2014 indy star preview
/
#HEARTLANDFF
/
HEARTLANDFILMFESTIVAL.ORG
T
his year marks the 23rd annual Heartland Film Festival, Indiana’s largest and longest-running independent film festival. Over 10 days in October, Heartland showcases more than 130 independent
films and gives audiences access to more than 100 independent filmmakers from around the world. With red
carpet premieres and events, parties, and hundreds of film screenings, the Festival offers the best of world cinema right here in the heart of the Midwest.
A Word From The Artistic Director
2014 Festival by the Numbers
The films in this year’s Heartland Film Festival represent myriad cultural experiences throughout the United States and in over 40 countries around the world. Some of the films might inspire viewers (We Are the Giant, East Side Sushi, Dukale’s
1,634
Total Film Submissions
Dream); some will challenge and change audiences’ perspectives on the world both at home and overseas (Drunktown’s Finest, Cicada, Siddharth, Marmato). Others will warm the heart (Finding Harmony, Mistaken for Strangers, Una Vida: A Fable of Music and the Mind), while some will bring smiles to faces
85
Submitting Countries
or provoke outright laughter (The Referee, Ben’s at Home, Holbrook/Twain: An American Odyssey). With over 130 films, numerous special events throughout the city of Indianapolis and over 100 filmmakers expected to attend from all corners of the earth, the 2014 Heartland Film Festival will offer unique
130 +
Indie Films Programmed
cinematic experiences and intimate discussions for cinephiles of all ages and backgrounds.
Tim Irwin Artistic Director Heartland Film
$115K+
Awarded in Cash Prizes
HOW TO PURCHASE SCREENING TICKETS Single ticket price Online Visit heartlandfilmfestival.org...............................................................................................................$9 By Phone Call toll-free at 1.866.HFF.1010............................................................................................................$9 At Theater Walk right on up to the Festival box offices.....................................................................................$11
Screening Venues
Event Venues
AMC Castleton Square 14 (a)
Indianapolis Museum of Art (d)
6020 East 82nd Street
4000 Michigan Road
Indianapolis, IN 46250
Indianapolis, IN 46208
AMC Traders Point Showplace 12 (b)
Old National Centre (e)
5920 West 86th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Indianapolis, IN 46278 The Theatre at the Wheeler Arts Community (c) 1035 Sanders Street #111 Fountain Square Indianapolis, IN 46203
a
b
g d
502 North New Jersey Street
Omni Severin Hotel (f)
e f c
40 West Jackson Place Indianapolis, IN 46225 The Jazz Kitchen (g) 5377 North College Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46220
view the full festival guide book This Indianapolis Star preview supplement provides a brief overview of this year’s 10-day Heartland Film Festival. For complete details, film lineup and schedule – along with a list of sponsors, supporters and staff – we invite you to peruse the full 96-page Festival guide book. You can access the guide book online at heartlandfilmfestival.org or pick up a hard copy at AMC Traders Point Showplace 12, AMC Castleton Square 14, select Central Indiana Marsh Supermarket locations, or the Heartland Film office in Fountain Square.
SPECIAL EVENTS To see the full 2014 Heartland Film Festival guide book, visit heartlandfilmfestival.org
Opening Night screening & after-party
Thursday, October 16 Indianapolis Museum of Art The Toby Screening: 7:00 pm Reception: To follow at the Deer Zink Pavilion Tickets: $40
Join us following the screening for an in-depth discussion of the many issues presented by the film. A panel of experts and filmmakers will discuss the effects that today’s online culture, including sexting, online pornography, body image issues and online gaming, can have on personal relationships.
Men, Women & Children Director: Jason Reitman Writers: Jason Reitman & Erin Cressida Wilson Producers: Jason Reitman, Helen Estabrook Executive Producers: Jason Reitman, Helen Estabrook Cast: Kaitlyn Dever, Rosemarie DeWitt, Ansel Elgort, Jennifer Garner, Judy Greer, Dean Norris, Adam Sandler Based on the novel by Chad Kultgen The 2014 Heartland Film Festival will open with director Jason Reitman’s new film, Men, Women & Children. The film follows the story of a group of high school teenagers and their parents as they attempt to navigate the many ways the internet has changed their relationships, their communication, their self-image and their love lives. The film wrestles with social issues such as video game culture, anorexia, infidelity, fame hunting and the proliferation of illicit material on the internet. As each character and each relationship is tested, we are shown the variety of roads people choose – some tragic, some hopeful – as it becomes clear that no one is immune to the enormous social change that has come through our phones, our tablets and our computers. Note: This film contains strong sexual content, strong language and sexual dialogue, nudity and mature themes, many involving teens. Discretion is advised.
