Download Guide Book - Heartland Truly Moving Pictures

M A R C A R O N S T A M C U S T O M 

Pure Design.Pure Aronstam. 

D E S I G N I N G 

C U S T O M J E W E L R Y 

F O R O V E R 

4 0 Y E A R S 

F I N E J E W E L E R S 

8 6 8 5 R I V E R C R O S S I N G B LV D . A C R O S S F R O M S A K S 

3 17. 817. 9 0 0 0 W W W. A R O N S TA M .C O M 

D E S I G N E R O F T H E C R Y S T A L H E A R T A W A R D A N D 

T H E T R U L Y M O V I N G P I C T U R E A W A R D

Table of Contents 

welcome .......................................................2 

general information .............................. 4 

festival schedule ..................................... 6 

special events ..........................................11 

festival award winners ...................... 20 

festival award-winning shorts ...... 28 

official selections — 

narrative features ................................ 32 

official selections — 

documentary features ........................ 46 

official selections short films ........ 66 

high school film competition ............ 84 

heartland recognitions ..................... 89 

heartland truly moving pictures ... 90 

The Films 

3 day test ................................................... 16 

3 days of normal .................................... 33 

abandoned................................................ 35 

address is approximate ....................... 69 

ailema ......................................................... 49 

ali 707 .......................................................... 73 

all me: the life and times of 

winfred rembert .................................... 23 

anderson monarchs, the .....................47 

assemble ................................................... 29 

assignment, the ...................................... 33 

asternauts ............................................... 79 

atomic states of america, the ............47 

awaken the dragon............................... 48 

besa: the promise ................................... 48 

big picture: 

rethinking dyslexia, the ...................... 49 

blank canvas........................................... 49 

bottle in the gaza sea, a ......................21 

buzkashi boys .......................................... 29 

caine’s arcade ......................................... 52 

cairo 678 .....................................................21 

carbon for water .................................. 60 

caris’ peace .............................................. 52 

citizen, the ................................................ 34 

cross court...............................................67 

dave ............................................................. 54 

death........................................................... 34 

dva ............................................................... 29 

ejaz’s story ............................................. 80 

eliot & me .................................................. 35 

elon + emmanuel .................................... 79 

erasing hate............................................. 54 

escape fire: the fight to rescue 

american healthcare ........................... 26 

evolution .................................................. 53 

fairytale .................................................... 75 

father’s chair .......................................... 38 

flawless life ............................................ 78 

four walls sarajevo ............................ 75 

free kick ......................................................67 

free samples ............................................ 38 

friend request pending ........................ 79 

from nothing, something ................... 55 

future weather ...................................... 22 

gattu .......................................................... 39 

girl next door, the .................................72 

glowing hours, the ............................... 80 

good karma $1 ........................................ 73 

hayfever .................................................... 39 

head over heels ...................................... 28 

high ground ..............................................11 

high school shorts program ............ 85 

hunter, the ............................................... 75 

hurdy gurdy ............................................. 69 

i am not a hipster ................................... 40 

in organic we trust .............................. 55 

inocente .................................................... 28 

it ain’t over ...............................................74 

it’s such a beautiful day...................... 28 

jack and the dustbowl ........................ 78 

jason becker: not dead yet ................ 26 

jealous of the birds .............................. 58 

kipp normand .......................................... 28 

la camioneta ........................................... 53 

la source................................................... 58 

last race, the ...........................................67 

l’equip petit ............................................... 68 

lemon ......................................................... 59 

Table of Contents 

little kyoya neon hood .........................81 

lower 9: a story of home, the ............ 69 

magical wishing 

washing machine, the .......................... 78 

mariachi gringo ..................................... 40 

mr. bellpond ............................................ 53 

not that funny.........................................41 

nothing like chocolate ........................ 60 

one split second ......................................72 

otelo burning ...........................................41 

our world insideout: brazil ............... 69 

past their prime ...................................... 35 

picture. perfect. .......................................74 

re-birthday ................................................42 

restoring sight in bangladesh ......... 59 

revolution of juan escopeta, the .....42 

revolutionary, the .................................61 

right to play ............................................ 68 

rising from ashes ...................................27 

saints and soldiers: 

airborne creed ....................................... 43 

skyborn ..................................................... 69 

somewhere between .............................61 

spaghetti for two .................................. 73 

speakeasy supper-club ..........................72 

starry, starry night ............................. 22 

station master, the ................................74 

stories and legends: historic 

preservation in muncie, indiana ..... 68 

story about rosa, the .......................... 80 

story of luke, the ................................... 43 

stronger ................................................... 75 

stuck ........................................................... 62 

tom sadly .................................................. 78 

trash dance ..............................................27 

tumbleweed! ............................................ 79 

under african skies ...............................17 

valley of saints ...................................... 23 

walk tall ................................................... 52 

what if, like me... ..................................... 79 

whisper to a roar, a .............................. 62 

who cares? ............................................... 63 

1

Welcome 

Welcome to the 21st Annual 

Heartland Film Festival! 

Heartland Truly Moving Pictures, a national, independent, non-profit 

arts organization, was established in 1991 to inspire filmmakers and 

audiences through the transformative power of film. 

sponsored by

Hello! 

This has been a very exciting year for Heartland: moving into 

new offices, new screening locations, launching a year-round 

community screening program. Not to mention being accepted 

as a qualifying festival in the Short Films category for the 

Academy Awards®, provided the film otherwise complies with 

the Academy rules! 

On top of all that, we received an all-time record 1,240 

submissions this year! This made our task of choosing the best 

118 films exceedingly difficult, but thanks to the help of Louise 

Henderson, our VP of Operations and Head Documentary 

Programmer; Julie Landrum, our Shorts Programmer; and our 

incredible interns and volunteer screeners, we are confident that 

this year’s lineup is the best yet. 

The films this year cover everything from social unrest in Egypt 

(Cairo 678) to a young man from Kansas playing mariachi music 

in Mexico (Mariachi Gringo). Our documentaries will take you 

to competitive bicycle racing in Rwanda (Rising From Ashes) 

and show you the world of an artist struggling in Jim Crow south 

during the Civil Rights unrest (All Me: The Life and Times of 

Winfred Rembert). Each film will change the way you see the 

world and change your perspectives on life here in America and 

across the globe. Enjoy! 

Tim Irwin 

Artistic Director 

Heartland Truly Moving Pictures 

Dear Friends of Heartland, 

October has become such a special time in Indiana. Not just 

because football is going strong, but also because we experience 

a growing, encouraging response at the Heartland Film Festival. 

All year our staff has been working hard to create the finest 

experience for our audience by programming the best films and 

coordinating exciting events. And then we get to see all of that 

actualized through our incredible volunteers! 

Our goal is that you can pick any one of the films playing and be 

moved in a way that can cause you to see the world through a new 

light. By having a greater understanding of different cultures 

and situations, we are able to be more united. 

Welcome to the 21st year of the Festival! Discover incredible 

accomplishments, meet new people and be transformed by the 

power of the cinema. 

Jeffrey L. Sparks 

President & CEO 


3

General Information 

Screening Tickets 

Heartland Film Festival’s ticketing system allows you to plan ahead and 

purchase advance screening tickets for the specific films playing on the 

dates and times that best fit your busy schedule. 

How to Purchase Screening Tickets 

1. ONLINE: Purchase tickets online at HeartlandFilmFestival.org. 

2. PHONE: Call the Festival’s toll-free ticket line at 1.866.HFF.1010. 

3. THEATERS: Purchase tickets at the theaters during the Festival. 

Ticket Prices 

Single tickets to the screenings are $8.00 each when purchased in 

advance online or through the toll-free ticket line. Tickets purchased at 

the theaters are $10 each. Attendees can purchase 10 tickets at a 

discounted rate of $80 (a $20 savings over single ticket pricing). All 10 

screening tickets must be purchased at the same time to receive the 

discount. A service fee will be added to all online and phone orders. 

For more information on ticketing service fees and shipping options, visit 

HeartlandFilmFestival.org. 

10-Packs 

Festival 10-Packs, consisting of 10 ticket vouchers, are available in 

advance for $80 (a $20 savings over single ticket pricing) at select 

Indianapolis area Marsh Supermarkets. The ticket vouchers must be 

exchanged for actual screening tickets. Visit the Heartland Film 

Festival box office at AMC Castleton Square 14 or AMC Showplace 

Traders Point 12 during Festival hours to exchange your vouchers 

for tickets to the specific films you want to see. No service fees apply. 

Visit HeartlandFilmFestival.org for the list of Indianapolis Marsh 

Supermarkets selling Festival 10-Packs. 

Group Discount 

Group sales for 20 or more on screening tickets are available by calling 

the Heartland office at 317.464.9405. 

Additional Ticketing Information 

• Attendees must be seated 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start of 

the screening or the seat may be forfeited. 

• No refunds or exchanges will be allowed for purchased 

screening tickets. 

• You may purchase tickets to future Festival screenings at the theaters. 

However, we ask that you make those purchases during off-peak hours. 

Special Events Tickets 

Tickets for all special events are available through Heartland’s toll-free 

ticket line at 1.866. HFF.1010 or HeartlandFilmFestival.org. Prices 

vary by event. A service fee will be added to all online and phone orders. 

4 

FEST Passes 

The FEST Pass is the best way to fully enjoy the Heartland Film Festival. 

The Festival is offering three FEST Pass options this year. 

• $105 allows you access to unlimited regular matinee screenings 

before 5 P.M. 

• $190 allows you access to unlimited regular film screenings 

• $350 allows you all the above, plus one ticket to all special events 

The FEST Pass is not valid for admission to the special events unless 

otherwise noted. The FEST Pass is not transferable and is intended 

for use only by the individual FEST Pass owner. Your name will be 

printed on the FEST Pass and we reserve the right to check your ID. 

Please note FEST Pass owners must be in their seats 10 minutes prior to 

the scheduled start of the screening otherwise the seat may be forfeited. 

Audience Choice Awards 

At the entrance to each screening, a volunteer will hand you a ballot for 

the Audience Choice Awards. Upon conclusion of the screening, you may 

rate the film(s) you just viewed by tearing the Audience Choice Award 

ballot at the appropriate place(s). Ballots will be collected as you exit the 

film and will be used to tabulate the Audience Choice Awards for each of 

the three categories: Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature and 

Short Film. 

Online Festival Community 

Visit HeartlandFilmFestival.org to learn about this year’s films, 

events and filmmakers. View trailers, synopses and stills and check out 

what others are saying about the films. Create your own Festival 

viewing schedule and leave your own reviews of the films. Follow us on 

Twitter at @HeartlandTMP and on Facebook at facebook.com/ 

HeartlandTMP. 

