21 short films with Hoosier connections showcased at 2026 Indy Shorts Film Festival

The 2026 Indy Shorts Film Festival (Indy Shorts), presented by TQL Wealth Management, concluded on Sunday, July 26, with a record number of filmmakers in attendance (350), World Premieres (37), and short film programs (40).

For the last three years, MovieMaker Magazine named Indy Shorts on its list of the Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World. The ninth edition of the festival embraced a “Shorts & Sweets” theme, and attendees were encouraged to unwrap 266 fun-sized films from July 21 through 26 at the Indy Art Center, Living Room Theaters, and Newfields. Many of the shorts were also available to stream.

The Indy Shorts Film Festival presented over $35,000 in cash prizes to filmmakers at the Awards Brunch on Saturday, July 25, at Tinker House Events. The three Grand Prize-winning films, U.S. Premiere “La barrière” by Christophe Deram (France), “Stalin Boys” by Bianca Giaever and Ora DeKornfeld (United States) and “9 Million Colors” by Bára Anna Stejskalová (Czech Republic, Norway, Germany), received their qualification for the 2027 Academy Awards® in their respective categories as well as $5,000 in cash prizes.

There were 21 films with Hoosier connections showcased in three Indiana Spotlight programs. The Indiana Spotlight Narrative Award and a $1,000 cash prize were presented to director Bella Ray Rosales for the film, “Lottie Baby.” The Hoodox Indiana Spotlight Documentary Award and a $1,000 cash prize were awarded to director Jason Whalen for the film, “Finding A Way: Revitalizing Nature in America’s Heartland.” The Indiana Spotlight Narrative Audience Choice Award and a $500 cash prize went to “SUCKS TO SUCK,” directed by Sonny DeSanto and Ian Corbin. The Indiana Spotlight Documentary Audience Choice Award and a $500 cash prize was awarded to “Sylvia,” directed by Ashton Gleckman.

“Festivals are about discovery, community and celebration, and it’s been a thrill to see those come together this week at Indy Shorts,” Artistic Director Greg Sorvig said. “Congratulations to this year’s newly-minted slate of award winners and to Pioneering Spirit Award Winner Sam Davis, who returned to Indy to share an encore of Live Action Short Oscar® Winner ‘The Singers,’ which qualified at Indy Shorts as our 2025 Narrative Grand Prize Winner!”

All of the award-winning films, including the Oscar®-qualifying short films, are available to watch in three virtual programs: Award Winners 1, Award Winners 2, and Audience Choice Award Winners. While the festival concluded on Sunday, July 26, there is an extended viewing window for the virtual Award Winners programs. All three programs are available to stream through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2.

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The 35th Heartland Film Festival, presented by Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at The Square, is scheduled for Oct. 8 to 18, 2026. Screenings will take place at theaters around the Indianapolis area and virtually. The Festival World Premiere of the Jimmy Stewart biopic, “JIMMY,” starring KJ Apa, is set as the Opening Night film on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Many of the film’s talent, including KJ Appa and director Aaron Burns, are expected to attend.

Tickets for the Opening Night screening go on sale on Aug. 27. The full film schedule will be available on Sept. 17.

More details on the Heartland Film Festival and other Heartland Film programs can be found at HeartlandFilm.org.