2025 Indy Shorts International Film Festival

Welcome to Indy Shorts ............................ Page 03 How to Fest .................................................. Page 07 Special Events ............................................. Page 09 Awards & Prizes .......................................... Page 11

Short Film Lineup ........................................ Page 15 Daily Schedule ............................................. Page 30

About Heartland Film ................................. Page 37 Get Involved ................................................. Page 40 Construction Crew ..................................... Page 42 Sponsors & Partners .................................. Page 46

WELCOME TO INDY SHORTS MICHAEL AULT

Heartland Film President

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

Heartland Film Board Chair

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!

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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

Theater Ticket: $13 Streaming Ticket: $15 Theater 5-Pack: $60

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

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.

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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

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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 When: 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 When: 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

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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.

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AWARDS & PRIZES

list of awards 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

Grand Prize for Narrative Short $5,000 Cash Prize Academy Award®-Qualifying Category

Hoodox Indiana Spotlight Documentary Award $1,000 Cash Prize

Grand Prize for Documentary Short $5,000 Cash Prize Academy Award®-Qualifying Category

Richard D. Propes Social Impact Award $1,000 Cash Prize

Grand Prize for Animated Short $5,000 Cash Prize Academy Award®-Qualifying Category

Horror Award $1,000 Cash Prize

Lens of Hope Award Presented by TDB Family Foundation $5,000 Cash Prize for Film & Nonprofit

Comedy Award $1,000 Cash Prize Directorial Debut Award $1,000 Cash Prize

Summer White Lynch Memorial Grand Prize (High School Film Competition) $2,500 Cash Prize Underwritten by Gary D. & Marlene Cohen

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

The Children's Resilience in Film Short Film Prize Presented by Shine Global $2,500 Cash Prize

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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.

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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

INDIANA SPOTLIGHT

Cindy Lee Jens Georg Joey Moser

Alicia Kozma Sam Mirpoorian Deonna Weatherly

DOCUMENTARY

HIGH SCHOOL FILM COMPETITION

Nicholas Ma Jenifer McShane Julio Palacio

Mark Cabus Grace Hanna Gunnar Sizemore

ANIMATED Sheila Lynne Bolda Rebecca Martin Fagerholm Jamie-James Medina

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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

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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

• MEET MR. MEAT • A Drastic Tale

AROUND THE WORLD

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.

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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

• Livestreams with GrandmaPuzzles • Camp Widow • Mildred 4 a Million

CARE & CONVICTION

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

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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

• Learning How To Drive • Tuesday • Sandra • Tacocunr • Two Minutes

• Eureka!

• Crab Claw • Royal Foot Guards • Retirement Plan

CONVERSATIONS

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

• From You • Hurricane • The Clock

DARK COMEDY 1

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.

• COO-RAGE • Curtains • Randy As Himself

• Cherry-Colored Funk • Baby Tooth • Time Flies • Endzgiving • Out for Delivery

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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

• Keep your rubbish • Gender Reveal

EPISODIC

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

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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

• FISHEYE • Weathered • Keeper of the Night Sky • Her First Time • Iʼm Fine • Brothers • Paper Boat

HORROR 1

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

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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

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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%

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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

• Your Opinion, Please • Little Goodbyes • Fox Chase Boy (In-Person Only)

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

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

• My teenage blackout • Rhoda • CHECK PLEASE • La Petite Ancêtre • Placekeepers • The Second Time Around

LOVE, ROMANCE & DATING

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

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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

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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

• THE KING OF FORKS • Three Keenings • The Sentry

SCI-FI & FANTASY

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

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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.

• An Olive Branch • Éiru • Rise

• Single Residence Occupancy • Blackmoll • When Big People Lie • Les mousses

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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

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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

• Flame Out • African Family Dinner

THE UNEXPECTED

Thursday, July 24 at 5 PM | Living Room Theaters | 115 Min | Page 32 Expect the unexpected in these journeys of intrigue, surprise and revelations.