Venue Information — Special Events 

Opening Night Event 

The Toby, Indianapolis Museum of Art 

4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46208 

Heartland Film Festival Awards Ceremony 

Old National Centre 

502 North New Jersey Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 

Filmmakers’ Brunch: Reel Conversations 

Omni Severin Hotel 

40 West Jackson Place, Indianapolis, IN 46225 

Family Movie Event 

AMC Castleton Square 14 

6020 East 82nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46250 

Closing Night Event 

The Toby, Indianapolis Museum of Art 

4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46208

Festival Schedule 

thursday, OctOber 18 — indianapOlis museum Of art 

Time movie TiTle page 

7:00 pm high ground ...........................................11 

friday, OctOber 19 — amc castletOn square 14 


10:00 am rising from ashes ......................................27 

10:30 am trash dance ...........................................27 

10:45 am festival award shorts #1 ...............................28 

11:00 am bottle in the gaza sea, a ...............................21 

11:15 am cairo 678 ...............................................21 

12:30 pm escape fire: the fight to rescue american healthcare ...26 

1:00 pm jason becker: not dead yet .............................26 

1:30 pm future weather ........................................22 

1:45 pm all me: the life and times of winfred rembert ...........23 

2:00 pm starry, starry night ...................................22 

3:15 pm festival award shorts #2 ...............................29 

3:30 pm valley of saints ........................................23 

4:00 pm trash dance ...........................................27 


4:30 pm rising from ashes ......................................27 

6:00 pm high school shorts program ...........................85 


6:30 pm bottle in the gaza sea, a ...............................21 






9:45 pm cairo 678 ...............................................21 


saturday, OctOber 20 — amc castletOn square 14 


10:30 am shorts program #4 (hope in the face of darkness) .......74 

10:45 am rising from ashes ......................................27 

11:00 am jason becker: not dead yet .............................26 

11:15 am bottle in the gaza sea, a ...............................21 

6 

special events 

amc castletOn square 14 

amc shOwplace traders pOint 12 






1:45 pm shorts program #1 (sports). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 

3:30 pm gattu ..................................................39 

3:45 pm otelo burning ..........................................41 

4:15 pm from nothing, something ..............................55 

4:30 pm nothing like chocolate .................................60 

6:00 pm free samples ...........................................38 

6:15 pm lemon .................................................59 

6:45 pm whisper to a roar, a ....................................62 

7:00 pm hayfever ...............................................39 

8:30 pm who cares? ............................................63 

8:45 pm in organic we trust ....................................55 

9:15 pm 3 days of normal .......................................33 

saturday, OctOber 20 — amc shOwplace traders pOint 12 


10:30 am all me: the life and times of winfred rembert ...........23 

10:45 am escape fire: the fight to rescue american healthcare ...26 



1:30 pm trash dance ...........................................27 


3:15 pm somewhere between ...................................61 

3:30 pm besa: the promise ......................................48 

5:00 pm mariachi gringo .......................................40 

5:30 pm shorts program #3 (interesting individuals) ............72 

5:45 pm anderson monarchs, the ..............................47 

7:30 pm shorts program #2 (cities) ..............................68 

7:45 pm la source ..............................................58 

8:00 pm i am not a hipster ......................................40 

11:00 am cairo 678 ...............................................21 

sunday, OctOber 21 — amc castletOn square 14 


12:00 pm shorts program #6 (children around the world) .......80 

12:15 pm dave ...................................................54 

12:30 pm awaken the dragon ....................................48 

2:00 pm family movie event—3 day test .........................16 

2:30 pm saints and soldiers: airborne creed ...................43 


3:00 pm future weather ........................................22

sunday, OctOber 21 — amc castletOn square 14 



5:15 pm atomic states of america, the ..........................47 

5:30 pm tba ...................................................n/a 


6:45 pm jealous of the birds ....................................58 


8:00 pm not that funny .........................................41 

8:15 pm trash dance ...........................................27 

sunday, OctOber 21 — amc shOwplace traders pOint 12 



12:15 pm big picture: rethinking dyslexia, the ....................49 


2:00 pm erasing hate ...........................................54 

2:30 pm shorts program #4 (hope in the face of darkness) .......74 


4:30 pm shorts program #5 (a world of whimsy) ................78 

5:00 pm stuck ..................................................62 

5:15 pm citizen, the .............................................34 



7:30 pm revolution of juan escopeta, the .......................42 

mOnday, OctOber 22 — amc castletOn square 14 


12:15 pm re-birthday ............................................42 

12:30 pm caris’ peace ............................................52 


1:00 pm la camioneta ..........................................53 


2:45 pm cairo 678 ...............................................21 

3:00 pm story of luke, the ......................................43 

3:15 pm who cares? ............................................63 


5:00 pm stuck ..................................................62 



7:15 pm citizen, the .............................................34 

7:30 pm gattu ..................................................39 




mOnday, OctOber 22 — amc shOwplace traders pOint 12 


11:45 am from nothing, something ..............................55 




2:15 pm hayfever ...............................................39 

2:45 pm lemon .................................................59 


4:30 pm trash dance ...........................................27 


6:30 pm death ..................................................34 

6:30 pm seminar ...............................................n/a 




tuesday, OctOber 23 — amc castletOn square 14 




12:45 pm who cares? ............................................63 

1:15 pm trash dance ...........................................27 

2:30 pm citizen, the .............................................34 



3:15 pm gattu ..................................................39 


5:15 pm assignment, the ........................................33 



7:15 pm stuck ..................................................62 




tuesday, OctOber 23 — amc shOwplace traders pOint 12 


11:45 am somewhere between ...................................61 





2:45 pm eliot & me ..............................................35 

4:15 pm cairo 678 ...............................................21 

7


tuesday, OctOber 23 — amc shOwplace traders pOint 12 




6:45 pm re-birthday ............................................42 

7:15 pm death ..................................................34 


wednesday, OctOber 24 — amc castletOn square 14 



12:15 pm hayfever ...............................................39 



2:15 pm eliot & me ..............................................35 


2:45 pm who cares? ............................................63 

3:15 pm dave ...................................................54 


4:45 pm death ..................................................34 






7:45 pm seminar ...............................................n/a 

wednesday, OctOber 24 






2:15 pm lemon .................................................59 

2:30 pm la source ..............................................58 

2:45 pm re-birthday ............................................42 

4:30 pm cairo 678 ...............................................21 


8 

special events 

amc castletOn square 14 


wednesday, OctOber 24 






7:30 pm revolutionary, the .....................................61 

thursday, OctOber 25 — amc castletOn square 14 


11:30 am somewhere between ...................................61 

11:45 am caris’ peace ............................................52 


12:30 pm eliot & me ..............................................35 



2:30 pm trash dance ...........................................27 







6:45 pm tba ...................................................n/a 





thursday, OctOber 25 



11:30 am big picture: rethinking dyslexia, the ....................49 





3:30 pm hayfever ...............................................39 



5:45 pm dave ...................................................54 




8:30 pm mariachi gringo .......................................40

thursday, OctOber 25 




friday, OctOber 26 — amc castletOn square 14 


11:00 am story of luke, the ......................................43 

11:15 am re-birthday ............................................42 


11:45 am whisper to a roar, a ....................................62 


1:30 pm shorts program #4 (hope in the face of darkness) .......74 




4:00 pm death ..................................................34 

4:15 pm eliot & me ..............................................35 

4:30 pm gattu ..................................................39 

6:00 pm cairo 678 ...............................................21 

6:15 pm somewhere between ...................................61 


6:45 pm father’s chair ..........................................38 




9:15 pm trash dance ...........................................27 

friday, OctOber 26 — amc shOwplace traders pOint 12 


11:00 am la source ..............................................58 

11:15 am nothing like chocolate .................................60 









6:30 pm tba ...................................................n/a 

6:45 pm caris’ peace ............................................52 





saturday, OctOber 27 — indianapOlis museum Of art 


7:00 pm under african skies ....................................17 



11:00 am jealous of the birds ....................................58 

11:15 am escape fire: the fight to rescue american healthcare ...26 

11:30 am shorts program #4 (hope in the face of darkness) .......74 

11:45 am all me: the life and times of winfred rembert ...........23 





3:30 pm lemon .................................................59 









8:30 pm la source ..............................................58 

9:00 pm cairo 678 ...............................................21 


saturday, OctOber 27 — amc shOwplace traders pOint 12 



11:15 am caris’ peace ............................................52 

11:30 am saints and soldiers: airborne creed ...................43 

1:15 pm stuck ..................................................62 







6:15 pm dave ...................................................54 




9:00 pm citizen, the .............................................34 

9

Festival Sponsors 

Sponsors 

Premier Sponsors 

Marquee Sponsors 

Producing Sponsors 

Partners 

Supporting Partners 

Contributing Partners 

Participating Partners 

Auralex Acoustics Jim’s Formalwear Roberts Camera 

Raymond James & 

Associates, Inc. 

10 

designer of the 

crystal heart award & the 

truly moving picture award 

official media partner 

of the heartland film festival 

official printer of the 

heartland film festival 

official legal counsel to the 

heartland film festival since 1991 

official hotel of the 


Firebelly 

official beer of the 


official sponsor of heartland film society 

Festival Partners 

Baise Communications Creative America Heartland Distillers 

The Indianapolis Star Landmark Theaters Shiftboard


High Ground 

documentary feature | 91 minutes | usa | 2012 

Director: Michael Brown 

Producers: Don Hahn, Michael Brown 

Writers: Michael Brown, Scott McElroy, Brian Mockenhaupt, 

Ryan Fenson-Hood, Matthew L. Murray 

Featuring stunning cinematography and powerful emotions, High Ground 

is an honest and gripping portrayal of veterans returning from the 

longest war in American history. Their poignant story unfolds in 

unexpected ways as the team makes their way high into the Himalayan 

Mountains, through the villages of Nepal, over raging rivers and up 

terrifying steep terrain risking everything for a chance at the summit. 

High Ground allows veterans to tell their stories in their own way and in 

their own words. It is an honest narrative that reveals the emotional and 

mental scars sustained by the soldiers who have survived the horrors of 

war. The mountain itself is a metaphor for one of the basic concepts to 

military action – the high ground is the safest, most defensible place 

with the greatest perspective. The film chronicles a showcase 

expedition called “Soldiers to the Summit,” bringing together disabled 

war veterans with world recognized mountain climbers to demonstrate 

what could be achieved by climbing a Himalayan giant. 

Special Events 

A key outcome of the expedition is a documentary film that tells the 

inspiring stories of these heroes and spreads a healing message to a 

national audience. Full integration back into their community and the 

civilian world is a treacherous road, fraught with obstacles and pitfalls. 

After initial rehabilitation, these veterans are often left to fend for 

themselves and struggle with physical and mental roadblocks, 

depression and alienation. This issue affects every aspect of society, not 

just families and hometown communities, but our national character 

and our legacy. How these wounded soldiers transition is one of the most 

important repercussions of these wars and an adversity with which we 

will contend for generations. 

Mature themes due to sharing of war experiences. 

Brief strong language. 

7:00 pm thursday, october 18 

indianapolis museum of art 

opening night event sponsored by: 

11


Heartland Film Festival Awards Ceremony 

Come experience the world of independent film as we gather to honor the 

filmmakers who make the Heartland Film Festival possible. Be the first 

to know the winners of the $100,000 Grand Prize for Best Narrative 

Feature, the $25,000 Grand Prize for Best Documentary Feature and the 

$10,000 Vision Award for Best Short. 

After the Awards Ceremony, mix and mingle with Festival Awardwinning 

filmmakers from around the world while enjoying hors 

d’oeuvres and beverages courtesy of Heartland Distillers and 

Coppola Wine. 

saturday, october 20 

old national centre 

7:00 pm / doors open 

8:00 pm / ceremony begins with afterglow party to follow 

ticket price — $100 

black tie optional 

12

Filmmakers’ Brunch: Reel Conversations 

Discover the inspiration behind this year’s Award-winning films by 

joining the 2012 Heartland Film Festival filmmakers for an informal 

“meet and greet” brunch. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to speak 

one-on-one with your favorite filmmakers and hear what inspires them 

to work in this industry and to create moving films. 

sunday, october 21 — 11:00 am 

omni severin hotel 

ticket price — $25 

filmmakers’ brunch sponsored by: 


13

The following APPLAUSE is for 

the HEARTLAND FILM FESTIVAL, 

another INDIANA ORIGINAL. 

We’re PROUD of our supporting role. 

IN-2012 TRULY MOVING PICTURES 

Sit perfectly still. Be moved. 

INTELLECTUAL, ARTISTIC AND MOVING SUBJECT MATTER 

WITH REFERENCES TO THOUGHT-PROVOKING MATERIAL 

Design | Print | Mail | Ad Specialty 

PrintingPartners.net



3 Day Test 

narrative feature | 92 minutes | world premiere | usa | 2012 

Director: Corbin Bernsen 

Executive Producers: Sean P. Beck, Nancy J. Brennan, Mary Ethridge 

Producers: Chris Aronoff, Corbin Bernsen, James Greilick 

Writer: Corbin Bernsen 

Cast: George Newbern, Megyn Price, Taylor Spreitler, Francesca 

Capaldi, Kevin Crowley, Corbin Bernsen 

Martin Taylor is your average father who works hard to support his 

family; he loves his wife and kids, but feels underappreciated. One night, 

after an incident with his seventeen-year old daughter, it becomes 

painfully clear to him that he’s missing out on his kids’ lives and has lost 

touch with them. On the advice of his nutcase brother, Sam, he decides 

to give his family the “Three-Day Test.” The family must turn off all 

power and electricity, nobody leaves the house and nobody comes in…for 

three full days! With Sam trying to kill morale and wreak havoc in the 

Taylor household, they will have to work together in order to survive the 

three days. In doing so, they dismantle their house but rebuild their 

family to a new place of strength and genuine affection. 

Contains some mild slapstick action. 

