July 21, 2020
Despite pandemic challenges, the third annual Academy Award®-Qualifying Indy Shorts International Film Festival presented by Heartland Film begins today! With 18 programs featuring 128 short films, in categories such as Heartland Horror, Indiana Spotlight, Comedy, Family-Friendly, and Pride in July, there’s sure to be a program for everyone. Heartland Film has had to switch gears to think of safe and fun ways to keep Indy Shorts alive, but we’ve found that our new virtual format and drive-in options have expanded our audience.
All programs are available to stream on-demand from the comfort of your home now through Sunday, July 26. This weekend, people can also catch five of our most popular programs at Indianapolis’ longest-running drive-in, Tibbs Drive-In Theatre (480 S Tibbs Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46241).
“The best seat in the house … is in your house!” Heartland Film President Craig Prater said. “This year’s festival is a combination of the old and the new. It took a pandemic for us to consider drive-in theaters and a virtual platform, but we’re finding these new formats are broadening Indy Shorts’ reach!”
In the past, people had to watch programs at a set time, but now they are in complete control of their viewing schedule. For the first time, viewers can even “binge watch” the festival! Indy Shorts is also gaining recognition far beyond Indiana, with many of our Fest Passes being purchased from out of the state and even out of the country!
The Tibbs Drive-In Theatre screenings kick off on Thursday, July 23, with the Indiana Spotlight 1 program. Viewers will not want to miss our spooky Heartland Horror program that is sure to be extra chilling in the dark, premiering at the drive-in Friday, July 24, at 11:15 p.m. The Indy Shorts Award winners will be screening on Saturday, July 25, followed by the Comedy program on Sunday, July 26.
The full film lineup, drive-in schedule, Fest Passes as well as individual tickets for the Indy Shorts International Film Festival can be found at IndyShorts.org.
About Heartland Film, Inc.
Heartland Film is a nonprofit arts organization founded in 1991 with the mission to inspire filmmakers and audiences through the transformative power of film. Heartland Film presents the annual Heartland International Film Festival, Academy Award®-qualifying Indy Shorts International Film Festival, the Heartland Film Best of Fest, Heartland Film Marquee Series and bestows the Truly Moving Picture Award industry honor to major film releases throughout the year. In response to COVID, Heartland Film launched Heartland Film at Home as a safe option to watch the latest and best in independent cinema including HIFF films from the past from your home. For more information, visit Heartlandfilm.org.
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