Indy Shorts listed among best short film festivals in the world

Indianapolis-based Heartland Film, Inc. has two exciting announcements.

First, MovieMaker Magazine has placed the Indy Shorts International Film Festival on its 2022 list of Best Short Film Festivals in the World. Just 20 film festivals hold this honor, with only four short film festivals included from the United States.

Indy Shorts is only entering its fifth year, but it is already gaining international recognition. The Academy Award-qualifying festival is scheduled to run July 19-24, 2022.

Click here to read the story on MovieMaker’s website.

Second, Heartland Film announces its new board chair and welcomes six new board members.

Heartland Film, Inc. has announced Kim Dollin as its new Board Chair, as well as the addition of six new board members. These changes follow the successful conclusion of the 30th Heartland International Film Festival (October 7-17, 2021) and the announcement of the organization’s new President, Michael Ault.

Kim Dollin, CPA, CGMA, MBA a Principal at Somerset CPAs and Advisors. She joined the Heartland Film Board of Directors in 2016 and has been the Vice Chair since 2019. Kim brings a passion for uplifting the arts community in Indianapolis.

“The 30th Anniversary of HIFF was electric,” said Kim Dollin, Board Chair. “I know we have the right board and staff in place to channel that energy in carrying out our vision to be the preeminent destination for connecting audiences and filmmakers to experience transformative film,” said Kim Dollin, Board Chair.

The Heartland Film Board Officers also include Turner John (TJ) Woodard as Vice Chair, David Wong as Secretary, and John Dewey as Treasurer.

Heartland Film welcomes these first time Board Members:

  • Vicki Bohlsen, Founder & President of Bohlsen Group
  • Jennifer Darby, Vice President of Advancement at Indiana Youth Institute
  • Michael Husain, Director, Writer & Producer
  • Yung Nguyen, Medical Affairs Manager at Cook Medical
  • Ben Shine, Community Development Director at Sun King Brewing Company
  • Vernon Williams, IUPUI

“It’s an honor to bring on such distinguished Indianapolis leaders who have shown continuous dedication to our community over the years,” said Michael Ault. “As I settle into my new role as Heartland Film President, I am beyond confident in our board’s ability to help Heartland Film further develop community partnerships, filmmaker connections and engaging events.”

2022 Heartland Film Board Officers

  • Board Chair: Kim Dollin, Somerset CPAs and Advisors
  • Vice Chair: Turner John (TJ) Woodard, Turner John Management
  • Secretary: David Wong, Barnes & Thornburg LLP
  • Treasurer: John Dewey, Edward Jones
  • Past Chair: Betty Stilwell, Retired

2022 Heartland Film Board of Directors

  • Frank Basile, Retired
  • Vicki Bohlsen, Bohlsen Group
  • Jennifer Closshey, Vevue
  • Gary Cohen, Garmar Ventures LLC
  • Daniel Cook, Daniel’s Vineyard
  • Jennifer Darby, Indiana Youth Institute
  • Arlene Grande, Glick Family Foundation Board of Trustees
  • Christina Hale, Hale Strategy LLC
  • Carolyn Hunt, Barnes & Thornburg LLC
  • Michael Husain, Director, Writer & Producer
  • David Klapper, Finish Line Inc.
  • Robert Massie, Naptown Media
  • Seth Maxwell, Legacy Youth Leadership
  • Charlie Morgan, Apple Music
  • Gregory M. Paul, Castle Rock Entertainment, Inc.
  • Yung Nguyen, Cook Medical
  • Patricia Payne, Indianapolis Public Schools
  • Ben Shine, Sun King Brewing Company
  • Stan Soderstrom, Kiwanis International
  • Robert Spoonmore, Springboard
  • Bill Stinson, Indianapolis Airport Authority
  • Vernon Williams, IUPUI

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 from diverse perspectives. 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 more than 200 studio films with the Truly Moving Picture Award, and showcased more than 2,000 feature and short films, including seven Oscar-winning titles. The 30th Anniversary of the Heartland International Film Festival ran Oct. 7-17, 2021. The 31st Heartland International Film Festival will take place Oct. 6-16, 2022. For more information, visit HeartlandFilm.org.