16 

sunday, october 21 — 2:00 pm 

amc castleton square 14 

family movie event sponsored by:


Under African Skies 

documentary feature | 108 minutes | usa | 2012 

Director: Joe Berlinger 

Editor: Joshua Pearson 

In Under African Skies director Joe Berlinger (Crude, Paradise Lost) 

travels back to South Africa with Paul Simon— his first trip back in 25 

years, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the historic Graceland album 

and play a reunion concert. Despite its huge success and despite it being 

the first popular/successful example of fusing American and African 

musical styles, Graceland was initially met with tremendous political 

crossfire as Paul was accused of breaking the UN cultural boycott of 

South Africa designed to end the apartheid regime. Paul Simon revisits 

these ghosts as the musical journey is explored. The film features 

interviews with Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Harry Belafonte, 

David Byrne, Philip Glass, Lorne Michaels, Whoopi Goldberg, Quincy 

Jones and Steve Van Zandt. 

Archive footage in the film shows the exuberance of Paul Simon’s 

recording sessions with these musicians 25 years ago and their 

excitement of the world hearing their music for the first time on a 

commercial scale. Paul’s interest in black South African music and 


rhythms from a purely artistic perspective put him in the crosshairs of 

the international political maelstrom of cultural and economic boycotts 

of apartheid-era South Africa. Alternating between present day 

conversations and footage of the past, interspersed with lots of the 

infectious, familiar songs that are the legendary Graceland album, this 

film is a reminder of not just the amazing music of Paul Simon and the 

South African musicians, but the context of the times during which it 

was created. 

A few scenes of South African anti-apartheid violence. 

Brief strong language. 

saturday, october 27 — 7:00 pm 

indianapolis museum of art 

closing night party — 9:30 pm 

jazz kitchen 

closing night event sponsored by: 

17

Festival 

Award 

Winners 

Sit perfectly still. Be moved. 

The Festival Awards are given each year to high quality independent 

films that align with Heartland’s mission. Five Awards are given 

in each category - five Narrative Features, five Documentary 

Features and five Short Films are named winners each year. 

The Jimmy Stewart Memorial Crystal Heart Award is given to 

two outstanding student filmmakers. All seventeen of these films 

are eligible for the Audience Choice Awards. 

The Festival Award juries for each category are comprised of 

past Heartland Film Festival filmmakers, local critics and 

local academics and scholars. 

sponsored by

A Bottle in the Gaza Sea 

narrative feature | festival award | 100 minutes | france, israel | 2012 

Director: Thierry Binisti 

Producers: Anne-Marie Gélinas, Amir Harel, Ayelet Kait, Milena Poylo, 

Gilles Sacuto 

Writers: Thierry Binisti, Valérie Zenatti 

Cast: Agathe Bonitzer, Mahmud Shalaby, Hiam Abbass 

Tal is a 17-year-old girl from France who has settled in Jerusalem with 

her family. She writes a letter expressing her refusal to accept that only 

hatred can reign between Israelis and Palestinians. She slips the letter 

into a bottle, and her brother throws it into the sea near Gaza, where he 

is carrying out his military service. A few weeks later, Tal receives an 

e-mail response from a mysterious “Gazaman,” a young Palestinian 

named Naïm. Thus begins a turbulent but tender long-distance 

friendship between two young people that are separated by a history 

they are trying both to understand and change. 

A Bottle in the Gaza Sea does a marvelous job of representing the people 

on opposite sides of conflict, people who can connect with one another 

in spite of their circumstances, and, more importantly, provide hope in 

the middle of darkness. 

This film contains some mild language, some drug/alcohol content, 

some violence and some mild sexual content. 

In Arabic, Hebrew and French with English subtitles. 

friday, october 19 

11:00 am & 6:30 pm 


saturday, october 20 — 11:15 am 



amc showplace traders point 12 

monday, october 22 — 5:45 pm 


tuesday, october 23 — 7:30 pm 


wednesday, october 24 — 4:45 pm 


friday, october 26 — 1:00 pm 


Cairo 678 

Festival Award Winners 

narrative feature | festival award | 100 minutes | egypt | 2010 

Director: Mohamed Diab 

Executive Producer: Boshra 

Producer: Sarah Goher 

Writer: Mohamed Diab 

Cast: Bushra Rozza, Maged El Kedwani, Nahed El Sebai, Nelly Karim 

The stories of three women of different social classes unfold as they 

unite in their search for justice from the daily plight of sexual 

harassment in Egypt. Fayza, a conservative mother of two, violently 

takes matters into her own hands; Seba, an affluent jewelry designer 

and victim to a gang attack, lectures women on retaliating against these 

vulgar acts; and Nelly, an amateur stand-up comedian, gets nationally 

condemned for being the first Egyptian to file a sexual harassment 

lawsuit. Fayza emerges as a phantasmal hero, subsequently joined by the 

other women who aspire to be like her when they realize such violence 

makes a difference. 

Cairo 678 is one of those rare films that truly makes a difference in the 

world; in this case, causing new legislation to be enacted in Egypt to 

reprimand sexual harassers. Tackling a difficult subject with a beautiful 

and fluid style, Cairo 678 is an important reminder of the issues faced by 

women around the world. 

This film contains mature themes, some disturbing violent content, 

some sexual content and some mild language. 

In Arabic with English subtitles. 


11:15 am & 9:45 pm 














21


Future Weather 

narrative feature | festival award | 96 minutes | usa | 2010 

Director: Jenny Deller 

Executive Producers: Jennifer Dubin, Cora Olson 

Producers: Kristin Fairweather, Jenny Deller 

Writer: Jenny Deller 

Cast: Amy Madigan, Anubhav Jain, Lili Taylor, Marin Ireland 

When her single mom runs off to California, Lauduree, a passionate 

environmentalist, clings to her rural home and a carbon sequestration 

experiment. But her grandmother Greta, a caustic nurse on the verge of 

moving in with her long-distance boyfriend, has other plans. Thrust into 

each other’s lives, the two women must learn to trust each other and leap 

into the unknown. 

Future Weather is an impressive debut feature from Jenny Deller; the 

film wonderfully captures the impossibilities of an unpleasant situation 

and a young girl’s resolve to keep fighting until things are as right as she 

can make them. 

This film contains some strong language and mature themes. 


1:30 pm & 8:45 pm 








22 

thursday, october 25 — 5:00 pm 


friday, october 26 — 3:30pm 




Starry, Starry Night 

narrative feature | festival award | 99 minutes | taiwan, china | 2011 

Director: Tom Lin 

Executive Producer: Kuo-fu Chen 

Producers: Zhonglei Wang, Weijan Liu 

Writer: Tom Lin 

Cast: Josie Xu, René Liu, Harlem Yu 

In the middle of her parents’ divorce and her grandfather’s death, Mei 

finds solace in her new friend Jay even as they begin a perilous journey 

into the mountainous wilderness to find her grandparents’ home. As 

they venture into the starry, starry night, they get lost in a storm that 

leads them towards a greater destination. 

This beautiful film contains fantasy elements and powerful messages 

about love, growing up and finding your destiny. Creatively brought to 

the screen, Starry, Starry Night is a treasure of a film. 

This film contains some mature themes relating to divorce, but is 

otherwise suitable for all ages. 

In Chinese with English subtitles. 


2:00 pm & 6:15 pm 













amc castleton square 14

Valley of Saints 

narrative feature | festival award | 82 minutes | usa, india | 2012 

Director: Musa Syeed 

Producer: Nicholas Bruckman 

Writer: Musa Syeed 

Cast: Gulzar Ahmad Bhat, Mohammed Afzal Sofi, Neelofar Hamid 

War and poverty force Gulzar, a young tourist boatman, to run away 

from Kashmir with his best friend. But a military crackdown derails 

their escape, and they become trapped in Gulzar’s lake village. Waiting 

for conditions to change they discover a mysterious woman, braving the 

curfew to research the dying lake. As Gulzar falls for her, rivalry and 

jealousy threaten his boyhood friendship and their plans of escape. 

Gulzar must choose between a new life and a new love. 

The first film set in the endangered lake communities of Kashmir, 

Valley of Saints blends fiction and documentary to bring audiences 

inside this unique world. Beautifully filmed and acted, the film will 

change people’s perspectives on a part of the world they rarely consider. 

This film contains some mild language, mature themes and brief 

violent content. 

In Kashmiri with English subtitles. 


3:30 pm & 9:30 pm 















All Me: The Life and Times 

of Winfred Rembert 

documentary feature | festival award | 74 minutes | usa | 2011 

Director: Vivian Ducat 

Producers: Michael Culyba, Vivian Ducat, Ray Segal, Mark Urman 

This film chronicles the journey of Winfred Rembert, an African 

American artist whose art sells at a Madison Avenue gallery but who 

earlier in his life had served seven years on a chain gang in Georgia. His 

brightly colored, intensely autobiographical paintings, executed on 

leather canvases which Rembert also tools, describe life in the Jim Crow 

south in the 1950’s and 60’s. A native of Georgia, Rembert now lives with 

his wife and eight children in a rough neighborhood in New Haven but 

also operates in the social universe of well-off white collectors in 

Connecticut who buy his work. The film traces his life and 

contextualizes the era it describes. Winfred is a fascinating, remarkable 

man. You will be enthralled by his stories, even the tough ones, and how 

he translates them into his art. 

This film contains mild language, mild violence and mature themes 

relating to Winfred’s life in the Jim Crow south. 


1:45 pm & 7:00 pm 














23

Covenant Productions ® is a proud sponsor of the Heartland Film Festival 

We understand the patience and creativity required to capture 

images that make a truly moving picture. But our success is not 

measured by hours spent or footage compiled, but by the audiences 

touched through the stories we share. For 20 years, the Heartland 

Film Festival has brought audiences together to celebrate inspiring, 

independent films, raising the standards of film production and 

bringing greater meaning to the work of filmmakers everywhere. 

1100 E. 5th St., Anderson, IN 46012-3495 • (765) 641-4348 • www.covenantproductions.com

MAYBE 

QUESTIONING 

THE NORM 

SHOULD BE 

THE NEW NORM. 

Every time a bar gets raised, a record gets broken, 

or a new star shines, it’s because somebody was 

curious. Wondering how high they could reach. 

How much they could do. As a proud supporter of 

Heartland Truly Moving Pictures and the Heartland 

Film Festival, we applaud that. Questioning 

everything makes anything possible. 

Member FDIC. © Fifth Third Bank 2012


Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue 

American Healthcare 


Directors: Matthew Heineman, Susan Frömke 

Executive Producers: Doug Scott 

Producers: Susan Frömke, Matthew Heineman, Elyssa Hess, 

Matt Porwoll, Bradley J. Ross, Adam White 

Escape Fire tackles one of the most pressing issues of our time: how can 

we save our badly broken healthcare system? American healthcare costs 

are rising rapidly. We pay more, yet our health outcomes are worse. 

About 65% of Americans are overweight and almost 75% of healthcare 

costs are spent on preventable diseases that are the major causes of 

disability and death in our society. The current battle over cost and 

access does not ultimately address the root of the problem: we have a 

disease-care system, not a healthcare system. 

Escape Fire examines the powerful forces maintaining the status quo, a 

medical industry designed for quick fixes rather than prevention, for 

profit-driven care rather than patient-driven care. After decades of 

resistance, a movement to bring innovative high-touch, low-cost 

methods of prevention and healing into our high-tech, costly system is 

finally gaining ground. This film follows dramatic human stories as well 

as leaders fighting to transform healthcare at the highest levels of 

medicine, industry, government and even the US military. Escape Fire is 

about finding a way out. It’s about saving the health of a nation. 


12:30 pm & 8:30 pm 








26 







Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet 


Director: Jesse Vile 

Executive Producers: Oli Harbottle, Dennis Joyce 

Producers: Peter King, Freny Sepai, Jesse Vile 

When doctors diagnosed 19-year-old rock star Jason Becker with Lou 

Gehrig’s Disease, they said he would never make music again and that he 

wouldn’t live to see his 25th birthday. 22 years later, without the ability 

to move or to speak, Jason is alive and making music with his eyes. It’s 

the incredible story of a guitar legend who refuses to give up on his 

dream of being a musician despite the most incredible odds. It is a story 

of dreams, love and the strength of the human spirit. 