Sponsored by The David and Betty Klapper Family Foundation
SPECIAL EVENTS To see the full 2014 Heartland Film Festival guide book, visit heartlandfilmfestival.org
awards ceremony
At the Heartland Film Festival Awards Ceremony, one of the city’s marquee events, we recognize the best independent filmmakers from all over the world and bestow the Festival’s top prizes, which include the following: » $45,000 Grand Prize for Best Narrative Feature » $45,000 Grand Prize for Best Documentary Feature » $5,000 Grand Prize for Best Narrative Short * Underwritten by Heartland Film Endowment’s Sparks Vision Award » $5,000 Grand Prize for Best Documentary Short Underwritten by Heartland Film Endowment’s Sparks Vision Award » $2,000 prizes for the Jimmy Stewart Memorial Crystal Heart Awards » $2,500 Grand Prize Winner of the High School Film Competition
Saturday, October 18 Old National Centre Egyptian Room Ceremony: 8:00 pm Dress Code: Cocktail Afterglow Party: To follow the ceremony at Deluxe (downstairs) Tickets: $65 Includes Awards Ceremony and Afterglow Party
Following the Awards Ceremony join us for the Afterglow Party in the Deluxe downstairs from the Egyptian Room, a unique opportunity for one-on-one conversation with filmmakers from around the world. The Afterglow Party includes hors d’oeuvres and live music by Cynthia Lane.
Sponsored by The David and Betty Klapper Family Foundation
* The Heartland Film Festival has earned the special designation of being a qualifying festival for the Annual Academy Awards® within the Short Films category. This means that the winner of the Grand Prize for Best Narrative Short Film will qualify for consideration in the Short Films category of the Annual Academy Awards® without the standard theatrical run, provided the film otherwise complies with the Academy rules.
SPECIAL EVENTS To see the full 2014 Heartland Film Festival guide book, visit heartlandfilmfestival.org
filmmakers’ brunch
Sunday, October 19 11:00 am Omni Severin Hotel Tickets: $25
Discover the inspiration behind some of your favorite Heartland Film Festival movies by joining the filmmakers for an informal brunch. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to speak one-on-one with fascinating storytellers and to hear different perspectives on all aspects of the filmmaking process.
Sponsored by Omni Severin Hotel, the Exclusive Hotel of the Heartland Film Festival
festival nightlife
Severin Bar Omni Severin Hotel The Heartland Film Festival is all about engaging with talented filmmakers from around the world – and that doesn’t end at the theaters. Every night, after the silver screen goes dark, you are invited to join us at the Festival’s official after-hours hangout: The Severin Bar at the Omni Severin Hotel (The Exclusive Hotel of the Heartland Film Festival). Mingle with fellow moviegoers and buy your favorite indie filmmaker a drink.
SPECIAL EVENTS To see the full 2014 Heartland Film Festival guide book, visit heartlandfilmfestival.org
closing Night screening & after-party
Saturday, October 25 Indianapolis Museum of Art The Toby Screening: 7:00 pm Closing Night Party (21+): To follow screening at The Jazz Kitchen Tickets: Screening: $25 Party: $20 Combo Ticket: $40
End the night at the Jazz Kitchen after-party. Discuss your favorite films, sing and dance with filmmakers to music by Sarah Scharbrough, and say goodbye to one of Heartland’s best Festivals ever.
Belle and Sebastian Director: Nicolas Vanier Writers: Juliette Sales, Fabien Suarez, Nicolas Vanier Producers: Frédéric Brillion, Gilles Legrand, Clément Miserez, Matthieu Warter Cast: Félix Bossuet, Tchéky Karyo, Margaux Châtelier, Dimitri Storoge, Andreas Pietschmann Close out the 2014 Heartland Film Festival with the charming French film Belle and Sebastian. A beloved story since the 1960s television series introduced resourceful young Sebastian and the giant mountain sheepdog he tames and calls Belle, this heartwarming film is set during WWII in the snowy Alps of occupied France, on the border of Switzerland. Sebastian, lonely and dreaming of the day his mother will return from America for him, befriends “the beast” the local farmers are convinced is killing their sheep – an enormous yet gentle sheepdog who quickly becomes the boy’s best friend and protector. With Nazis in the village rooting out the resistance fighters helping Jewish refugees cross the border, Belle and Sebastian’s loyalty – to each other and the village that’s embraced them both – will be put to the test. Audience Choice Award winners will be announced in each category, as will the winners of the Best Premiere prizes ($5,000 each for Best Narrative Feature Premiere and Best Documentary Feature Premiere).
