Heartland Film Festival

SELECTION PROCESS
Each film is watched and scored by at least one member of the selection committee, with most films getting multiple screenings depending on how they fare in the process. Heartland Film reserves the right to stop viewing after 15 minutes if technical quality is insufficient.

JUDGING CRITERIA
Films are evaluated on artistic and technical quality, storytelling, and ability to engage or shift perspectives. Films are scored on a 1-5 rating scale, with 1 being poor and 5 being the best, alongside screener feedback. Heartland Film does not share feedback or scores with filmmakers but can confirm that a film was watched/scored.

ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for Heartland International Film Festival, films must comply with the following:

- The film must have been completed on or after January 1, 2025, with a minimum running time of 41 minutes with credits. (Short films 40 minutes or less are only eligible at our other festival, Indy Shorts.)

- The film must be available for up to three in-person screenings during the Festival, October 8-18, 2026. Selected films cannot play theatrically in the Central Indiana area from the time of selection through the event.

- There must not be a screening fee attached to the film. There will be perks for accepted filmmakers, but screening fees and honorariums will not be offered and cannot be demanded after a filmmaker contract has been signed.

- Heartland requires a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) for every film in addition to a high-quality digital backup file. No Blu-rays, DVDs or 35mm prints will be screened at the Festival.

- The film cannot require dual projection (interlock) or separate soundtracks.

- Non-English language films must be subtitled. Please do not send us an un-subtitled version with the intention of providing a subtitled version later. Please ensure that all subtitles are included in the original version or come with the correct Version File.

- Titles streaming prior to the Festival via TVOD are still eligible for consideration (SVOD titles are not eligible). Titles with a wide broadcast release/wide online availability (YouTube, PBS, etc.) at any point prior to the Festival are not eligible. Any change in release plans for invited films must be discussed with the Festival ASAP.

- Use of AI: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in any aspect of the final submitted product must be disclosed and clearly identified at the time of submission, and then again if and when the film is invited for program inclusion.

PREMIERE STATUS
Premiere status does not affect selection but must remain locked once confirmed in the filmmaker contract (World, US or Midwest premiere). World and US Premiere titles are eligible for additional cash prizes.

SELECTED FILMS
Selected films must display official festival laurels on their websites and marketing materials.

Heartland Film, Inc. reserves the right to withdraw any film from the lineup, before or during the event. All selected films/representatives warrant that they have all the necessary rights to exhibit all elements of my submission, including music rights. Chosen filmmakers shall indemnify and hold harmless Heartland Film from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney’s fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the exhibition files provided.

Confirmed films cannot drop from the Festival lineup once the filmmaker contract is signed. Any title breaking its filmmaker agreement and pulling from the lineup once confirmed will be subject to a fine equivalent to the loss in venue fees and lost ticket revenue.

In 2025, 86 feature films were selected from more than 1,000 feature submissions.