Posted by Larry Gleeson

Bora Kim’s HOUSE OF THE HUMMINGBIRD
wins $15,000 Grand Prize for Best Narrative Feature

Waad al-Kateab and Edward Watts’ FOR SAMA wins twice,
taking $15,000 Grand Prize for Best Documentary Feature and the
Richard D. Propes Social Impact Documentary Award with an additional $2000

The Richard D. Propes Social Impact Narrative Feature Award (and $2000), which went to Flavio Alves’ THE GARDEN LEFT BEHIND.

Brett Fallentine’s FIRE ON THE HILL receives the Jimmy Stewart Legacy Award and $5000
and Matt Ratner doubles up with the Humor and Humanity Award and
FIPRESCI’s Best Directorial Debut for USA Narrative Film

Audience Choice Awards were led by Destin Daniel Cretton’s JUST MERCY,
winning both Special Presentation and Overall

Heartland International Film Festival 2019 award winners: Abo Anthony, John Rotondo (THE GARDEN LEFT BEHIND), Matt Ratner (STANDNG UP, FALLING DOWN), Flavio Alves (THE GARDEN LEFT BEHIND), Gordon Strain (THE MISEDUCATION OF BINDU), Ashton Gleckman (WE SHALL NOT DIE NOW), Brett Fallentine (FIRE ON THE HILL), Edward Watts (FOR SAMA), Seung Yun-Lee (HOUSE OF HUMMINGBIRD), Calvin Gray, William Bias, Ghuan Featherstone (FIRE ON THE HILL), Julie Sokolow (BAREFOOT: THE MARK BAUMER STORY) (Photo by Whitney Walker)

Indianapolis, IN (October 21, 2019) – The Heartland International Film Festival announced the filmmaker award winners for the film festival’s 28th edition during an Awards Brunch held at The Montage (8580 Allison Pointe Blvd.) on Saturday, October 19. The Grand Prize for Best Narrative Feature (and a cash prize of $15,000) went to Bora Kim’s HOUSE OF HUMMINGBIRD, with one of the film’s stars, Seung-Yun Lee on hand to accept the award, with Waad al-Kateab and Edward Watts’ FOR SAMA taking home two awards, including the $15,000 Grand Prize for Best Documentary Feature, as well as the Richard D. Propes Social Impact Documentary Award and the $2000 that came with that award. Watts accepted the awards on behalf of the film. In addition to the Social Impact Documentary Award, Indiana film critic Richard D. Propes was on hand to also present the other award in his name, the Richard D. Propes Social Impact Narrative Feature Award (and $2000), which went to Flavio Alves’ THE GARDEN LEFT BEHIND. Each of the finalists in the Narrative and Documentary competition categories received a $1000 cash prize.

Jimmy Steward Legacy Award winners, left to right: FIRE ON THE HILLS’ William Bias (Subject), Brett Fallentine (DIR), Calvin Gray (Subject), Ghuan Featherstone (Subject)  (Photo by Whitney Walker)
Among the other awards, Brett Fallentine’s documentary about the horse riding community in South Central L.A., FIRE ON THE HILL received the film festival’s Jimmy Stewart Legacy Award and $5000. Three of the film’s subjects attended the ceremony with Fallentine, and as they accepted the award, one of the subjects, Ghuan Featherstone, said, “This film is about perceptions and changing those perceptions. Here we are in the Midwest and our lives relate to you.”

Matt Ratner was the festival’s other two-time winner, as his film, STANDING UP, FALLING DOWN received the festival’s Humor and Humanity Award and $1000, and he received the FIPRESCI nod for Best Directorial Debut for USA Narrative Film. As he accepted his second award, Ratner, said, “Places like Heartland are so meaningful. There is a space in a crowded marketplace for films about people struggling with their humanity.”

“From South Central LA cowboys to South Korea, our award winners truly demonstrated the international scope of Heartland,” said Craig Prater, Heartland Film President, following the awards presentation.