Sponsored by The David and Betty Klapper Family Foundation
Join the Cast
BECOME A MEMBER By becoming a card-carrying Heartland Film Member, you will join us and other film lovers in our efforts to honor and support entertaining films that do more than just entertain. As a thank-you for your support, you will receive benefits designed to make your film-going experience more enjoyable throughout the year.
Sign up at the box office or online at heartlandfilm.org /membership.
THE BENEFITS Advance opportunities to purchase Heartland Film Festival tickets Discounted tickets to year-round film screenings, including the Heartland Film Festival and Heartland Film Roadshow Free admission to the Heartland Film Festival Announcement Party Free exchanges on Festival tickets Advance online access to the Festival guide book Discounts on merchandise Invitations to free, exclusive member screenings
LEVELS Student: $35 Under 30 Individual/Dual: $40 Senior/Dual (age 65+): $60 Individual/Dual: $75 Family (up to 2 adults & 4 minors): $110 Supporting Member: $300 Premier Member: $500
FESTIVAL AWARD WINNERS – NARRATIVE FEATURES To see the full 2014 Heartland Film Festival guide book, visit heartlandfilmfestival.org
Cicada |
Directed by Dean Yamada
Jumpei, a mild-mannered schoolteacher, is introverted almost to a fault. He has finally found a woman he is ready to marry, but ever wary and careful, he decides to take a series of premarital tests and finds out that he is infertile. In the meantime, Jumpei’s nine-year-old nephew is being bullied in school, and his distraught mother and clueless father are at their wits’ end. Jumpei is enlisted in helping out the family. While Jumpei’s prospects of having a family of his own seem to be non-existent, he is forced into his sister’s dysfunctional family life.
Drunktown’s Finest |
Directed by Sydney Freeland
Life on this Indian reservation outside of Dry Lake, NM feels like a dead end for many of its residents. The stories of three Native American youths play out against the backdrop of the traditional values of the reservation which both constrains and supports them. This film crafts an on-screen story that beautifully represents the variety of lifestyles present on Indian reservations by creating characters that reflect three dissimilar cultures found on the reservations– the macho, the LGBT and the religious.
The Referee |
Directed by Paolo Zucca
An international referee, a blind trainer, an untamed shrew, a revengeful shepherd and a dubious goleador share the fate of the most disjointed football championship in the world. Atletico Pabarile, the worst team of the Sardinian third league, is humbled every year by Montecrastu, but the return of young Matzutzi upsets the balance of the championship as Atletico Pabarile begins a winning streak. The story of the two teams intertwines with the professional climb of Cruciani, an ambitious referee at the highest international level.
Siddharth |
Directed by Richie Mehta
Mehendra is a chain-wallah, eking out a living fixing zippers on the bustling streets of New Delhi. To ease his financial woes, he sends 12-year-old Siddharth to work in a distant factory. When the boy doesn’t come home for the Diwali holiday, Mehendra and his wife Suman slowly begin to suspect that he was kidnapped by child traffickers. With few resources and no connections, Mehendra desperately travels to Punjab and Mumbai with the hope that whoever took Siddharth might return him unharmed. Sponsored by Innovative
Uzumasa Limelight |
Directed by Ken Ochiai
Uzumasa (Kyoto) is considered the Hollywood of Japan and has produced many jidaigeki films. These films wouldn’t be what they were if it weren’t for the kirareyaku, actors whose main job is to be killed by the lead star – men who are killed without ever being lit by the limelight. They were actors who loved and respected the art, even when the production of classic jidaigeki films began to dwindle. The admirable story of these men dealing with a new generation and fading craftsmanship is told with melancholy and soul.
FESTIVAL AWARD WINNERS – DOCUMENTARY FEATURES To see the full 2014 Heartland Film Festival guide book, visit heartlandfilmfestival.org
Gabor |
Directed by Sebastián Alfie
This is the story of a friendship between a young filmmaker and a blind cinematographer, Sebas and Gabor. Sebas has been commissioned to make a documentary on the work of Ulls Del Mon, an NGO dedicated to the prevention of blindness. Gabor, a Hungarian filmmaker residing in Spain, has been making a living from his film camera rental company ever since he went blind on a shoot eight years ago. Sebas contacts him and suggests that they work together on the project, but how will Gabor manage to film if he can’t see?
