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4/3/08

Heartland Truly Moving Pictures Institute presents Screenwriting with John Pielmeier

Join Heartland on Thursday May 1 for an insightful seminar with playwright and screenwriter John Pielmeier (pictured).  For students of filmmaking interested in learning more about that first step in filmmaking--writing the story--this is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Through film clips, script examples and a question & answer session, students with any level of filmmaking experience will benefit from Pielmeier's insight into the craft of telling a compelling story.

No ticket is required for this seminar, though we request your RSVP in order to reserve seats for you and your group.  Contact Heartland by phone (317.464.9405) or email (info@TrulyMovingPictures.org) to reserve your space today!

While no lunch will be provided, a brief break with refreshments is scheduled.  Free car and bus parking at the History Center; enter from New York Street.

3/13/08

Heartland Partners to present A RIPPLE OF HOPE

Heartland Truly Moving Pictures and Indiana Black Expo, Inc. present two free screenings of A RIPPLE OF HOPE, the locally-produced documentary that explores the night then-presidential candidate Robert Kennedy spoke to an Indianapolis audience with the news of Dr. Martin Luther King's assassination.

ABOUT THE FILM

When
Friday, April 4, 2008
1 p.m. (doors 12:30 p.m.); 2 p.m. - panel discussion on tolerance, diversity and expression
7:30 p.m. (doors 6:30 p.m.); 8:30 p.m. - panel discussion on Kennedy’s words and continuing the legacy and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Moderated by Amos Brown; Reception immediately following the discussion

Where
Madame Walker Theater
617 Indiana Avenue, Indianapolis MAP

Who
The afternoon screening is geared toward school-aged audiences.  If your group would like to attend, please contact Heartland (317.464.9405 or info@TrulyMovingPictures.org) for more information.  The evening program, panel and reception are open to the General Public, though seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sponsored by Locke Reynolds LLP, the Pacers Foundation, Inc and Fifth Third Bank

2/22/08
Two Crystal Heart Award Winners Nominated at the 80th Academy Awards

The announcement of the nominees for the 80th Academy Awards brought with it two nods for Crystal Heart Award winners at the 2007 Heartland Film Festival.  Nancy Oliver, scribe of LARS AND THE REAL GIRL (pictured), garnered a nomination in the Best Original Screenplay category, while ThinkFILM's documentary WAR/DANCE is included among those competing for Best Documentary.

  See the entire list of nominees, then watch the live telecast February 24 on ABC and see if these two incredible films take home Oscar gold!

2/1/08
Heartland Truly Moving Pictures Institute presents Directing Techniques with Rik Swartzwelder

For the first time, Heartland presents programming for aspiring filmmakers beyond the annual Festival.  Join us on Friday, March 7 at The Kite Building in downtown Indianapolis as past Crystal Heart Award-winner Rik Swartzwelder (pictured) shares his expertise in directing and general filmmaking.

The afternoon program (1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.) is open to the general public; tickets start at just $10.  Contact Heartland by phone (317.464.9405) or email (info@TrulyMovingPictures.org) to reserve your tickets today!

WHAT:  Heartland Truly Moving Pictures Institute, Directing Techniques
WHEN:  Friday, March 7, 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE:  The Kite Building, 8th floor; 30 S. Meridian, Indianapolis

Also available:  A morning program geared towards High School students.  Educators interested in bringing their classes to either the morning or afternoon program should contact Heartland directly for group rates. 

About the Program:
Swartzwelder offers lessons learned from his multiple film projects that have screened at over 145 film festivals worldwide and garnered over 50 major awards. The seminar will equip and inspire the beginning and veteran filmmaker alike toward future cinematic achievements. Along with personal stories from the trenches, Swartzwelder will offer detailed instruction on the process of directing as well as lead attendees through a series of hands-on exercises in various aspects on the craft of filmmaking.  In addition, he will be screening several short films that have not only found success on the festival circuit and online, but have opened new doors for their directors. With a strong emphasis on the challenges of low-budget filmmaking—making the most of ALL you have—the seminar will cover tips from pre- to post-production… and beyond, to the sometimes much bigger issue: How do I get my film seen?

1/15/08
Crystal Heart Award-winning Filmmaker Releases SPIRIT OF THE MARATHON

From the filmmaker of Into the Arms of Strangers comes a documentary about the frame of mind, body and spirit of a person dedicated to running marathons.

SPIRIT OF THE MARATHON captures the triumps and struggles in preparing for, enduring and ultimately completing one of the most individually challenging athletic acheivements.  This unique documentary will screen at theaters across the country on Thursday, January 24.  LEARN MORE about the film, then FIND A SCREENING near you.  Don't miss this one night only engagement!

12/6/07
Attend an AMC Castleton Square 14 Preview Weekend!

Heartland invites you to join us at a preview of the newest AMC Theater in Indianapolis, the AMC Castleton Square 14 at the new addition to Castleton Square Mall on the city's northeast side.

From Friday, December 7 to Sunday, December 9, use THIS PASS to attend special screenings of several different films, including the recent Truly Moving Picture Award winner MARTIAN CHILD.

11/9/07
Crystal Heart Award Winner "New Year Baby" Screens in Indianapolis

Filmmaker Socheata Poeuv traces her family's past back to Cambodia during the time of the Khmer Rouge regime, learning along the way about the loyalty, love and sacrifice her parents gave to ensure the safety of their children.  Visit KEY CINEMAS for showtimes and support this Crystal Heart Award winning film while it's in theaters.

10/26/07
Shop and Save at Borders, and Support Heartland, too!

Shop at Indianapolis-area Borders bookstores on November 2 - 4 and you can save 10% off your purchase.  Just download and print THIS COUPON.