HOUSE OF HUMMINGBIRD star Seung-Yun Lee (Photo by Whitney Walker)

“This was a banner year for us programming-wise, as we were able to screen so many of our top choices from the film festival circuit, films that are in major consideration for the Oscars® and top critics awards right now,” Greg Sorvig, Heartland Film Artistic Director, added. “Audiences are filling our theaters because they have realized that the Heartland International Film Festival is quickly becoming a true awards tastemaker film festival. With that combined enthusiasm we enjoyed from both our film fans and our filmmakers, it’s great to then cap it by rewarding the wonderful films and filmmakers that won this year. They really deserved it.”

Earlier this year Heartland Film signed the 5050×2020 Parity Pledge guaranteeing that at least half of its festival programming will be directed by women by its 2020 Indy Shorts and HIFF events. In total, 43% of this year’s official selection lineup was were directed or co-directed by women and 63% of the overall $60,000 prize purse ($38,000) went to titles directed or co-directed by female filmmakers, led by Kim’s HOUSE OF HUMMINGBIRD and al-Kateab and Watts’ FOR SAMA.

Best Premiere Documentary Award winner Julie Sokolow (BAREFOOT:
THE MARK BAUMER STORY) (Photo by Whitney Walker)

HIFF’s Best Premiere Awards (along with the corresponding cash prizes of $2000) were presented to Julie Sokolow’s BAREFOOT: THE MARK BAUMER STORY (Best Premiere Documentary) and Nora Fingscheidt’s SYSTEMSPRENGER (SYSTEM CRASHER) (Best Premiere Narrative). The film festival’s Best International Feature Film Oscar® Contender (which came with a $2000 cash prize) went to Pedro Almodóvar’s PAIN AND GLORY (Dolor y gloria).

THE GARDEN LEFT BEHIND team (cast member Abo Anthony, director Flavio Alves, and Screenwriter John Rotondo, with Richard D. Propes (Photo by Whitney Walker)

In addition to the Social Impact Documentary Award, Indiana film critic Richard D. Propes was on hand to also present the other award in his name, the Richard D. Propes Social Impact Narrative Feature Award (and $2000), which went to Flavio Alves’ THE GARDEN LEFT BEHIND. The Indiana Spotlight Award (and $2000) went to Prarthana Mohan’s THE MISEDUCATION OF BINDU, with the Indiana Spotlight Audience Choice Award (and $1000) going to Ashton Gleckman’s WE SHALL NOT DIE NOW.

Destin Daniel Cretton’s JUST MERCY received two Audience Choice Awards for both Special Presentation, as well as Overall. Robert Tinnell’s FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES received the nod (and a $1000 cash prize for Narrative Feature, and Jacob Hamilton’s JUMP SHOT received the nod (and $1000 cash prize) for Documentary Feature. 19-year-old Ashton Gleckman’s debut WE SHALL NOT DIE NOW won the Audience Choice Award (and $1000) in the Indiana Spotlight category.

Ashton Gleckman (Director, WE SHALL NOT DIE NOW) (Photo by Whitney Walker)

Alex Holmes’ MAIDEN was the Audience Choice in the Awards Season Spotlight category, and Greece’s Official Academy Award entry, WHEN TOMATOES MET WAGNER, directed by Marianna Economou got the nod in the Best International Feature Film OSCARⓇ Contenders section. Michael Herbig’s BALLOON won the Audience Choice Award for HIFF’s Cultural Journey: Germany sidebar.

The 28^th edition of the Heartland International Film Festival, which wrapped up on October 20 with Cretton’s JUST MERCY and other screenings, was marked by buzz-worthy titles that the film festival’s fans filled theater after theater to see. Gala titles like Marielle Heller’s A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, Noah Baumbach’s MARRIAGE STORY, and Fernando Meirelles’ THE TWO POPES, along with screenings of hot ticket films like Bong Joon Ho’s PARASITE, Nadav Lapid’s SYNONYMS, Trey Edwards Shults’ WAVES, Chinonye Chukwu’s CLEMENCY, and Taika Waititi’s JOJO RABBIT, among others, took HIFF to another level this year.