A rising star in 80s rock bands, Jason had just reached a pinnacle, 

replacing Steve Vai in David Lee Roth’s band, when the symptoms of 

ALS began. Just when you think you know where this story will go, it 

takes unexpected turns. Always close to his family, Jason has been 

lovingly cared for by his parents and caregivers, extending his life far 

beyond expectations. Most striking is Jason’s own attitude and will to 

live. Though he can only communicate with his eyes, he continues to 

compose music and release albums. This is not a story of a rock band 

guitarist, it’s the story of remarkable talent, that through love and a 

strong will to live continues despite debilitating physical obstacles. 

This film contains some strong language and mature themes 

relating to description of rock band lifestyles. 


1:00 pm & 10:00 pm 













amc showplace traders point 12

Rising From Ashes 


Director: T.C. Johnstone 

Executive Producers: Forest Whitaker, Jon and Linda Halbert, 

Peb Jackson, Dan Cooper, Nina Yang 

Producers: T.C. Johnstone, Greg Kwedar, Kristen Johnstone 

Two worlds collide when cycling legend Jock Boyer moves to Rwanda to 

help the first Rwandan National Cycling Team in their six year journey 

to the Olympic Games in London. As they set out against impossible 

odds both Jock and the team find new purpose as they rise from the 

ashes of their past. 

While this film follows Jock and the Rwandan riders from improbable 

beginnings through to international competition, it focuses on the 

second chances they seize, both in coming back from personal setbacks 

to overcoming the devastating Rwandan genocide. Beautifully shot, you 

will be taken in by Jock’s commitment to the team and the riders’ drive 

to improve and learn to compete against professionals, all the while 

displaying a determination so beautifully expressed through their 

winning smiles. The film has been updated to include footage from the 

London Olympics. Narrated by Forrest Whitaker. 

This film contains mature themes mostly related to the 

Rwandan genocide. 

In English and Kinyarwanda with English subtitles. 


10:00 am & 4:30 pm 















Trash Dance 


Director: Andrew Garrison 

Producer: Andrew Garrison 

Sometimes inspiration is found in unexpected places. Choreographer 

Allison Orr sees beauty and grace in garbage trucks—and in the men and 

women who pick up our trash. She joins city sanitation workers on their 

daily routes to listen, learn and ultimately to try to convince them to 

collaborate in a unique dance performance. Hard working, often 

carrying a second job, their lives are already full with work, family and 

dreams of their own. But some step forward, and after months of 

rehearsal, two dozen trash collectors and their trucks perform an 

extraordinary spectacle. On an abandoned airport runway, thousands of 

people show up to see how in the world a garbage truck can “dance.” 

You’ve never seen a film like this before. The relationships between the 

choreographer and sanitation workers are interesting to watch, as they 

move from puzzlement to hesitancy then full-on commitment to her 

project. The results are evident in the performance, the artful way they 

manipulate their equipment. Words can’t describe it. You just have to 

see for yourself! 

This film contains mild language but is otherwise suitable 

for families. 


10:30 am & 4:00 pm 














27

Festival Award Winning Shorts 

Festival Awards 

Shorts 1 


10:45 am & 4:15 pm 



amc showplace 

traders point 12 


amc showplace 




Kipp Normand 

documentary short | festival award | 11 minutes | usa | 2012 

28 


amc showplace 


friday, october 26 — 11:30 am 



amc showplace 


Director: Jonathan Frey 

Producer: Jonathan Frey 

For ten years Kipp Normand has recreated now-lost objects by 

connecting them to the present. Kipp Normand shows the value of 

history to our world, the beauty of art to our minds and the importance 

of stories to our hearts through the eyes of an artist who chooses to truly 

see what many pass over as insignificant. 

Inocente 

documentary short | festival award | 40 minutes | usa | 2012 

Directors: Sean Fine, Andrea Nix 

Fine 

Executive Producers: Susan 

Maclaury, John Leguizamo, 

Ryan A. Brooks, 

Christina Weiss Lurie, Jeffrey Lurie 

Producers: Yael Melamede, Albie 

Hecht, Emanuel Michael, Sean Fine, 

Andrea Nix Fine 

At 15, Inocente refuses to let her dream of becoming an artist be caged by 

being an undocumented immigrant forced to live homeless for the last 

nine years. Color is her personal revolution and its sweep on her 

canvases creates a world that looks nothing like her own dark past. 

It’s Such a Beautiful Day 

animated short | festival award | 23 minutes | usa | 2012 

Head Over Heels 

Director: Don Hertzfeldt 

Producer: Don Hertzfeldt 

Writer: Don Hertzfeldt 

Cast: Don Hertzfeldt 

Bill finds himself in a hospital struggling with memory problems, 

in this third and final chapter to Don Hertzfeldt’s 

Everything Will Be OK trilogy. 

animated short | jimmy stewart memorial crystal heart award | 10 

minutes | uk | 2012 

Director: Timothy Reckart 

Producer: Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly 

Writer: Timothy Reckart 

Cast: Nigel Anthony, Rayyah McCaul 

After many years of marriage, Walter and Madge have grown apart: he 

lives on the floor and she lives on the ceiling. When Walter tries to 

reignite their old romance, their equilibrium comes crashing down and 

the couple that cannot agree which way is up must find a way to put their 

marriage back together.

Festival Awards 

Shorts 2 


3:15 pm & 7:15 pm 






wednesday, october 24 

12:30 pm 

amc showplace 


Dva 

narrative short | festival award | 26 minutes | germany, croatia | 2012 

Director: Mickey Nedimovic 

Producer: Dani Barsch 

Writer: Mickey Nedimovic 

Cast: Stipe Erceg, Carlo Ljubek 

The year is 1993. Two marksmen—Robert, a Croat and Stojan, a 

Serb—wander aimlessly through the desolate countryside of Croatia. 

When their paths unexpectedly cross, their immediate struggle 

against each other leads to being involuntarily bound together by a 

common destiny. 

This film contains strong language and some violence, all related 

to the war. 

In Serbo-Croatian with English subtitles. 

thursday, october 25 — 11:45 am 

amc showplace 



amc showplace 




Festival Award Winning Shorts 

Buzkashi Boys 

narrative short | festival award | 28 minutes | afghanistan, usa | 2011 

Assemble 

narrative short | jimmy stewart memorial crystal heart award | 

22 minutes | mexico | 2012 

Director: Miguel Ferraez 

Producers: Denisse Meza, 

Miguel Ferráez 

Writer: Miguel Ferraez 

Cast: Sophie Gómez, Sebastián Díaz, 

Estefanía Ugarte, José Antonio 

Estrada, Alejandra Márquez, 

Julien Etival 

Loneliness and isolation overshadow ten-year-old Etienne when he 

comes to Mexico to live with his estranged mother. But during one of 

his mother’s ballet classes, he meets Sara, a girl who shows him that 

what is really important is not the way you say things, but what is 

behind the words. 

In Spanish and French with English subtitles. 

Director: Sam French 

Producer: Ariel Nasr 

Writers: Sam French, Martin Roe 

Cast: Fawad Mohammadi, Wali 

Talash, Jawanmard Paiz 

Set against the dramatic landscape of contemporary Afghanistan and 

the national sport of Buzkashi—a brutal game of horse polo played with a 

dead goat —Buzkashi Boys tells the compelling coming-of-age story of 

two best friends; a charismatic street urchin and a defiant blacksmith’s 

son, both of whom struggle to realize their dreams. 

This film contains mild language and some violent content. 

In Dari with English subtitles. 

29

Positive Values 

Faegre Baker Daniels has promoted positive 

values in its service to clients since 1863. 

We continue this tradition by supporting the 

Heartland Film Festival in its efforts through 

film to encourage the expression of hope and 

respect for the positive values of life. 

We are proud to be a sponsor of the festival 

and the provider of legal and business services 

to Heartland since its inception in 1991.

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(big and small) connect with their 

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We’re a full-service 

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Official 

Selections 

Narrative Features 

The human spirit shines 

brightest in a darkened theater. 

Official Selections are films chosen to be showcased in addition to 

our Festival Award winners. All of these films display excellence 

in filmmaking and align with Heartland’s mission. These films are 

eligible for the Audience Choice Awards. 

sponsored narrative features by sponsored by:

3 Days of Normal 

narrative feature | official selection | 83 minutes | usa | 2012 

Director: Ishai Setton 

Producers: Jace Mclean, Jared Parsons, Mircea Monroe 

Writers: Jace Mclean, Jared Parsons 

Cast: Mircea Monroe, Jace Mclean, Richard Riehle, Ajay Naidu 

It’s fall in rural New Hampshire and Deputy Bill Morgan, 30, runs the 

flags up the pole in front of his quaint, small town police station. It’s a 

typical day for Bill and it suits him just fine. The last thing he expects to 

discover is Nikki Gold, Hollywood’s current It-Girl, passed out drunk in 

her car. When the paparazzi hear that Nikki is in Washington, Bill and 

Nikki find themselves hiding out as the town sees a level of excitement it 

isn’t exactly used to. 

3 Days of Normal is a reminder that sometimes the gentler, nicer parts of 

life are the things worth hanging on to. Glamour and fame are deceptive, 

but the kindness of strangers has a value of its own. 

This film contains some sexual content, brief strong language and 

some mature themes. 









The Assignment 

Official Selections 


Director: Timothy J. Nelson 

Executive Producer: Forrest S. Baker III 

Producer: Jeff T. Miller 

Writer: Timothy J. Nelson 

Cast: Lindsey Godfrey, Adam Baldwin, French Stewart 

Eliza Baird is a talented, well-adjusted high school student at Wesleyan 

Academy. She has friends, a caring family and a dream to attend a 

prestigious music conservatory in Paris. Her comfortable world is about 

to be rocked when the engaging new history teacher, Mr. Clement, 

innocently assigns a project that uncovers a disturbing mystery about 

her own origins and the lengths people have gone to hide the truth. Eliza 

learns that the plot is thicker than she imagined and she’s not the only 

one with a mystery to solve. The assignment propels her on an exciting 

journey of discovery that will shed light on her past, bring people 

together and guarantee her future. 

The Assignment is a warm-hearted coming-of-age tale, humorous, 

charming and perfect for family viewing. Strong writing and authentic 

performances give the film an advantage over its peers. 

Suitable for family viewing. 









family movie series sponsored by: 

33


The Citizen 


Director: Sam Kadi 

Executive Producers: Ameer Kabour, Tarif Kanaan 

Producers: Sam Kadi, Chris Wyatt, Alan Noel Vega 

Writers: Jazmen Darnell Brown, Samir Younis, Sam Kadi 

Cast: Khaled Nabawy, Agnes Bruckner, Rizwan Manji, Cary Elwes, 

William Atherton 

Yearning to leave behind his life of misfortune in the Middle East, 

Ibrahim Jarrah wins the U.S. Green Card Lottery for a chance to become 

an American citizen. Ibrahim lands in New York City to accept his green 

card the day before the 9/11 attacks. The events of the September 

terrorist attacks forever shape the struggles he faces on his journey to 

attain the American dream. 

The Citizen is a gripping tale of courage, love and perseverance; the 

qualities that make a true citizen. 

This film contains some language, mild violence and mature themes. 

In English and Arabic with English subtitles. 





34 





Death 

narrative feature | official selection | 100 minutes | uk | 2012 

Director: Martin Gooch 

Producer: Martin Gooch 

Writer: Martin Gooch 

Cast: Paul Freeman, Leslie Phillips, Linal Haft, Nick Moran, 

Michael McKell, Sarah Jayne Dunn 

Following the mysterious and sudden death of their last surviving 

parent—their eccentric inventor father—two brothers and two sisters 

return to their family home for the first time in many years. They must 

face each other, face facts and face the future. But what do they know of 

the past? 

Death is an eclectic mix of comedy, family drama and science fiction, and 

it succeeds most remarkably. 

This film contains some mild language and mild violence. 









Eliot & Me (Plays with Abandoned and Past Their Prime) 

narrative feature | official selection | 52 minutes | ireland | 2012 

Director: Fintan Connolly 

Producer: Fiona Bergin 

Writers: Fintan Connolly, Fiona Bergin 

Cast: Ella Connolly, Renee Weldon 

Lucy struggles to come to terms with her parents’ separation. She 

rescues a dog named Eliot from the local dog shelter and her life starts to 

improve. Tragedy strikes when Eliot goes missing and Lucy must go on a 

dangerous journey to find him. 

For kids of all ages and especially dog-lovers of all ages, Eliot and Me 

is a charming Irish film starring an impressive young actress in the 

lead role. 











