In 2000, the Heartland Film Festival created the Heartland Film Festival Truly Moving Pictures Award of Excellence to honor theatrically-released films with messages that align with the Festival's mission.

Submissions are received directly from studios or producers for consideration. The Award of Excellence is presented prior to a selected film's theatrical release.

Because the industry decides a film's success based on the opening weekend box office, audiences are encouraged to attend an Award of Excellence film on its first weekend. To identify an inspiring film quickly and easily the Award of Excellence logo is placed on all print advertisements and the video box of all Heartland Film Festival Truly Moving Pictures Award of Excellence films.

The Heartland Film Festival encourages you to recognize films that enrich, inspire, and offer hope by viewing an Award of Excellence recipient today!