INDIANAPOLIS — In 30 years Heartland International Film Festival has grown from a four-day festival showing around 20 films to an eleven-day festival showing around 160 films.
“We show impactful films from around the world,” said Senior Programmer at Heartland Film Julia Ricci. “You can see a film from as far as Taiwan. We have films from Germany, China, pretty much all over the world, and we also have films from local Indiana filmmakers.”
Ricci said the festival brings in more than 100 filmmakers and for many, it’s their first time in the Midwest, and their first time seeing their film on the big screen with an audience.
“They love seeing their films with audiences,” she said. “They put all this work into all their films for years at a time. So, I think it’s cool to see that come to fruition and see audiences engage with them.”
They’re focused on giving people a great experience, Ricci said, and making sure anyone who wants to see a film can. The festival isn’t strictly for filmmakers or exclusive guests.
“We focus on films that impact the audience. You know, they walk away with having either learned something new, or having a new perspective from something, or just moved in one way or another.”
Friday, they’ll be announcing their award winners and their closing film on Oct. 17 will be “The Electrical Life of Louis Wain,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch.