Past Their Prime (Plays with Eliot & Me and Abandoned) 

documentary short | official selection | 23 minutes | usa | 2012 

Director: Becca Friedman 

Producer: Becca Friedman 

The Columbus Zoo staff welcomed Colo on December 22, 1956. 

She was a household name, appearing in local papers as well as national 

publications that all announced the first gorilla born into captivity. 

Since reclaiming the title of “oldest living gorilla in captivity,” 

Colo’s staff look forward to celebrating her 55th birthday complete 

with presents, decorations and a gorilla-friendly birthday cake. 

Abandoned (Plays with Eliot & Me and Past Their Prime) 

narrative short | official selection | 4 minutes | usa | 2012 

Directors: Holle Singer, 

Rainer Magik 

Producers: Holle Singer, 

Rainer Magik 

Writers: Holle Singer, Rainer Magik 

Cast: Phoebe Magik, Michel Andreo, 

Foxy 

A romantic. A beautiful woman. A hopelessly French story set in 

Brooklyn. There are relationships that can leave a hole that’s hard to fill. 

Haunted by the image of the last time he saw her face, a heartbroken 

idealist pines for his lost love. 

In French with English subtitles. 

35


Father’s Chair 

narrative feature | official selection | 93 minutes | brazil | 2011 

Director: Luciano Moura 

Producers: Andrea Barata Ribeiro, Bel Berlinck 

Writers: Luciano Maura, Elena Soarez 

Cast: Wagner Moura, Lima Duarte, Mariana Lima, Brás Antunes 

On the weekend of his 15th birthday Pedro takes a trip but doesn’t come 

back. His father sets out to find him and bring him home. Pedro’s sudden 

disappearance is the last card to fall as Theo’s castle in the air crumbles 

to the ground. His marriage of fifteen years has already suffered. After 

checking out police stations and hospitals, Theo hits the road following 

disconcerting tracks left behind by his son – he “adopted” a horse, 

falsified his ID, sold his beloved computer and set out down a federal 

highway headed for who knows where. As he searches for his son, 

Theo meets people on the road like himself, people living borderline 

existences, encounters that force Theo to accept the imponderability of 

life itself. 

Father’s Chair is a brilliantly executed film, beautifully shot and acted, 

with a resounding story of redemption and reconciliation at its core. 

This film contains some strong language, brief sexual content, some 

violence and mature themes. 

In Portuguese with English subtitles. 



38 

Free Samples 


Director: Jay Gammill 

Executive Producers: Michael Potts, Nick Mystrom, Kevin Iwashina 

Producers: Eben Kostbar, Joseph McKelheer 

Writer: Jim Beggarly 

Cast: Jess Weixler, Jesse Eisenberg, Jason Ritter, Halley Feiffer, 

Tippi Hedren, Keir O’Donnell, Jocelin Donahue, Whitney Able 

Another rough night at the bar for aimless twentysomething Jillian 

spells an even rougher morning when her best friend Nancy asks her to 

cover her all-day shift doling out free samples from Mike’s Dream ice 

cream truck—all before she’s even had her first cup of coffee. Her fiancé 

Danny is “distant” to say the least, and her decision to take a semester off 

from Stanford Law is feeling more and more permanent every day. But 

this is just the tip of the iceberg when Jillian’s hangover is met with a 

quirky cast of quirky dessert-seeking Angelenos, all of whom get more 

sass than they bargained for. 

Free Samples is an enjoyable take on the challenges facing modern 

collegians unsure of what to do with their lives. Star turns by Jesse 

Eisenberg and the ever-graceful Tippi Hedren add a level of depth rarely 

seen in comedic dramas. 

This film contains some strong language, alcohol/drug content and 

some crude dialogue. 









Gattu 

narrative feature | official selection | 80 minutes | india | 2011 

Director: Rajan Khosa 

Producers: Children’s Film Society, India 

Writers: K.D. Satyam, Rajan Khosa, Ankur Tiwari, Dilip Shukla 

Cast: Mohammad Samad, Naresh Kumar, Bhura 

In a small town in central India, kids and adults are equally obsessed 

with kite-flying. The airspace is dominated by a black kite called Kali 

with mysterious origins. A street kid, Gattu, dreams of defeating Kali, 

but keeps failing. He discovers that the local school has a roof which will 

give him a vantage point. Impersonating a student he sneaks into the 

school and must now pretend to study. The only problem—he is illiterate! 

Nonetheless, the little street urchin takes up the challenge. Dreams 

aren’t impossible when the desire is strong. 

Gattu is a charming story set in a colorful part of the world. Alternately 

warm, funny and inspiring, Gattu is a film for all ages. 

Suitable for family viewing. 

In Hindi with English subtitles. 










Hayfever 


narrative feature | official selection | 95 minutes | italy | 2011 

Director: Laura Luchetti 

Executive Producers: Marco De Angelis, Nicola De Angelis 

Producers: Gianluca Bertogna, Marco Bertogna, 

Massimiliano di Lodovico 

Writer: Laura Luchetti 

Cast: Andrea Bosca, Diane Fleri, Giulia Michelini, Camilla Filippi, 

Giuseppe Gandini 

Hayfever takes a sweet, touching look into the lives of a group of 

20-something Roman misfits. There’s an autumn breeze blowing 

through the Eternal City, rumored to bring bravado to shy lovers. The 

wind blows past Twinkled, an antique store where handsome hipster 

Matteo is a clerk. As he rummages through estate sales, Matteo can’t 

quite let go of his own past, especially his ex, Giovanna. Meanwhile, 

co-worker Franki rides her skateboard and writes passionate love 

letters to Jude Law, while shop owner Stefano has no head for business. 

Each of their lives is as disorganized as the store until Camilla arrives. 

With a beaming smile, the young woman quickly brings order to the 

shop—and falls head over heels for Matteo, who of course holds onto 

unrequited feelings for his ex. 

Hayfever is a romantic film about dreamers who, like so many of us, must 

let go of their pasts and learn to live in the present. 

This film contains brief language and mild mature themes, but is 

suitable for almost all ages. 

In Italian with English subtitles. 









39


I Am Not a Hipster 


Director: Destin Daniel Cretton 

Executive Producer: Fred Najor 

Producers: Ron Najor, Destin Daniel Cretton, Trevor Fernando 

Writer: Destin Daniel Cretton 

Cast: Dominic Bogart, Alvaro Orlando, Tammy Minoff, Lauren Coleman, 

Kandis Erickson 

A young singer-songwriter with a growing local following wanders 

through his apathetic life. When his dad and three sisters show up to 

spread his mother’s ashes, he’s reminded of the part of himself he left 

back in Ohio and is forced to deal with the person he’s become. Based 

in San Diego’s indie music and art scene, original song performances 

are featured as the film explores what it means to be creative in the face 

of tragedy. 

I Am Not a Hipster is a new kind of coming-of-age tale, that of a nascent 

musical talent coming to terms with the fruitlessness of his life. 

Poignant and meaningful and told with great skill and strong 

performances, the film is a poignant reminder of the important things 

in life. 

This film contains strong language, brief sexual content and 

mature themes. 





40 





Mariachi Gringo 

narrative feature | official selection | 107 minutes | mexico, usa | 2011 

Director: Tom Gustafson 

Executive Producers: Gill Holland, Ambrose Roche, Isabella Smejda 

Producers: Alejandra Cárdenas, Tom Gustafson, Cory Krueckeberg, 

Rafael Cuervo, Ramiro Ruiz 

Writer: Cory Krueckeberg 

Cast: Shawn Ashmore, Martha Higareda, Fernando Becerril, 

Lila Downs, Kate Burton, Tom Wopat, Adriana Barraza 

A stifled, small-town man stuck in a dead end life runs away to 

Mexico to be a mariachi singer. Arriving in Guadalajara, he is thrown 

into the reality of his situation. Befriended by a young local woman, he 

starts to develop his talent as he is exposed to the best and worst of his 

new culture. 

Mariachi Gringo is a musical tour-de-force exploring the reality of 

‘following your dreams’ across cultural, personal, social and 

geographical borders. 

This film contains brief strong language, some mild sexual content, 

alcohol use and mature themes. 

In English and Spanish with English subtitles. 









Not That Funny 


Director: Lauralee Farrer 

Producers: Terence Berry, Jack Hafer 

Writer: Lauralee Farrer, Jonathan Foster 

Cast: Tony Hale, Brigid Brannagh, K Callan, Nick Thune 

When Stefan overhears Hayley tell a friend that all she wants is ‘a guy 

who can make her laugh,’ he sets out on a quest to become that guy. 

Unfortunately, Stefan is not that funny. And while it’s unlikely that he’ll 

succeed in becoming funny, he may just discover the man he ought to be. 

Will that be good enough to win over Hayley? 

A sweet and charming romantic drama, Not That Funny succeeds with a 

well-earned authenticity courtesy of strong performances and solid 

filmmaking. Producer Terence Berry (2010 Official Selection That 

Evening Sun) returns to Heartland with a thoroughly enjoyable look at 

romance and comedy. 

This film contains brief mild rude humor. 









Otelo Burning 


narrative feature | official selection | 96 minutes | south africa | 2011 

Director: Sara Blecher 

Producers: Sara Blecher, Kevin Fleischer 

Cast: Jafta Mamabolo, Thomas Gumede, Sihle Xaba, Tshepang Mohlomi, 

Kenneth Nkosi 

It is 1989 and the struggle against apartheid has reached its peak. 16 

year old Otelo Buthelezi, his younger brother Ntwe and his best friend 

New Year are invited to the beach-house of their new friend, Mandla 

Modise, to watch him surf. These young boys step into a world 

previously closed to them. It is exactly the opposite of the township 

where they live – a place under a constant and growing threat from 

political violence fueled by Inkatha hostel dwellers on one side, and 

United Democratic Front comrades on the other. For the boys, who 

previously had a deep-seated fear of the sea, “flying on water” comes to 

represent freedom, and they are sold. 

A gritty and occasionally disturbing look into a world little-known to 

most Americans, Otelo Burning will change perspectives and open 

audiences’ eyes to life at the end of apartheid. Inspiring and ultimately 

enlightening, Otelo Burning is a gripping and powerful film. 

This film contains some strong disturbing violence, brief disturbing 

sexual content, strong language, alcohol/drug content and mature 

themes. Recommended for mature audiences. 

In Zulu and English with English subtitles. 









41


re-Birthday 


Director: Brian Imbler 

Producers: Brian Imbler, Monique Newman 

Writer: Brian Imbler 

Cast: Scott R. Wright, Matthew Sutherland, Shazia Deen, 

Frank Ashmore, Stanton Rutledge 

Twenty years ago, Phin Chase was fed up with the world. After a series of 

tragic events, Phin locked himself inside his house just before entering 

college, never again to step outside. Though he eventually lost all contact 

with friends and family, he learned how to survive. Jack Chase, Phin’s 

confident and successful adopted brother with a playboy reputation, 

walked out on Phin, vowing to never again return... but that is all about 

to change. An overwhelming guilt and a refocused life has driven Jack to 

come back in a no-holds-barred attempt to save his brother by luring him 

out of his house by his 40th birthday. 

re-Birthday is a charming story, showing the lengths brothers 

occasionally need to go to for their own good. Funny and insightful, 

re-Birthday is independent comedy at its best. 

This film contains some alcohol content and brief mild sexual 

content, but is generally suitable for all ages. 





42 





The Revolution of Juan Escopeta 

animated feature | official selection | 92 minutes | mexico | 2012 

Director: Jorge A. Estrada 

Executive Producers: Eduardo Jiménez Ahuactzin 

Producers: Dulce Kuri, Ricardo Arnaiz, Jorge A. Estrada 

Writer: Jorge A. Estrada, Alfredo Castañeda 

Cast: Joaquin Cosio, Dolores Heredia 

Mexico, 1914. Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa fight for the Mexican 

Revolution. In a forgotten mining town lives an eleven year old boy 

named Gapo. One day the army raids his town, searching for Gapo’s 

older and only brother, a revolutionary outlaw. Gapo decides to travel to 

the north of the country to find his brother. But he’s not traveling alone; 

Juan Escopeta, a gunman for hire on a mission, joins him on his quest. 

The Revolution of Juan Escopeta tells a story of courage and resilience, 

while adding a new perspective to the Mexican Revolution. 

With a simple but effective animation style, the film focuses on the story 

and characters as they struggle for freedom. 

This film contains some strong animated violence and mature 

themes related to war. Not for children under 13. 

