Heartland Film's 2nd Annual Signature Fundraiser, Cinemania Presented by F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co., Celebrates Dance Films of the '80s

Media Contacts:
Heartland Film | Jessica Chapman, Director of Marketing jchapman@heartlandfilm.org | 317.750.3902

(April 14, 2025) - Heartland Film's signature fundraiser, Cinemania Presented by F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co. returned for a second year on Friday, April 11 at The Crane Bay Event Center. The 2025 theme was "A Tribute to Dance Films of the '80s," inspired by classic films like "Flashdance," "Purple Rain," "Fame," "Dirty Dancing," "Footloose" and "Xanadu." Attendees came out in eclectic '80s chic and cut loose with radical drinks, legit food, electric entertainment and bitchin' activations. View the 2025 Cinemania Recap Video here. 

View all of the 2025 Cinemania photos here.

The night kicked off on the Purple Carpet, where attendees were greeted by IndyNow Co-Hosts Jillian Deam and Ryan Ahlwardt, alongside Fox59 Meteorologist Krista McEnany. 

The '80s came alive with an on-site hair and makeup glam squad, VHS shop, arcade games, prom polaroids, DIY buttons and movie set photo ops. The Purple Rain Music Hall featured dance performances from "Dirty Dancing," "Flashdance," "Purple Rain" and "Breakin'."

Cinemania was headlined by America's longest-running '80s tribute band, The Breakfast Club. Entertainment also included music from DJ Lockstar, Klarc & Christina and Rob Dixon Duo. The Circle City Ghostbusters even made a guest appearance.  

Local restaurant and bar partners came together to help support the event by donating food and drinks. Partners included Bonge's Tavern, Cunningham Restaurant Group, Daniel's Vineyard, Eat Surreal, Hotel Tango Distillery, The Jazz Kitchen, Market Square Popcorn, Shake Up, Sullivan's Steakhouse, Sun King Brewery and Tito's Handmade Vodka.  

Cinemania 2025 had two dynamic couples as Honorary Co-Chairs, Brian & Gigi Wilkes and Mike & Kyra Epps. The Cinemania Committee was led by Committee Chair Vicki Bohlsen. Cinemania Committee Members included Kelly Alexiou, Charla Booth, Terry Bowdell, Beth Breymier, Denise Cook, Leslie Donchetz, Michael Durr, Lynda Goeke, Cori Korn, Fred Lockett, Katie Lory, Amy Pauszek, Lisa Sarbach, Ben Shine and Neelu Sondhi.

F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co. is coming back as the Marquee Sponsor for Cinemania 2026. Next year's date and new theme will be announced on Heartland Film's Facebook, Instagram and X accounts on a later date. People who are interested in receiving updates on Cinemania 2026 can sign up to receive email newsletters here.

Since 1991, Heartland Film's mission has been to curate, promote and celebrate thoughtful and engaging films. Cinemania supports the non-profit arts organization's film festivals, community events and education programs. You can learn more about Heartland Film and Cinemania at HeartlandFilm.org.

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. 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 and 2024. The 8th Annual Indy Shorts International Film Festival is scheduled for July 22-27, 2025 and the 34th Heartland International Film Festival will run October 9-19, 2025. For more information, www.HeartlandFilm.org.

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