Happiness |
Directed by Thomas Balmès
The remote mountainside village of Laya is still without electricity. Peyangki, a dreamy and solitary nine-year-old monk living in a remote mountainside village yearns for the world to come to him in the form of a flickering television screen. Between studying and prayer, he watches as electrical cables and roads encroach upon his world. Finally, when he is taken to the capital city by his uncle, he discovers a world of cars, toilets and mannequins as they search for the perfect television to bring back to the village. Sponsored by Printing Partners, the Official Printer of the Heartland Film Festival
Light Fly, Fly High |
Directed by Beathe Hofseth, Susann Østigaard
Thulasi, a young Indian woman, is willing to literally box her way out of poverty. A Dalit or “untouchable” born outside of caste, she rejected her place on society’s lowest rung and was forced to leave her parents’ home when only 14. Ten years later, despite her impressive record in the ring, Thulasi remains stuck at the bottom. Despite an uphill battle against sexual harassment, poverty and the pressure to marry, Thulasi refuses to compromise herself and her goals and takes her destiny into her own hands. Sponsored by Sun King, the Exclusive Beer of the Heartland Film Festival
Marmato |
Directed by Mark Grieco
Colombia is at the center of the new global gold rush, and Marmato, a mining town with over 500 years of history, is the new frontier. In its mountain lies over $20 billion in gold, but its 8,000 inhabitants are at risk of being displaced by an openpit mining project planned by a Canadian mining company. This is the story of how the townspeople cope with a disturbing prophecy uttered by the company’s mining prospector: “You can believe in God all you want, but I don’t think he’s got too much to say about this mountain getting leveled.”
We Are the Giant |
Directed by Greg Barker
Ordinary citizens face the same moral questions that have defined revolutionary leaders across the ages, from Jefferson to Che to Mandela. With remarkable access, the film takes its audience inside the lives of six extraordinary people who grapple with the agonizing and universal dilemma at the heart of all struggles for justice and freedom: whether to take up arms and fight or to advocate change through peace and non-violence. Sponsored by Omni Severin Hotel, the Exclusive Hotel of the Heartland Film Festival
FESTIVAL AWARD WINNERS – NARRATIVE SHORTS To see the full 2014 Heartland Film Festival guide book, visit heartlandfilmfestival.org
Grand Canal |
Directed by Johnny Ma
Recreated from the memories of his 10-year-old son, the story follows a Chinese boat captain as he tries to collect a debt to save his fleet of boats. Caught between the needs of his family and a difficult harbor master, the captain is faced with a life changing decision. Winner of the Jimmy Stewart Memorial Crystal Heart Award
Houses with Small Windows |
Directed by Bülent Öztürk
In this powerful yet muted portrait of an honor killing in a Kurdish village in Southeast Turkey, 22-year-old Dilan pays for her forbidden love for a young man in a neighboring village with her life. She has shamed the family, and therefore must die at the hands of her own brothers. And, as tradition will have it, the killing must be compensated. Yet another victim is made: six-year-old Emine is given to the relatives of Dilan.
Keys of Heaven |
Directed by Hamy Ramezan
Iran, 1984. Homeless brothers Majid (15) and Adel (11) try to survive their daily lives in a war-torn country. They attend school and work in their spare time, but life gets harder day by day. Even with the help of Adel’s teacher, Majid struggles to support Adel when faced with the prospect of having to fight on the front lines.
Record |
Directed by David Lyons
A father in mourning struggles to connect with his blind daughter. Amidst her collection of memories he soon learns that the colors of grief and understanding are more vivid when glimpsed through the eyes of the blind.
Yearbook |
Directed by Bernardo Britto
A man is hired to compile the definitive history of human existence before the planet blows up. He spends the remaining 17 years sitting in front of a computer at work, staring at his wife’s nasty catfish dinners at home, and deciding how to condense all of recorded civilization with a severe space restriction.
FESTIVAL AWARD WINNERS – DOCUMENTARY SHORTS To see the full 2014 Heartland Film Festival guide book, visit heartlandfilmfestival.org
German Shepherd |
Directed by Nils Bergendal
Growing up as an American Jew with a mother who survived the Holocaust, David is haunted by “the Nazi thing,” an irrational fear of Germans and an obsession with Holocaust movies. Through travels to Berlin he initiates his own reconciliation project. Nils Bergendal interprets David’s interview into a wry animated introspection, questioning whether it’s wise to look to the past for answers.