In Spanish with English subtitles. 









Saints and Soldiers: Airborne Creed 


Director: Ryan Little 

Executive Producers: Adam Abel, Gil Aglaure, Ryan Little 

Producers: Adam Abel, Ryan Little 

Writer: Lamont Gray, Lincoln Hoppe 

Cast: Corbin Allred, David Nibley, Jasen Wade, Lincoln Hoppe 

Based on actual events and inspired by the book “Letters Home—A 

Paratrooper’s Story,” by Lory Curtis, Saints and Soldiers: Airborne Creed 

tells the story of the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team (PRCT) 

and their participation in Operation Dragoon, which took place on 

August 15, 1944 in southern France. Their mission was to support and 

protect Allied troops in their march toward Berlin. Landing behind 

enemy lines, they came under immediate attack. In their effort to 

complete the mission and rendezvous with their unit, three 

paratroopers named Rossi, Jones and Curtis come across a group of 

French resistance fighters in desperate need of support. They decide to 

liberate a group of captured Partisans and in so doing risk their lives. 

Filmmakers Ryan Little and Adam Abel are back at Heartland with the 

follow-up to their hit film Saints and Soldiers (2003 Grand Prize 

Winner). Airborne Creed continues highlighting the bravery and courage 

of the armed forces during World War II as the men uphold the creed 

they’re sworn by. 

Contains some war-related violent content. 









The Story of Luke 



Director: Alonso Mayo 

Executive Producers: Jeong Jun You, Chris Jung, Steve & Ellen LeBlanc, 

Luca Matrundola 

Producers: Nina Leidersdorff, Julien Favre, Fred Roos 

Writer: Alonso Mayo 

Cast: Lou Taylor Pucci, Seth Green, Cary Elwes, Kristin Bauer, 

Mackenzie Munro 

Luke, 25, is autistic and has lived a sheltered life with his grandparents. 

But his world is turned upside down when his grandmother dies and he 

is forced to live with his dysfunctional relatives who have no patience for 

him or his senile grandfather, whom they quickly force into a nursing 

home. Luke is left with his grandfather’s final semi-coherent words: 

“Get a job. Find a girl. Live your own life. Be a man!” For the first time in 

his life, Luke has a mission. He is about to embark on a quest. 

The Story of Luke is a poignant example of how someone a little different 

from everyone else can have a profound impact on the lives of everyone 

around him. An insightful crowd-pleaser filmed with a quirky 

sensibility, The Story of Luke has something for everyone. 

This film contains some mild language, mild sexual content and 

alcohol use. 





thursday, october 25 — 4:00pm 




43

GREAT FILMS 

NEED A 

SUPPORTING 

CAST. 

Heartland and our corporate sponsor, Fifth Third Bank, are proud to unveil the Heartland Film Society. And just 

as importantly, we’re proud to offer you the chance to become a member. 

The Heartland Film Society was designed for film enthusiasts like you to enjoy Heartland on a whole new level. 

As a member you’ll receive a number of benefits all designed to enhance your experience of the Heartland Film 

Festival like never before. 

The benefits include: 

• advance opportunities to purchase Heartland Film Festival tickets. 

• discounts on all tickets to Heartland screenings, both during our Festival and at year round screenings. 

• free exchanges on Festival tickets. 

• 15% discount on Festival merchandise. 

• advance access to Festival Guidebook. 

• invitations to all special Film Society screenings and events, including 

our members-only Announcement Celebration. 

JOIN US AT TRULYMOVINGPICTURES.ORG 

Thanks to our sponsor. 

47

Official 

Selections 

Documentary Features 

In some films, you’re 

the dynamic character. 

The films in this category are documentaries chosen for how they 

align with Heartland’s mission and for how they exhibit excellence in 

filmmaking. For this they are showcased alongside our Festival Awardwinning 

documentaries. These films are eligible for the Audience 

Choice Awards. 

sponsored documentary by features sponsored by: 

THE OFFICIAL 

HOTEL OF THE 2012 

HEARTLAND FILM FESTIVAL

The Anderson Monarchs 

documentary feature | official selection | 76 minutes | usa | 2012 

Director: Eugene Martin 

Producers: Dollena Campbell, Ed Givnish, Daniel M. Kalai, 

Eugene Martin, Dan O’Meara 

The Anderson Monarchs is about an all-girls soccer team competing, 

living and thriving in an at-risk urban neighborhood in Philadelphia. 

Nominated in 2008 by Sports Illustrated as Sports Team of the year, 

they were also hailed as the future of American Soccer in the London 

newspaper, The Guardian. The documentary follows two girls through 

the formative years that will alter the direction and course of their lives 

forever. The Anderson Monarchs are the only all girls, nationally 

competitive African American soccer club in the United States. 

These girls’ lives in inner city Philadelphia have challenges and 

uncertainties. Being an Anderson Monarch is a chance to be on a 

tight-knit team but also a place to be simply a girl, a little girl in most 

cases, playful, funny, squirmy—but playing good soccer too. The film 

lovingly depicts this—goofing around on the sidelines, pillow fights in a 

hotel room while at a soccer tournament, soccer practice in Halloween 

costumes. The coach fosters an environment of mutual respect, care for 

others and most of all, a safe place to just be a kid, all while developing 

first-rate soccer players. 

This film is suitable for all ages. 










The Atomic States of America 



Directors: Don Argott, Sheena M. Joyce 

Producer: Sheena M. Joyce 

In 2010, the United States announced the first new nuclear power plant 

construction in over 32 years. The ‘Nuclear Renaissance’ was born, and 

America’s long-stalled expansion of nuclear energy was infused with 

new life. On March 11, 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake hit Japan and 

caused chaos at the Fukushima Power Plant. That accident sent ripples 

all the way to the US and suddenly the fierce debate over the safety and 

viability of nuclear power was back in the public consciousness. 

The film takes the viewer on a journey to reactor communities around 

the country. This film exposes the truths and myths of nuclear power, 

and poses the question of whether or not man can responsibly split the 

atom. 

The Atomic States of America strives to give a clear-eyed view of the 

issues surrounding nuclear power; its significant advantages and 

dangerous drawbacks. It puts a human face on the issue. 

This film contains some strong language due to a few of the colorful 

personalities featured in the film. 









49


Awaken the Dragon 


Director: Liz Oakley 

Producer: Liz Oakley 

The ancient Chinese sport of dragon boating catapults an unlikely crew 

of cancer survivors into a new way of being. Redefining the word ‘sick’ 

and re-framing the meaning of their diagnosis, these fractured 

individuals transform into a single force of power and beauty. Wrapped 

in a sport that is a feast for the senses, this film of nail-biting 

competition and intimate revelations challenges traditional medical 

thinking; revealing a path to wellness that holds hope for all survivors. 

This film gives us a window into the world of dragon boating; the 

strength, camaraderie and hope that participation on such a team 

creates. In this case, a team of men and women—all survivors of various 

forms of cancer—support and encourage each other to accomplish way 

more than any of them thought was previously possible. Along the way, 

they forge deep, lasting friendships. 

This film contains mature themes due to the nature of cancer and 

the realities of illness and death. 





50 





Besa: The Promise 


Director: Rachel Goslins 

Producers: Jason Williams, William Morgan, Rachel Goslins, 

Christine S. Romero 

This is the never-before-told story of the Muslims of Nazi-occupied 

Albania who saved the lives of thousands of Jews during WWII. It is 

witnessed through the modern-day prism of two men joined together in 

a remarkable and unexpected quest: Norman H. Gershman, a renowned 

American photographer determined to record the bravery and 

compassion of the Albanians, and Rexhep Hoxha, an Albanian toy shop 

owner who sets out to return three precious books to the last surviving 

member of the Jewish family his Muslim father sheltered sixty years 

before. 

When these two men meet, an extraordinary and utterly unexpected 

personal drama is set in motion—one that bridges generations and 

religions, uniting fathers and sons, Muslims and Jews. This movie 

shares a little-known chapter of history and gives honor to a courageous 

small nation that stood strong against the Germans and risked 

everything to do the right thing. 

This film contains mature themes and strong language due to 

stories related to Albanian and Jewish experiences during WWII. 

In English, Spanish, Hebrew, Albanian and Macedonian with English 

subtitles. 









The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia 

(Plays with Ailema, Caine’s Arcade, Blank Canvas, Walk Tall) 


Director: James Redford 

Executive Producer: Karen Pritzker 

Producers: James Redford, Windy Borman 

The stories of successful leaders in business, law and politics reflect on 

their dyslexic experiences as we follow the story of Dylan, a high school 

senior who must overcome the challenges of dyslexia to achieve his 

dream of getting into a competitive college. By following his journey as 

well as the journey of other children, we come to see how many myths 

and misconceptions there are about dyslexia and how it offers gifts as 

well as challenges. 

Colorful animation as well as cutting edge research from The Yale 

Center for Dyslexia and Creativity complete a picture that is bound to 

forever change the way the public sees this vexing challenge. 












Ailema (Plays with The Big Picture: Rethinking dyslexia, 

Caine’s Arcade, Blank Canvas, Walk Tall) 

narrative short | official selection | 10 minutes | uk | 2012 

Director: Cecilia Frugiuele 

Producer: Cecilia Frugiuele, 

Olivier Kaempfer 

Writer: Cecilia Frugiuele 

Cast: Lara Dawnay, Jessica Boyde 

In the privacy of Amelia’s room, dyslexia becomes a gift. The drawings 

and colors of her bedroom wall guide us into her surreal and upsidedown 

reality, which clashes with the cold and unfamiliar space of the 

classroom. At school, Amelia becomes increasingly uneasy as she is 

daunted by the prospect of a sure humiliation. 

Blank Canvas (Plays with The Big Picture: Rethinking 

dyslexia, Ailema, Caine’s Arcade, Walk Tall) 


Director: Sarah Berkovich 

Producer: Sarah Berkovich 

When Kim Thelen received a devastating diagnosis for uterine cancer, 

her world turned upside down. Taking an unconventional route, Kim 

decides to turn her baldness into a blank canvas for self-expression and 

in doing so creates a powerful statement that allows her to share her 

experience with others. 

51


Walk Tall (Plays with The Big Picture: Rethinking dyslexia, 

Ailema, Caine’s Arcade, Blank Canvas) 

documentary short | official selection | 10 minutes | uk | 2011 

52 

Director: Kate Sullivan 

Executive Producer: Anton Califano 

Producer: Lucy McDermott 

Writer: Kate Sullivan 

“No sponsorship, one kidney, tuberculosis, a broken back... All set for the 

London Olympics, 1948.” George Weedon’s glory days as a 1948 Olympic 

gymnast come to life as filmmaker Kate Sullivan balances her 

animation with live action documentary to tell his story and explore the 

passions that he still holds today. 

Caine’s Arcade (Plays with The Big Picture: Rethinking 

dyslexia, Ailema, Blank Canvas, Walk Tall) 


Director: Nirvan Mullick 

Producers: Nirvan Mullick, 

Harley Cross, Sue Chiang 

On the last day of summer in 2011, filmmaker Nirvan Mullick pulls into 

a random auto parts store and meets 9-year-old Caine Monroy standing 

behind an elaborate cardboard arcade he has built out of boxes inside his 

dad’s store. Nirvan becomes Caine’s first official customer, then hatches 

a plan to give Caine the best day of his life. 

Caris’ Peace (Plays with Mr. Bellpond) 


Director: Gaylen Ross 

Producers: Gaylen Ross, Rebecca Nelson, Steve Skrovan, Andrew Ford, 

Lewis Black 

What is an actress without memory? Caris Corfman was a brilliant 

graduate of the Yale School of Drama on the brink of stardom, acting 

opposite Ian Holm in the dramatic film Dreamland or in the original 

Broadway cast of “Amadeus” with Ian McKellen and Tim Curry, when 

brain tumors left her without short-term memory. Robbed of her ability 

to learn, recall and recite lines, or even to know what play she’s in, Caris 

was swiftly forced to recognize that her career was over. 

Caris’ Peace is the story of this courageous woman’s triumphant and 

deeply moving return, against all odds, to the New York stage with a 

one-woman show. Told with remarkable humor and wit, with friends 

and colleagues; actors Tony Shalhoub, Kate Burton and political 

comedian Lewis Black, it is an extraordinary journey of courage and 

never giving up hope. 

Some strong language due to Caris’ colorful personality. 