Among other highlights, Brendan Fraser returned to Indianapolis to receive not one, but two standing ovations both prior to, and after, a special 20^th Anniversary screening of his box office smash hit, THE MUMMY.  Life Achievement Award honoree Michael Apted received a warm reception at a screening of his latest, 63 UP, and Dennis Christopher was welcomed enthusiastically at a 40th Anniversary screening of Peter Yates’ beloved Indiana-based classic, BREAKING AWAY

Grand Prize for Best Narrative Feature – $15,000
HOUSE OF THE HUMMINGBIRD
Director: Bora Kim

Grand Prize for Best Documentary Feature – $15,000
FOR SAMA
Directors: Waad al-Kateab, Edward Watts

Richard D. Propes Social Impact Award Narrative Feature – $2000
THE GARDEN LEFT BEHIND
Director: Flavio Alves

Richard D. Propes Social Impact Award Documentary Feature – $2000
FOR SAMA
Directors: Waad al-Kateab, Edward Watts

The Jimmy Stewart Legacy Award Winner – $5000
FIRE ON THE HILL
Director: Brett Fallentine

Indiana Spotlight Award – $2000
THE MISEDUCATION OF BINDU
Director: Prarthana Mohan

Humor and Humanity Award – $1000
STANDING UP, FALLLING DOWN
Director: Matt Ratner

Best Premiere Award Documentary – $2000
BAREFOOT: THE MARK BAUMER STORY
Director: Julie Sokolow

Best Premiere Award Narrative – $2000
SYSTEMSPRENGER (SYSTEM CRASHER)
Director: Nora Fingscheidt

Best International Feature Film Oscar® Contender – $2000
PAIN AND GLORY (Dolor y Gloria)
Director: Pedro Almodóvar

FIPRESCI Best Directorial Debut for USA Narrative Film (no cash prize)
STANDING UP, FALLING DOWN
Director: Matt Ratner

Overall Audience Choice Award Winner
JUST MERCY
Director: Destin Daniel Cretton

Audience Choice – Special Presentation
JUST MERCY
Director: Destin Daniel Cretton

Audience Choice – Narrative Feature ($1000 cash prize)
FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES
Director: Robert Tinnell

Audience Choice – Documentary Feature ($1000 cash prize)
JUMP SHOT
Director: Jacob Hamilton

Audience Choice – Indiana Spotlight ($1000 cash prize)
WE SHALL NOT DIE NOW
Director: Ashton Gleckman

Audience Choice – Awards Season Spotlight
MAIDEN
Director: Alex Holmes

Audience Choice – Best International Feature Film OSCARⓇ Contenders
WHEN TOMATOES MET WAGNER
Country: Greece
Director: Marianna Economou

Audience Choice – Cultural Journey: Germany
BALLOON
Director: Michael Herbig

About Heartland Film, Inc. 
Heartland Film is a nonprofit arts organization founded in 1991 with the mission to inspire filmmakers and audiences through the transformative power of film. Heartland Film presents the annual Heartland International Film Festival, Academy Award®-qualifying Indy Shorts International Film Festival, the Heartland Film Roadshow, and bestows the Truly Moving Picture Award industry honor to major film releases throughout the year. For more information, visit heartlandfilm.org.

(Source: Press release courtest of WildWorks PR)

Posted by Larry Gleeson

Marielle Heller’s A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD is
the Opening Night selection, Destin Daniel Cretton’s JUST MERCY
is the Closing Night choice, Noah Baumbach’s MARRIAGE STORY
takes the Centerpiece Screening slot, and Fernando Meirelles’
THE TWO POPES will be the Showcase Screening

PRESS RELEASE

Indianapolis, IN (September 18, 2019) – The Heartland International Film Festival announced the official selections for its 28th edition, taking place October 10-20. Four top-tier titles expected to be major awards players this year have been secured for each of the gala slots for this year’s edition of the film festival, and a number of attention-getting films will join them as Heartland takes another major step toward being a leader on the regional circuit. Marielle Heller’s Tom Hanks-starrer A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD was chosen as the Opening Night Gala film, and Destin Daniel Cretton’s JUST MERCY will screen as the Closing Night Gala selection. Noah Baumbach’s MARRIAGE STORY is set to be the Centerpiece Screening, and Fernando Meirelles’ THE TWO POPES will be the Showcase Screening.

