Media Contact | Jessica Chapman
Director of Marketing | Heartland Film
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.
(January 29, 2026) - Heartland Film is proud to announce Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at The Square as the presenting sponsor of the Heartland Film Festival for the next three years. In addition to being the presenting sponsor, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema will host many of the screenings and events during the festival's run in October of 2026, 2027 and 2028.
"I am incredibly grateful for the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s continued support of the Heartland Film Festival,” said Michael Ault, President of Heartland Film. “In 2025, their theaters, dining and hospitality far exceeded the expectations of our festival filmmakers, attendees, volunteers and staff. Over the next three years, I look forward to growing the Heartland Film Festival through their dedicated partnership."
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema opened on November 18, 2024 at The Square (3898 Lafayette Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46254). With 13 screens, 4k projection, an arcade, a private screening room, locally-sourced food and craft drinks. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is committed to excellence in every way.
"Heartland Film Festival reminds us why movies matter with people sitting together, sharing a moment and leaving with something new. It values good films, good people and a place where filmmakers and audiences feel welcome," said Fabio De La Cruz, CEO of Sojos Capital.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at The Square stands apart from other theaters through a unique blend of high-end amenities and a deep respect for the moviegoing experience. The theater enforces a strict no-talking, no-texting policy to ensure every screening is immersive and uninterrupted. Guests can enjoy an elevated dining experience with chef-inspired menus and a made-from-scratch kitchen, with food and drinks delivered silently during the film. Each of the 13 auditoriums features stadium seating, heated full recliners and individual tables for maximum comfort. Equipped with state-of-the-art projection and Dolby surround sound, Alamo delivers a cinematic experience that rivals any in the country.
The 35th Heartland Film Festival is set for October 8-18 with screenings at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and theaters across the Indianapolis area. The films and tickets will be available starting on September 17 at HeartlandFilm.org.
About Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema was founded in 1997 as a single-screen mom-and-pop repertory theater in Austin, TX. Twenty-seven years later, with 41 locations and counting, Alamo Drafthouse has been called “the best theater in America” by Entertainment Weekly and “the best theater in the world” by Wired. Alamo Drafthouse has built a reputation as a movie lover’s oasis, not only by combining best-in-class food and drink service with the movie-going experience, but also by introducing unique programming and high-profile, star-studded special events. Alamo Drafthouse created Fantastic Fest, a world-renowned genre film festival dubbed “The Geek Telluride” by Variety, featuring independent, international filmmakers and major Hollywood studios. Alamo Drafthouse continues to expand its brand in new and exciting ways, including the American Genre Film Archive - a nonprofit film archive dedicated to preserving, restoring and sharing film - and with several new theaters announced for this year and beyond. For more information about Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, visit Drafthouse.com.
About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. Sony Pictures Television operates dozens of wholly-owned or joint-venture production companies around the world. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, Sony Pictures International Productions and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit SonyPictures.com.
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. 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, 2024 and 2025. The 9th Annual Indy Shorts Film Festival is scheduled for July 21-26, 2026 and the 35th Heartland Film Festival will run October 8-18, 2026. For more information, www.HeartlandFilm.org.
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