Mr. Bellpond (Plays with Caris’ Peace) 


Evolution (Plays with La Camioneta) 

Director: A. Todd Smith 

Producers: Bree Evans, Nick Dixon 

Writers: A. Todd Smith, Amy Leah 

Nelson Smith 

Cast: Kevin O’Keefe, Geoff Hansen, 

Aurora Florence, Jeff Blake, 

Emily Burnworth 

A playwright is consumed with melancholy after his sweet wife 

disappears. The only thing that could disturb this world of sadness is 

news of his wife’s whereabouts, which comes in the form of blackmail 

from an anonymous extortionist. In order to obtain the information, he 

must delve into his creative practices to compose a new masterpiece. 

This film contains mature themes. 

narrative short | official selection | 12 minutes | germany | 2011 

Director: Georg Jungermann 

Producer: Georg Jungermann 

Writer: Georg Jungermann 

Cast: Elisabeth Müller, Georg 

Jungermann 

One evening Lena comes home to find a message from her beloved Tim 

that today he will come home later than expected. In the letter he also 

says that there is a present for her in the wardrobe, but he asks her not to 

open it until he gets home. Will Lena be able to withstand the 

temptation? 

La Camioneta (Plays with Evolution) 



Director: Mark Kendall 

Executive Producer: Esther Robinson 

Producers: Mark Kendall, Rafael González 

Every day dozens of decommissioned school buses leave the United 

States on a southward migration that carries them to Guatemala, where 

they are repaired, repainted and resurrected as the brightly-colored 

camionetas that bring the vast majority of Guatemalans to work each 

day. Since 2006, nearly one thousand camioneta drivers and farecollectors 

have been killed for either refusing or being unable to pay the 

extortion money demanded by local gangs. 

La Camioneta tracks the migration and resurrection of one bus as a 

vehicle to understand the aspirations of five men amidst the insecurity 

that surrounds them. Like the bus that unites their stories, the choice 

between obsolescence and innovation defines their decisions, propelling 

them toward an increasingly uncertain future. 

Strong violence referred to but not shown, some mild language. 








53


Dave 


Director: Eric Geadelmann 

Executive Producers: Michael Tollin, Toby McKeehan, 

Randolph M Paul, A. Craig Eiland, Matt Summers, Neil Tolkin 

Producers: Eric Geadelmann, Dan Pitts, Kelly Magelky 

Writer: Eric Geadelmann 

An unlikely mentor uses basketball to shepherd an intellectually 

disabled teen and in turn becomes led himself into reconciliation with 

his estranged father. ‘Coach D’ Adam Donyes and Dave Sterling, were an 

unlikely pair that were strangely brought together and significantly 

affected each others lives in ways that were seemingly impossible— 

serving as ‘bridges’ for each other in reconciling with their respective 

fathers who had abandoned each of them long ago. 

With echoes of The Blind Side, this film tells the story of two remarkable 

people, Dave and Adam. Adam’s interest takes Dave from being a silent, 

withdrawn, struggling student to a key member of the basketball team 

who after graduation, enters college; all of which was highly improbable 

when they first met. Adam, wanting to be a male figure in Dave’s life due 

to his own father’s abandonment, finds himself inspired by Dave’s 

determination in school and basketball and ability to forgive and love 

everyone, from school bullies to his own father. Unexpected, inspiring 

and thought-provoking. 










54 


Erasing Hate 


Director: Bill Brummel 

Executive Producer: Bill Brummel 

Erasing Hate is a remarkable story of transformation and redemption. In 

early 2009, Bryon Widner’s face, neck and hands were covered with 

intimidating, racist tattoos. It was then he began a series of painful and 

extensive laser tattoo removal procedures—twenty-five treatments over 

the course of more than a year and a half. But the tattoo removal was just 

the outward sign of an inner transformation. 

Erasing Hate chronicles both in a film that takes viewers inside the dark 

world of racist skinheads, yet offers hope in the story of one man’s 

struggle to escape from a life of violence, addiction and bigotry. When he 

and his wife grew disenchanted with their lifestyle, they reached out and 

were greeted with trust by the Southern Poverty Law Center and others, 

who helped them start new lives. It’s not a seamless process and the 

violence is hard to leave behind, but the physical transformation as the 

tattoos disappear accompanies their re-entry into society. They are 

welcomed, without judgment and learn that race makes no difference in 

one’s humanity. 

Mature themes, mild violence and strong language due to nature of 

the film’s subject. For the squeamish, there are scenes of needle 

injections as part of the tattoo removal process. 









From Nothing, Something 


Director: Timothy Cawley 

Executive Producers: Lisa Belden, Tim Cawley, Timothy Cawley, 

Mark Hankey 

Producers: Amy Appleton, Jim Buckley 

Writer: Timothy Cawley 

From Nothing, Something is a documentary profiling creative thinkers 

across a variety of disciplines—novelist, rock star, celebrity chefs, 

Hollywood creature designer, artist, prodigy/composer, scientists, 

fashion designers, comedian, editorial cartoonist, architect, 

choreographer, video game designer—and finds common ideas, methods 

and neuroses that help them bring breakthrough ideas into the world. 

This is a thoughtful, uplifting look at the creative process—straight from 

the brains of some of today’s most unique and accomplished talents. 

This film contains some mild language, but is otherwise suitable for 

all ages. 





monday, october 22 — 11:45 am 




In Organic We Trust 



Director: Robert Kiplin Pastor 

Producers: Emma Fletcher, Robert Kiplin Pastor 

Writer: Robert Kiplin Pastor 

Are people better off eating organic food? Is it better for the 

environment? 73% of Americans eat some organic food. Yet, most people 

don’t have a clue what it means. When ‘organic’ became a brand, 

everything changed—the movement and the label grew apart. Demand 

grew too quickly to be supported by small local farming and big 

corporations went into the business. As they did in manufacturing—they 

scaled up or out-sourced. 

This film takes a first-hand look into the organic food industry and 

explores its shortcomings. It examines paths towards a truly organic, 

self-sustaining agriculture system with local farmer’s markets, urban 

farms and school gardens inspiring new solutions. This is a film for 

those who want to better understand what “organic” means today and 

for supporters of local farming, community-supported agriculture, 

urban farming and anyone who wonders where their food comes from. 










55


Jealous of the Birds 

documentary feature | official selection | 78 minutes | usa, germany, 

poland | 2011 

Director: Jordan Bahat 

Producer: Jordan Bahat 

Jealous of the Birds provides a new angle and new stories to the pantheon 

of Holocaust related documentaries. The film focuses on the emotional 

history of a small community of Holocaust Survivors who remained in 

Frankfurt, Germany after liberation from Nazi death camps, and asks 

the question, “Why would a Survivor choose to remain in Germany— 

shoulder to shoulder with their perpetrators?” 

The filmmaker interviews his grandparents and others in Frankfurt, 

giving an insightful, intimate look at the decisions these survivors made 

years ago and the consequences they have lived with all these years, 

living amongst their former enemies. Their insights and experiences are 

unexpected and revealing. 

This film has mature themes, mild violence and strong language 

related to the experiences and memories of Holocaust survivors. 

In English, Polish and German with English subtitles. 





58 





La Source (Plays with Restoring Sight in Bangladesh) 


Director: Patrick Shen 

Executive Producers: Nancy Luyen, Regina Manian, David Salzberg, 

Christian Tureaud 

Producers: Patrick Shen, Brandon Vedder, Jordan Wagner 

Writers: Patrick Shen, Brandon Vedder 

In La Source, Haiti, water does not come easily. Villagers of this rural 

community must choose between a treacherous walk to retrieve clean 

water or drink contaminated water from a nearby river. Since he was a 

teenager, Josue Lajeunesse, with his brother Chrismedonne, have 

dreamt of channeling clean water from a spring in the mountains. 

In 1989, Josue moved to New Jersey where he found employment 

as a custodian at Princeton University. His custodial work and second 

job as a taxi driver, totaling close to 20 hours a day, allowed him to send 

money back to Haiti to support his extended family, but much more was 

needed to pay for a project to channel water from the mountain spring 

to their village. 

Josue rallies the support of a group of Princeton students and a charity 

called Generosity Water. Money in hand, he and his brother work with 

the people of La Source to fulfill their dream to bring clean water to 

their village. La Source is not simply a movie about clean water and 

community transformation. It is a story of one man, empowered by a 

vision, who was able to ignite the passion of people thousands of miles 

away to change lives in La Source forever. Narrated by Don Cheadle. 


In English and Creole with English subtitles. 









Restoring Sight in Bangladesh 

(Plays with La Source) 

documentary short | official selection | 12 minutes | bangladesh | 2012 

Director: Tatiana McCabe 

Producer: Tatiana McCabe 

Writer: Tatiana McCabe 

Tatiana McCabe’s mixed media video uses documentary footage, motion 

graphics and stop motion animation to explore the issue of cataract 

blindness in Bangladesh. Through this film viewers are educated about 

what cataracts are, why they are so problematic in developing countries 

and highlight the steps, which if taken, can help eradicate cataract 

blindness in the future. 

In Bengali and English with English subtitles. 

Lemon 



Directors: Laura Brownson, Beth Levison 

Executive Producers: Dan Cogan, Stan Lathan, Russell Simmons 

Producers: Laura Brownson, Beth Levison 

Writer: Charles Olivier 

Ex-con turned poet/performer Lemon Andersen fights for an exit from 

generations of poverty by bringing his life’s secrets to the New York 

stage. But revisiting his troubled past has more in store than he 

bargained for, as he is confronted by his demons time and again. Still, 

Lemon—raised by a drug dealer and a car thief—was born to hustle and 

survive, so when Spike Lee steps in to produce his show, Lemon believes 

he might finally find the redemption that he desperately seeks. 

Years ago, Lemon Andersen’s hard-knock childhood seemed to pay off 

when he was a member of Tony Award-winning “Def Poetry Jam” and 

later, HBO’s Def Poetry, translating his experiences into spoken word 

poetry. But the spotlight dimmed, the money was spent, and Lemon 

found himself living with his wife’s family, unemployed and broke. His 

talent writing about his life and experiences didn’t go away, however. 

His one-man show “County of Kings” was developed as a memoir of life 

growing up around drug dealers, including his heroin-addicted mother 

who he loved fiercely. This film follows Lemon as he develops the show 

and struggles to get backers to bring it to New York’s Public Theatre. It 

unfolds before your eyes, and it’s an interesting ride, sometimes raw and 

always in the moment. Lemon’s persistence, honesty and wish for a 

better life captivates viewers as he strives to rise above his troubled past. 

Mature themes, strong language and references to alcohol and drug 

use related to Lemon’s life experiences. 









59


Nothing Like Chocolate (Plays with Carbon for Water) 


Director: Kum-Kum Bhavnani 

Producer: Kum-Kum Bhavnani 

Mott Green is an American expatriate living in Grenada, who co-owns 

and runs a chocolate cooperative. He founded it out of concern for 

sustainable development and improving conditions for workers, 

wanting to produce a high quality chocolate made from cocoa purchased 

fairly from local growers, in a plant that is solar-powered and employs 

native Grenadians. The film describes the poor labor conditions in the 

cocoa trade that often include child slave labor in West African 

countries. In contrast, Mott Green establishes relationships with local 

cocoa growers, buys their beans at fair prices and strives to keep his 

struggling company going in the face of economic pressures, equipment 

breakdowns and unexpected challenges. 

Mott is an interesting character, driven to keep his small company going 

despite setbacks, and determined not to compromise his principles. 

We also meet Nelice, a cocoa grower in Grenada devoted to her farm and 

family. Narrated by Susan Sarandon, this film sheds light on the cocoa 

industry, showing the Grenada Chocolate Company as a small, 

determined player on the big stage of international chocolate production. 

You’ll find yourself wanting to buy their chocolate! 

This film contains mature themes related to descriptions of the 

international cocoa trade as well as mild language. 





60 





Carbon for Water (Plays with Nothing Like Chocolate) 


Directors: Evan Abramson, 

Carmen Elsa Lopez 

Producer: Carmen Elsa Lopez 

Writer: Carmen Elsa Lopez 

Anzelma, instead of going to school, wakes up before dawn to find 

firewood for her family to make their contaminated water clean in rural 

Kenya. Life is precious, water shouldn’t be. This documentary explores 

what happens when vulnerable women and girls, dirty water and 

climate change collide and what one company did to provide 4.5 million 

Kenyans with safe water.

