily Chu Senior Development Manager
Diana Gingerich Senior Events Manager
Abi Lindstedt Community Outreach & Education Manager
Anna Casey Special Events Coordinator
Greg Sorvig Artistic Director
Evan Vernon Film Programming Coordinator
Sam Opsahl Film Programming Coordinator
Jessica Chapman Director of Marketing & Communications
Angelo Auriemma Senior Creative Manager
Holleh Moon
Digital Marketing Coordinator
Julie Landrum
Film Programmer
Natae Daniels Film Programmer
Jason Harris Print Traffic Coordinator
Eric Pells Production Coordinator
Vinnie Manganello Festival Videographer
Whitney Walker Festival Photographer
Christian Arciniega Community Outreach Coordinator
Anna Kelley Community Outreach Coordinator
Cara Wilson Community Outreach Coordinator
CONSTRUCTION CREW
BOARD OFFICERS
John Dewey Board Chair
David Wong Vice Chair
BOARD MEMBERS
Paul Babcock
Frank Basile
Vicki Bohlsen
Charla Booth
Jennifer Closshey
Daniel Cook
Tim Cook
Shon Harris
Jennifer Darby Secretary
Gabe Connell Treasurer
Kim Dollin Immediate Past Chair
Carolyn Hunt
Michael Husain
Kristi Lee
Fred Lockett
Karen Mangia
Seth Maxwell
Yung Nguyen
Gregory Paul
IN MEMORIAM
Bill Stinson (1955-2025)
Bill Stinson was an active supporter of Heartland Film and joined the Board of Directors in 2020. As the Senior Director of Public Affairs at the Indianapolis Airport Authority, Bill helped Heartland Film build a strong partnership with the "Best Airport in North America."
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Katrina Canfield Council Chair
Amy Pauszek
Erin Schneider
Ben Shine
Stan Soderstrom
Robert Spoonmore
Betty Stilwell
Susie Townsend
TJ Woodard
(Continued on Next Page)
Kelly Alexiou
Shamika Anderson
Penny Barrett
Chris Bertolini
Lisa Breall
Ellen Butz
Gary Cohen
Sandra Daly
Maria Delgado
CONSTRUCTION CREW
ADVISORY COUNCIL (Continued)
Maria Delgado
Claudia Dille
Leslie Donchetz
Michael Durr
Jenny Godby
David Klapper
Cori Korn
Larry Landis
Kristen Lappas
LeeAnn Law
Katie Lory
Luke Messer
Chris Phillips
Traci Prescott
Heather Richmund
Heather Ross
Suzanne Rothenberg
Lynda Goeke
Arlene Grande
Tom Grande
Nikki Gray
Joe Hale
Dija Henry
Amy Howell
VOLUNTEER FILM SCREENERS
Claire Anderson
Christian Arciniega
Antriksh Bali
Neil Bolding
Miller Bough
Howard Bowers
Gregory Bright
Victoria Britton
John Carillo
Shira Chait
Eli Chamberlain
Jim Clark
Michael Curmi
Ryan Darden
Kaitie Dilan
Emilson Diaz Escoto
Carol Filkins
Jody Flynn
Beth Fox
Samuel Gariy
Nate Gilbert
Emma Ben Hadj
Lauren Harris
Carine Hejazi
Christine Jackson
Carly Jakins
Ryan Johnson
Andra Liepa
James Lindorf
Clay Lomneth
Gabriel Mallek
Katie Mazzini
Julie McKinney
Steve Moll
Gabriel Gutierrez Morales
Leila Morey
Lindsey Marie Kirkpatrick
Susan Salsbery
Bob Schultz
Sarah Silcox
Neelu Sondhi
David Spencer
Chantel Stone
RC Thorne
Rocky Walls
Roberta Walton
Regina “Gigi” Wilkes
Amy Wright
Emma Mustovic
James Newlin
Christopher Noviello
Tiko El Outa
Beatrice Pagan
Felipe Paraguassu
Tony Perry
Jessica Peveler
Andres Quiceno
Rex Riddle
Kathryn Rivelli
Toni Roark
Steven Ross
Renee Rule
Shaliyah Sharp
Dana Silverman
Courtney Smallwood
Grant Smith
JP Spoonmore
Bob Spoonmore
Mark Steenbarger
Bonnie Surber
Elijah Valter
CONSTRUCTION CREW
FESTIVAL INTERNS
Sophie Albert
Marc-Alain Bertoni
Samuel Bowden
Keon Clardy
Jada Collins
Lauren Henn
Virginia Marcolini
Patrick Marsh
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
A Kid Again
Anderson University
Ball State University
Best Buddies
Big Brothers
Big Sisters of Central Indiana
Butler University
Cicada Cinema
Downtown Indy
DREAM Alive
Easterseals Crossroads
Exodus Refugee
The Historic Artcraft Theatre
Indiana Association of School Broadcasters
Indiana Humanities
Indianapolis Art Center
Indianapolis Public Library
Indianapolis Public Schools
Indy Chamber
Indy Dance Council
IndyHub
Indy Pride
Maggie McCarthy
Erza Satici
Emma Scharre
Metropolitan School District of
Lawrence Township
Park Tudor
PATTERN Inc.
Irvington Community Council
JCC Indianapolis
Kan-Kan Cinema
Lawrence Chamber of Commerce
Mass Ave
Merchants Association
Musical Family Tree
Savannah College of Art and Design
Starbase Indy
Teachersʼ Treasures
Village of Merici
YMCA of Greater Indianapolis
Zionsville Community High School
PRESENTING SPONSOR
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER SPONSORS
FILMMAKER’S CIRCLE SPONSORS
SILVER SCREEN SPONSORS
CINEMA SPONSORS
The Stewart Foundation
The Klapper Family Foundation
Nicholas H. Noyes Jr. Memorial Foundation
Robert & Alison Spoonmore
Arthur Jordan Foundation
REEL SPONSORS
MEDIA PARTNERS
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
FESTIVAL SUPPORTERS
Earshot Audiopost
Jan White
JELFX
Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza
The Law Office of Mark Nicholson
Market Square Popcorn
Metazoa Brewing Company
Moo & Lou Frozen Treats
Richard D. Propes
Shake Up
Tinker Coffee
Tito's Handmade Vodka
SOCIAL MEDIA PARTNERS
Traci Acton @treatyourselfindy
Michael Durr @instadurr
Destiny Holland @takemethere.indy
Tasha Cheatham @transparentlytasha
Alesha McCarty @twainindy
Desmond Nicholson @wwdeatnext
Claire Rene @claire_rene_
Elyse & RC Thorne @indy_brunch_couple
Ashley Worth @thehoosiermama_
