Media Contacts:
Heartland Film | Jessica Chapman, Director of Marketing jchapman@heartlandfilm.org | 317.750.3902
Heartland Film | Jessica Chapman, Director of Marketing jchapman@heartlandfilm.org | 317.750.3902
*Please note: This press release can be downloaded as a PDF or a Word Document. Download option buttons are available at the end.
(April 22, 2024) - Heartland Film's inaugural signature fundraising event, Cinemania Presented by F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co. took place on Friday, April 19 at The Crane Bay Event Center. The theme of this sold out event was A Tribute to The Beatles in Film and included five musical artists, unique fundraising activations like a Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds champagne aerialists, psychedelic photo experiences and custom drinks from local businesses. The evening was headlined by America's premier tribute band, BritBeat, who took the 650 attendees on a whimsical journey through The Beatles eras with three sets and costume changes. The other performances were by DysFUNKtion, Rebecca Rafla, Bashiri Asad and DJ Lockstar. Guest were greeted on the Red Carpet by Brian Wilkes and Krista McEnany of Fox59 as well as the the legendary Debby Knox.
“I’m filled with gratitude and have many emotions from an event the Heartland Film team and Cinemania Committee knocked out of the park," said Heartland Film President Michael Ault. “Cinemania was a huge success from all accounts. We accomplished our goal of raising awareness and funding for the future Heartland Film festivals, community events and education program."
View all of the 2024 Cinemania photos here.
Fundraising activations included a chance to win a $6,000 diamond necklace courtesy of Moyer Fine Jewelers, Surprise Prize Packs with donations from local businesses based off of different film themes, groovy accessories from Market Vintage and a custom Beatles themed Daniel's Vineyard wine bottle with original art by Jenna Cook. Thanks to Daniel's Vineyard, two suite tickets to the Taylor Swift Eras Tour in Indianapolis were auctioned off for $10,000.
Since 1991, Heartland Film's mission has been to curate, promote and celebrate thoughtful and engaging films from diverse perspectives. Cinemania supports the non-profit arts organization's film festivals, community events and education program. Through sponsors, donations, ticket sales and event activations, Heartland Film brought in roughly $250,000 from this event.
The Cinemania Committee was lead by Committee Chair Lisa Breall. Award-winning writer and producer of "Hoosiers" and "Rudy," Angelo Pizzo was the Honorary Chair. The Cinemania Committee included Terry Bowdell, Beth Breymier, Emmanuel Carter, Sandra Daly, Lindsey Demaintenon, Leslie Donchetz, Michael Durr, Leeann Edmonston, Karen Fried, Lynda Goeke, Michael Husain, Emma Law-Oppman, Fred Lockett, Katie Lory, Amy Pauszek, Michelle Roberts, Casey Scott, Ben Shine, Neelu Sondhi, Brian Southard, Sallie Thompson, and Ashley Weselo.
People who are interested in receiving updates on Cinemania 2025 can sign up to receive the newsletter here.
About Heartland Film, Inc.
Heartland Film is a nonprofit arts organization that runs the 11-day Heartland International Film Festival in October, the Academy Award®-Qualifying Indy Shorts International Film Festival in July, the Truly Moving Picture Award and other year-round programs. Based in Indianapolis, Heartland Film was founded in 1991 with the mission to curate, promote and celebrate thoughtful and engaging films from diverse perspectives. Over the years, Heartland Film has presented $3.5 million in cash prizes – the largest total amount awarded by any film festival in North America – presented 200+ studio films with the Truly Moving Picture Award, and showcased more than 2,000 feature and short films, including 10 Oscar®-winning short film titles. MovieMaker Magazine named both the Indy Shorts and Heartland International Film Festival on the top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World list for 2023. The 7th Annual Indy Shorts International Film Festival is scheduled July 23-28, 2024 and the 33rd Heartland International Film Festival runs October 10-20, 2024. For more information, visit www.HeartlandFilm.org.
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