Ghosts on the Mountain |
Directed by Jared Jakins, Carly Jakins
This film examines the isolated lifestyle of H-2A guest workers in the American West by subtly exploring the emotions that come with their occupation. The film’s subjects leave family and native lands to work in the US on H-2A work visas, or no visas at all. Surrounded by breathtaking vistas, these workers find themselves in solitude and loneliness. This isolation is heightened by language barriers and the remoteness of the sheep’s pasture lands.
Our Curse |
Directed by Tomasz Śliwiński
This film is the personal statement of the director and his wife, who have to deal with a very rare and incurable disorder of their newborn child – the Ondine’s Curse (also known as CCHS, Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome). People affected with this disorder stop breathing during sleep. Winner of the Jimmy Stewart Memorial Crystal Heart Award
Showfolk |
Directed by Ned McNeilage
For seven Hollywood Golden Age veterans, the show goes on. From a Vaudeville comedian still working at 100 to a stunning siren who dated Ronald Reagan when he was a Democrat, these showbiz vets share wisdom and inspiration garnered over seven lifetimes in the business. Residing together at the Motion Picture & Television Fund home in the San Fernando Valley, these entertainment lifers are bonded by the show.
White Earth |
Directed by J. Christian Jensen
Set against the backdrop of a cruel North Dakota winter, this is the tale of an oil boom that has drawn thousands to America’s Northern Plains in search of work. Told from the perspective of three children and an immigrant mother whose lives are touched by the oil boom, each story intertwines with the others – often relying on the naive narration of children to poetically explore themes of innocence, home and the American Dream.
869 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE • INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46204
CINEMA and Conference Center
Downtown Columbus, Indiana
t: 317.351.0280 | info@homespunindy.com | www.homespunindy.com
November 1-2
17 FILMS! Narratives, Documentaries and Shorts
Domestic and International • Numerous Q&A sessions
IS-0000026473
Pass! or $7 per show $35 All-Access Come and go all weekend!
Find us on
Yesfilmfestival.com
www.yescinema.org
A SELECTION OF PREMIERES & SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS To see the full 2014 Heartland Film Festival guide book, visit heartlandfilmfestival.org
Highway to Dhampus |
PREMIERE
Directed by Rick McFarland
Elizabeth James is in trouble in the tabloids again, and in an attempt to turn her image around, her parents have sent her to Nepal to do charity work with jaded photographer Colt Morgan in tow. They are flown by mountain pilot Ajit Thapa, who bristles at Elizabeth’s caustic demeanor. When they reach Ghandruk they meet Laxmi, the beaming head matron of the village’s orphanage. These individuals from four different worlds will learn what it means to be charitable, give and love, but what unfolds will change their lives forever.
The Healing Wall |
Directed by Christopher Kosinski
Their story. Her design. A nation’s memorial. This is the story about the development of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC and its unforeseen ability to heal a nation from one of the most controversial conflicts in US history. Part of the Indiana Spotlight program Supported by Indiana Media Production Alliance PREMIERE
The Sound and the Shadow |
PREMIERE
Directed by Justin Paul Miller
Harold, an allergy-prone recluse, spends his days obsessing over his collection of microphones, compressors, and sonic devices, recording neighborhood sounds and eavesdropping on conversations. A growing pile of bills leads him to rent out his garage to the vivacious young Ally, who has an almost anthropological interest in “weirdoes.” When six-year-old neighbor Pearl goes missing, they realize his recordings may provide clues, and the unlikely pair vow to find her by spying on their neighbors and pursuing their own suspects.
American Real: The Forrest Lucas Story Directed by Brad Grimm
PREMIERE
For the first time, Forrest Lucas goes back to where his childhood home once stood to wrestle with demons of the past. What starts out as a simple documentary about the life of one of America’s self-made millionaires turns into a journey of self-discovery and forgiveness. Hesitant to dredge up old memories of pain and strife, Forrest explores a range of emotions he’s kept bottled inside for most of his life. The film also explores the story of Forrest’s wife, Charlotte Lucas, and their tale of love and sacrifice.
A Thousand Times Good Night |
Directed by Erik Poppe
Rebecca is one of the world’s top war photojournalists, capturing dangerous and chilling images in the most dire landscapes, but she’s also a wife and mother, leaving behind a husband and two young daughters every time she travels to a new combat zone. After a near-death experience chronicling the ritual of a female suicide bomber, husband Marcus levels an ultimatum: give up the dangerous profession or lose the family she counts on being there when she returns from each assignment. SPECIAL PRESENTATION
inspiring filmmakers and audiences through the transformative power of film
1043 Virginia Avenue | Indianapolis, IN 46203 Tel 317.464.9405 | Email info@heartlandfilm.org www.heartlandfilm.org