Nine films will make their world premieres, including; Julie Sokolow’s BAREFOOT: THE MARK BAUMER STORY; Brian Presley’s THE GREAT ALASKAN RACE; Aaron McCann and Dominic Pearce’s KOKO: A RED DOG STORY; Nate James Bakke’s MAN CAMP; Jason Mac’s THE OLDMAN AND THE POND; Chateaubriand Bezerra, Michael Basha, Sarah Gross, Reeyaz Habib, Sade Clacken Joseph, Julia Kennedy, Maria De Sanctis, Christina Jun, and Sohil Vaidya’s
SAMIR; Stephen Edwards’ SYNDROME K; Ashton Gleckman’s WE SHALL NOT DIE NOW; and Skyler Lawson’s WHELM.

Among the 7 films making their U.S. premieres at the Heartland International Film Festival this year will be; Carlye Rubin and Katie Green’s 1275 DAYS; Dani Tenenbaum’s A NEW CHRISTMAS; Bill Crossland’s CATCHING UP; Vivienne Kernick and Kirsty Griffin’s HOUSE OF CHAMPIONS; Rebecca Panian’s LOVERS; Anjali Bhushan’s MY HOME INDIA; and Nora Fingscheidt’s SYSTEM CRASHER (Systemsprenger).

As it continues the robust growth the film festival has exhibited in the last couple of years, Heartland International Film Festival has nearly doubled the number of films to be screened this year in comparison to last year, showcasing more than 210 films (182 features, 28 shorts) representing 43 countries, and will hand out cash prizes totaling more than $60,000 at the conclusion of the film festival

“We could not be more excited about what’s in store for this year’s Heartland International Film Festival and welcome filmgoers to explore our bold cinematic space,” said Craig Prater, Heartland Film President. “From award contenders, premieres, stars, and sensational events, Heartland is proud to be able to represent this important art form on such an international scale here in Indiana.”

Heller’s A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD stars Tom Hanks as the iconic and beloved Mr. Rogers in the film based on the real life meeting and subsequent friendship that developed between Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. The film is already a certified crown-pleaser following its debut at the Toronto Film Festival and will open Heartland, screening at Newfields on Thursday, October 10.

Destin Daniel Cretton’s JUST MERCY will serve as the Closing Night Gala selection, screening at Newfields on Sunday, October 20 at Newfields. The film follows the history-making battle for justice undertaken by world-renowned civil rights defense attorney Bryan Stevenson concerning the case of a condemned death row prisoner whom he fought to free. Starring Academy Award Winners Jamie Foxx and Brie Larson, in addition to Michael B. Jordan.

On Wednesday, October 16 a Newfields, Noah Baumbach’s MARRIAGE STORY has been selected as this year’s Centerpiece Screening. The film is an incisive and compassionate look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together with an incredible star-driven cast including Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Laura Dern, Alan Alda, and Ray Liotta.

The following evening, Thursday, October 17 (also at Newfields), Fernando Meirelles’ THE TWO POPES takes this year’s Showcase screening slot. The film features two powerhouse actors, Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, as the traditionalist Pope Benedict and the reformist future Pope Francis, who face an uncomfortable task of finding common ground to forge a new path for the Catholic Church.

Additional special events include the previously announced Pioneering Spirit: Life Achievement Award presentations to Michael Apted (prior to a screening of his film, 63 UP), and Cloris Leachman (via taped acceptance prior to a screening of her latest film, WHEN LAST WE SPOKE). Also previously announced, Brendan Fraser will come to Heartland for a special film retrospective including a 20^th Anniversary screening of his blockbuster hit, THE MUMMY, which will include a Q&A with Deadline Hollywood’s Chief Film Critic Pete Hammond.