When you present it at the register, Heartland Truly Moving Pictures will automatically receive 10% of the total.  You get a deal on the books, CDs and DVDs you've been wanting, and you send your support to Heartland at the same time!  DOWNLOAD THE COUPON  Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader!

10/9/07
IMIN Announces Innagural Hall of Fame Inductees

Join the Indiana Media Industry Network as they announce the first class of inductees into the new Indiana Performing Arts Hall Of Fame.

Attendees will include Hoosiers writer/producer Angelo Pizzo, Academy-Award nominee costume designer Gloria Gresham, and relatives of our historic inaugural class of inductees. Enjoy live jazz, refreshments and a very special film presentation produced by IMIN. You'll also get a sneak peek at plans for the 2008 Hall Of Fame Gala! 

Tickets are just $35 and support the Indiana Media Industry Network. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Brian Hasler at 317-362-6962 or e-mail bkh@thelobbyfirm.com. Tickets available at the door.  LEARN MORE

9/21/07

Heartland Film Festival's Party at the Rathskeller

Pick up a drink ticket and a preview guide and plan your attendance to this year’s festivities, including over 40 films from all over the world and more than half a dozen special events.

Tickets to the Crystal Heart Awards Gala, Heartland’s swankiest night, will be available at the discounted rate of just $50 for two Gallery seats (you save $20!). Learn more about this year’s Festival, then mark you calendars to check out this great evening at the Rathskeller!

8/27/07
2006 Audience Award Winner "A Man Named Pearl" Comes Back to Indianapolis

The inspiring documentary that follows Pearl Fryar, an unassuming gardener, returns to Indianapolis for an exclusive engagement at Key Cinemas on August 31.  A 2006 Crystal Heart Award winner, A Man Named Pearl showcases the simple life of a man who creates art from living things, crafting gardens, topiaries and countless outdoor landscapes that inspire hope, love and respect.

Visit Key Cinemas for more information, and be sure to catch this exciting documentary when it opens August 31.

7/9/07
Award Winners to Screen at IMAX Indianapolis with Indiana Black Expo's Summer Celebration

The 37th Annual Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration kicks off on July 12 in Indianapolis, and Heartland is excited to announce a Truly Moving Picture Award Winner and two Crystal Heart Award winners will screen during an exclusive engagement at the IMAX Theater in downtown Indianapolis.  The 2006 Academy Award Winner for Best Foreign Film, Tsotsi will screen alongside Crystal Heart Award winners I Want To Be A Pilot and A Man Named Pearl, both featured at the 2006 Heartland Film Festival.

Join Heartland and Indiana Black Expo for these powerful films on Sunday, July 15 beginning at 5:00 p.m.  Seating is limited and tickets are only $3, so arrive early to guarantee a seat for the show! CLICK HERE to view the Invitation. Learn more at the IBE Summer Celebration website.

6/20/07
Heartland Receives Grant from the Arts Council of Indianapolis and the City of Indianapolis

Heartland extends its gratitude to the Arts Council of Indianapolis and the City of Indianapolis for its support.

5/15/07
Second Annual Festival Poster Competition Begins

Last year's winning entry by Indianapoils artist Kyle Ragsdale, entitled "Magical Movies" (above) embodied the 15th Anniversary celebration.

OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM Heartland Truly Moving Pictures invites artists to create an original work of art for the 2007 Heartland Film Festival® Poster Design Contest. This year’s Festival theme is “DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT,” since Heartland films are unlike anything you routinely see at the local cineplex. The artwork will be displayed during the 16th annual Heartland Film Festival, October 18—26, 2007. This year's Poster Contest deadline is Friday, July 27.

For complete rules and regulations, check out the ENTRY FORM (pdf).  Submit your artwork today for a chance to win the $1,500 cash prize and the opportunity to put your masterpiece in front of thousands of Festival attendees!

5/9/07
Heartland Truly Moving Pictures Becomes Festival's Parent Organization

Indianapolis, IN (May 9, 2007) – To better reflect its mission to recognize films with impactful and uplifting messages, the Heartland Film Festival® has created a newly minted parent organization – Heartland Truly Moving PicturesTM. The name change, announced by President and CEO Jeffrey L. Sparks, highlights the organization’s industry award and watermark, the Heartland Truly Moving Picture Award, while at the same time re-defining its commitment to filmmakers, studios and distributors whose projects address challenging subjects yet provide meaningful storylines and resolution.  READ THE FULL STORY

4/20/07
2005 Selection "Something To Cheer About" Opens in Theaters Friday!

In this triumphant documentary, the Crispus Attucks basketball team becomes the first ever to win a U.S. State Championship.  LEARN MORE

Catch the movie at Landmark Theaters beginning April 27th.  But don't wait--the movie's in theaters for one week only! A portion of the proceeds from this film has been designated to establish a fund administered for and by the players.

2/27/07
2005 Crystal Heart Award Winner "Pearl Diver" Opens in Indianapolis

The story of family and tradition that captivated audiences at the 2005 Heartland Film Festival is opening in Indianapolis on Friday, March 2.  Don't miss you're chance to see this movie on the big screen!  For more information on the movie and where you can see it, visit the OFFICAL SITE.

2/14/07
Heartland Chimes in on "Filmanthropist" Movement in L.A. Times Article

Jeff Sparks, Heartland's president and CEO, was interviewed recently by Chris Lee of the Los Angeles Times for a story on movies with a social conscience.  The movement to make films that matter more to the heart than the bottom line is being called "filmanthropy," and Heartland Truly Moving Pictures knows exactly what the excitement is all about.

As Heartland's mission is "to recognize and honor filmmakers whose work explores the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life," the movies made by these filmanthropists align seamlessly with Heartland's perspective.

You can read the entire article at the LA TIMES, though a free registration is required.

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!