• The Traveler • CATTYWAMPUS • Say As I Say • The boy with white skin • The Most Powerful Human on Earth

• MOTOS • One in Fifty

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daily schedule tuesday, july 22

Making Movies 5 PM | 91 Min Page 25

Conversations 5:15 PM | 105 Min Page 19

Around the World 7:15 PM | 111 Min Page 17

Family Ties 7:45 PM | 108 Min Page 20

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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

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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

Nature & Outdoors (Doors Open) 6 PM Dark Comedy 1 7 PM | 88 Min Page 19

Horror 1 8 PM | 95 Min Page 21

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.

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friday, july 25

Comedy 5 PM | 100 Min Page 19

Spotlight: The New Yorker 7:30 PM | 105 Min Page 28

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

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saturday, july 26

Spotlight: MPI Short Film Lab 1 PM | 74 Min Page 28

Spotlight: Oscar® Winner Doug Blush 3 PM | 117 Min Page 28

Dark Comedy 2 5:45 PM | 87 Min Page 20

Sci-Fi & Fantasy 8 PM | 127 Min Page 26

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

Indiana Spotlight 3 4:30 PM | 81 Min Page 23 The Human Spirit (Doors Open) 6 PM

Care & Conviction 6 PM | 88 Min Page 18

The Human Spirit 7:15 PM | 112 Min Page 22

Horror 2 8:15 PM | 99 Min Page 21

Summer Nights Activities 7 PM

Summer Nights: Award Winners 1 9:30 PM | 90 Min Page 17

Join us at the Awards Presentation, located at VisionLoft Mass Ave at 10:30 AM! Learn more on Page 9.

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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

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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.

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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

Donate Online Scan the QR Code or visit heartlandfilm.org/donate

Plan a Gift 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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

We've gone cashless! Please make sure to bring a card-based method of payment when buying tickets or merchandise at the box office.

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HEARTLAND FILM STAFF Michael Ault President

Greg Sorvig Artistic Director

Natae Daniels Film Programmer

Adam Howell Vice President

Evan Vernon Film Programming Coordinator

Jason Harris Print Traffic Coordinator

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

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

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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

Jennifer Darby Secretary

David Wong Vice Chair

Gabe Connell Treasurer

Kim Dollin Immediate Past Chair

BOARD MEMBERS Paul Babcock Frank Basile Vicki Bohlsen Charla Booth Jennifer Closshey Daniel Cook Tim Cook Shon Harris

Carolyn Hunt Michael Husain Kristi Lee Fred Lockett Karen Mangia Seth Maxwell Yung Nguyen Gregory Paul

Amy Pauszek Erin Schneider Ben Shine Stan Soderstrom Robert Spoonmore Betty Stilwell Susie Townsend TJ Woodard

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 (Continued on Next Page) Katrina Canfield Council Chair

Kelly Alexiou Shamika Anderson Penny Barrett Chris Bertolini Lisa Breall

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Andrea Brummett 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

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

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

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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

Maggie McCarthy Erza Satici Emma Scharre

COMMUNITY PARTNERS A Kid Again

Indianapolis Art Center

Anderson University

Indianapolis Public Library

Ball State University Best Buddies

Indianapolis Public Schools

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana

Indy Chamber

Butler University

IndyHub

Cicada Cinema

Indy Pride

Downtown Indy

Irvington Community Council

DREAM Alive Easterseals Crossroads Exodus Refugee The Historic Artcraft Theatre Indiana Association of School Broadcasters Indiana Humanities

Indy Dance Council

JCC Indianapolis Kan-Kan Cinema Lawrence Chamber of Commerce

Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township Park Tudor PATTERN Inc. Savannah College of Art and Design Starbase Indy Teachersʼ Treasures Village of Merici

Mass Ave Merchants Association

YMCA of Greater Indianapolis

Musical Family Tree

Zionsville Community High School

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PRESENTING SPONSOR

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER SPONSORS The Klapper Family Foundation

FILMMAKER’S CIRCLE SPONSORS The Stewart Foundation

SILVER SCREEN SPONSORS

Nicholas H. Noyes Jr. Memorial Foundation

CINEMA SPONSORS Arthur Jordan Foundation

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Robert & Alison Spoonmore

REEL SPONSORS Future Keys Foundation

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_

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