Adding to Heartland’s Anniversary screening series, will be two more special events: A 40^th Anniversary presentation of Peter Yates’ classic Indiana-favorite film, BREAKING AWAY will take place at Newfields on Saturday, October 19 with the star of the film, Dennis Christopher in attendance. A 50^th Anniversary presentation of John Schlesinger’s Academy Award Best Picture winner MIDNIGHT COWBOY will take pace at AMC Castleton Square on Tuesday, October 15. Photographer Michael Childers scheduled to attend and add some behind-the-scenes details with a moderated Q&A hosted by Longtime Palm Springs Desert Sun arts reporter Bruce Fessier.

This year’s Narrative Finalists, vying for Heartland’s $25,000 Grand Prize, include; Tom Quinn’s COLEWELL, featuring a startling dramatic turn by Karen Allen as a woman facing an unexpected retirement as her small town post office is slated for closure; Flavio Alves’ THE GARDEN LEFT BEHIND, winner of a number of awards, including Best of Fest at the Bentonville Film Festival, the film follows the relationship between a young trans woman and her grandmother, as they struggle to build a life for themselves as undocumented immigrants in New York City; Jocelyn DeBoer, and Dawn Luebbe’s twisted comedy GREENER GRASS
set in a surreal suburban neighborhood where every adult engages in more and more bizarre behavior in a competition for acceptance; Timothy Busfield’s GUEST ARTIST, which stars Jeff Daniels as a legendary but troubled playwright, who arrives at a small Michigan town at Christmastime to mount his latest play; and Bora Kim’s HOUSE OF HUMMINGBIRD, which focuses on a lonely 14-year-old, Eun-hee who feels a new teacher may really understand her.
FOR SAMA, JUMP SHOT

The Documentary Film Finalists, also in competition for a $25,000 Grand Prize, include; Davy Rothbart’s 17 BLOCKS about a Washington, D.C. family, who began to film their daily lives in America’s most dangerous neighborhood — just 17 blocks behind the U.S. Capitol building; Jenifer McShane’s ERNIE & JOE, an intimate portrait of two Texas police officers who are helping change the way police respond to mental health calls; Waad Al-Khateab, and Edward Watts’s FOR SAMA, a video love letter from a young mother to her daughter, which tells the story of her life through five years of the uprising in Aleppo; Jacob Hamilton’s JUMP SHOT, which looks at the inspiring true story of Kenny Sailors, the developer of the modern day jump shot in basketball; and Irene Taylor Brodsky’s MOONLIGHT SONATA: DEAFNESS IN THREE MOVEMENTS, a deeply personal memoir about a deaf boy growing up, and his deaf grandfather growing old.

Additional highlights among the jam-packed schedule dotted with award-winners, hot film festival titles, and the film festival’s first stab at horror include; Ben Berman’s THE AMAZING JOHNATHAN DOCUMENTARY, which begins following the final tour of a dying magician – and becomes an unexpected and increasingly bizarre journey; Chinonye Chukwu’s CLEMENCY, A Grand Jury Prize winner at Sundance, which stars Alfre Woodard as a prison warden confronting the psychological and emotional demons her job creates, ultimately connecting her to the man she is sanctioned to kill; Peter Strickland’s surreal and frightening haunted dress story, IN FABRIC, marks the Heartland’s first dedicated foray into programming horror and genre films; Nadav Lapid’s SYNONYMS a Golden Bear winner at the Berlin Film Festival, about a young Israeli man attempting to start fresh in Paris with the aid of his French-language dictionary; and two major buzz-worthy titles with; WAVES, Trey Edwards Shults’s latest, about two young couples navigating the emotional minefield of growing up and falling in love; and Bong Joon Ho’s PARASITE, about an unemployed family that takes peculiar interest in a wealthy and glamorous family for their livelihood until they get entangled in an unexpected incident. The film was the winner of the Palme d’Or at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Film festival passes and tickets are on-sale now. For more information, go to: http://heartlandfilmfestival.org.