The Revolutionary 


Directors: Irv Drasnin, Lucy Ostrander, Don Sellers 

Producers: Irv Drasnin, Lucy Ostrander, Don Sellers 

Writer: Irv Drasnin 

The Cultural Revolution was among the most catastrophic and least 

understood events of the 20th century. Mao Zedong’s call to “make 

revolution” was answered by millions of Chinese and one American, 

Sidney Rittenberg. Arriving as a GI interpreter at the end of World War 

II, Rittenberg became an active participant in the Chinese communist 

revolution. An intimate of the Party’s leadership, he gained 

unprecedented power in the government. But he was twice betrayed, 

and served a total of 16 years in solitary confinement. 

This film is an uncompromising account of events all but removed from 

China’s official history and unknown to most Americans, told by an 

American who was there. Sidney Rittenberg is compelling, interesting, 

intriguing and starkly honest in his recounting of years in China as an 

active member of the Communist Party. His story is an insider’s, 

first-person story of Maoist China, from the early days of revolution 

through to Mao’s death and the imprisonment of the Gang of Four. 

This is an account of history rarely told, and little understood—told 

in clear-eyed honesty by one who lived through its highs and lows, 

privilege and imprisonment. 

Mature themes due to experiences and events in Maoist China as 

well as mild language. 









Somewhere Between 



Director: Linda Goldstein Knowlton 

Executive Producers: Bobby Chang, John Fitzgerald 

Producer: Linda Goldstein Knowlton 

This film profiles Chinese adoptees in contemporary America. Roughly 

80,000 girls have been adopted from China since 1989—a decade after 

China implemented its One Child Policy. This film intimately follows 

four teenagers: Haley, Jenna, Ann and Fang. These four wise-beyondtheir-years, 

yet typical American teens, reveal a heartbreaking sense of 

self-awareness as they attempt to answer the uniquely human question, 

“Who am I?” They meet and bond with other adoptees, some journey back 

to China to reconnect with the culture and some reach out to the 

orphaned girls left behind. 

In their own ways, all attempt to make sense of their complex identities. 

Issues of belonging, race and gender are brought to life through these 

articulate subjects, who approach life with honesty and open hearts. 

Interestingly told, each girl’s experience is a bit different and varying 

things happen to them during the movie. One of the girls finds her 

Chinese birth parents, and the scene of them meeting for the first time, 

then visiting their village is quite something. The birth parents, 

especially the father, is so struck by finding this lost daughter; 

we are reminded that this girl had birth parents who due to policies 

beyond their control, gave up a daughter they had loved and whose 

loss they mourned. 

This film is suitable for all ages, though not young children. 

In English and Chinese with English subtitles. 



tuesday, october 23 — 11:45 am 






61


Stuck 


Director: Thaddaeus Scheel 

Executive Producer: Craig Juntunen 

Producer: Jennifer Latham 

Writer: Jennifer Latham 

Every day, communities and governments struggle to care for millions of 

orphans, trying to replace the most fundamental of human connections: 

a family. Colliding with cultural identity, human rights and 

international politics is the complex yet permanent solution for 

children: international adoption. 

Traveling over four continents and into orphanages, living rooms and 

the halls of Congress, Stuck takes a clear eyed and sometimes painful 

look at the realities and conflicts that arise in the process of 

international adoption, and shares in the intense joy and fulfillment of 

families not made from blood, but created from love and commitment. 

Indianapolis couple Nick and Lori Leroy are featured as they struggle to 

adopt their son Nate from Vietnam. In a case that garnered local press 

attention, Nick and Lori, with the assistance of Senator Richard Lugar, 

took their case to the highest levels of government. 

This film is suitable for viewers of all ages. 









62 


A Whisper to a Roar 

documentary feature | official selection | 105 minutes | australia, usa | 

2012 

Director: Ben Moses 

Producers: Ben Moses, Amy Martinez 

The film’s subjects span the full spectrum of democratic activists: 

student leaders (Venezuela); young professionals (Egypt); currently 

active opposition politicians (Malaysia and Zimbabwe); and a former 

president (Ukraine). These heroes tell their compelling personal stories 

of struggle with the oppressive regimes ruling their countries, now or in 

the past. The activists come from a variety of cultures and live on 

different continents, yet they all take enormous risks to pursue political 

freedom for their people and aspire for accountable government. In each 

country, the regimes and rulers that oppress their people use remarkably 

similar techniques and the activists’ most successful techniques are 

also remarkably alike, regardless of their circumstances. 

This film shows the struggle of people from very different nations who 

all share the desire to be free from tyranny. Through populist uprisings, 

they succeed in varying ways and often at risk of great personal pain and 

loss. This is a film to make us appreciate the freedom we take completely 

for granted in the United States. Drawing parallels between struggles in 

Egypt, Zimbabwe, Venezuela, Malaysia and Ukraine, this film shows us 

that the will to be free is universal. 

Mature themes due to the film’s subject matter and brief scenes of 

disturbing images of torture in Egypt. 

In English, Spanish, Arabic, Ukrainian and Malay with English subtitles. 









Who Cares? 

documentary feature | official selection | 92 minutes | brazil | 2012 

Director: Mara Mourão 

Executive Producers: Fernando Dias, Maurício Dias 

Producers: Tatiana Battaglia, Mara Mourão 

Writer: Mara Mourão 

Who Cares? is about people who are making changes, bringing solutions, 

generating huge social impact and most of all, inspiring people to do the 

same. It is a film that searches the world for brilliant people with simple 

solutions to the hard global issues. The goal of Who Cares? is to inspire 

people around the world to learn more about, become excited by and 

want to be engaged in the social entrepreneurship revolution. 

These entrepreneurs are not driven by monetary profit, but by their 

ability to uplift communities dealing with major social issues, 

respecting their people and empowering them with the necessary 

tools to improve upon their life chances. This film pushes viewers 

to recognize the power of individuals over government to make 

long-lasting change. This film may well encourage, inspire and 

spark you to join a global movement of changemakers. You will be 

in good company! 

This film is suitable for viewers of all ages. 

In English, Portuguese and Spanish with English subtitles. 










63

Official 

Selections 

Short Films 

Let’s create some 

very special effects. 

Short films deserve as much recognition as their feature counterparts. 

These short films have been chosen not only because they are excellent 

short films, but because of how they align with Heartland’s mission. 

They are all eligible for the Audience Choice Awards. 

sponsored short films by sponsored by:

“Sports Shorts” 

Shorts Program 1 









Free Kick (Program 1) 

narrative short | official selection | 12 minutes | spain | 2011 

Director: Bernabé Rico 

Producer: Bernabé Rico 

Writer: Diego Soto 

Cast: Petra Martínez, Ramón Barea, 

José A. Izaguirre 

Having turned 60, Adela is living a life she never wanted. She has 

no children, a husband who walks all over her and, worst of all, 

nothing to look forward to. Then one day she has the chance to win 

300,000 euros and leave her old life behind. All she has to do to get it is 

kick a ball into an open goal from the halfway line at half-time in a 

Spanish league match. 

This film contains mild language. 


Official Selections – Shorts 

The Last Race (Program 1) 

narrative short | official selection | 28 minutes | australia | 2011 

Director: Jeremy Cumpston 

Producers: Anita Belgiorno-Nettis, 

Tristram Miall 

Writer: Peter Schreck 

Cast: Daniel Garrett, Tony Poli, 

Mark Lee, Johnny Emery, 

Masa Yamaguchi 

A family struggles to make a difficult decision on behalf of a loved one. 

The complexities of not knowing the deceased’s intentions and the speed 

with which the decision has to be made, are brought to the fore. A story 

that could become reality for any of us, a decision that anyone may have 

to make and paradoxically offers the chance to change a person’s life for 

the better. As we see the family reach their decision, the film asks: what 

would you do? 

This film contains mature themes relating to organ donation. 

Cross Court (Program 1) 


Director: Raffy Cortina 

Producer: Dylan Leong 

Writer: Raffy Cortina 

Cast: Kim Estes, Collins Key 

The game is over, but the walk has just begun. Following a controversial 

call, a referee has eighty-four feet to walk cross-court, the longest and 

most excruciating journey imaginable. How will he respond in the face 

of this inauspicious circumstance? 

67


L’equip Petit (Program 1) 

documentary short | official selection | 9 minutes | spain | 2012 

Right to Play (Program 1) 


68 

Directors: Roger Gómez, Dani 

Resines 

Producer: Cristina Sánchez 

Writer: Roger Gómez, Dani Resines 

Fourteen little kids go over an unsolved football mystery, and they end 

up teaching an unexpected life lesson to grown-ups. 



Director: Frank Marshall 

Executive Producer: Mike Tollin 

Producer: Gary Cohen 

Writer: Aaron Cohen 

Johann Olav Koss could have cashed in on his four Olympic gold medals, 

but Koss embarked on a remarkable journey that has established him as 

one of the world’s greatest ambassadors of sports. As the founder, 

President and CEO of Right To Play, Koss and his army of volunteers, 

teachers and coaches have used the power of athletics to elevate the 

lives of the world’s neediest children. 

“Cities” 










Stories and Legends: Historic Preservation 

in Muncie, Indiana (Program 2) 


Directors: Kayla Eiler, 

Christen Whitney 

Executive Producer: Chris Flook 

Producers: Kayla Eiler, 

Christen Whitney 

Through folklore and history, this film investigates the importance and 

necessity of historical preservation efforts in Muncie, Indiana. Four 

fascinating locations are explored with cultural, historical and 

technical stories provided by local experts, highlighting the rich history 

of this quintessential Midwest town.

Address Is Approximate (Program 2) 

animated short | official selection | 3 minutes | uk | 2011 

Director: Tom Jenkins 

Producer: Tom Jenkins 

Writer: Tom Jenkins 

Cast: Tom Jenkins 

A lonely desk toy longs for escape from the dark confines of the office, so 

he takes a cross country road trip to the Pacific Coast in the only way he 

can—using a toy car and Google Maps Street View. 

Hurdy Gurdy (Program 2) 

documentary short | official selection | 4 minutes | germany | 2011 

Directors: Daniel Seideneder, 

Daniel Pfeiffer 

Producers: dropout films, 

Susanne May 

Writer: Daniel Seideneder 

Just like a “hurdy gurdy”, or barrel organ, that starts over to play its song 

anew, everything in this film is in constant motion: trains, cars, 

airplanes, ships and people. Yet what in this enclosed cosmos is real and 

what is fake? This short film uses its extraordinary aesthetics to 

question reality. 

Skyborn (Program 2) 


Director: Jamie Stone 

Producer: Len Rowles 

Writer: Jamie Stone 

Cast: Bob Goody, Perry Millward, 

Louis Mertens 

Stranded in a foggy post-apocalyptic world, Gideon and his son Blue 

build a flying machine to see above the clouds. But Blue has lost faith in 

his father’s crackpot dream, so Blue hatches a plan to keep his father on 

the ground. 


The Lower 9: A Story of Home (Program 2) 


Our World Insideout: Brazil (Program 2) 

documentary short | official selection | 20 minutes | brazil | 2012 

Director: Isabela Alzuguir 

Producers: Alyssa Miserendino, 

Isabela Alzuguir 

Writer: Isabela Alzuguir 

U.S. photographer Alyssa Miserendino has been capturing images of 

abandonment represented by homes in foreclosure in her country. With 

the movie Our World Insideout: Brazil, the artist initiates a worldwide 

journey, not only capturing images of neglect and decay, but also 

exposing scenarios of spatial reusability. 

In English and Portuguese with English subtitles. 

Directors: Matthew Hashiguchi, 

Elaine McMillion 

Producers: Matthew Hashiguchi, 

Elaine McMillion 

Diverse and resilient residents are trying to regain a sense of home after 

flood-waters rose above rooftops, claimed lives and crippled the 

foundations of their Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood in August of 2005. 

They are all living colorful lives amongst the destruction, and are living 

proof that the people of New Orleans have an unmatched determination 

in life that keeps them moving forward. 

69


“Interesting Individuals” 










The Girl Next Door (Program 3) 


72 

Director: Andrea Picco 

Producers: Andrea Picco, 

Priscila Vitelli 

Writers: Andrea Picco, Gerard Picco 

This is the true story of an all-American teenager who survived two 

years of being a sex slave in the Michigan suburbs at the age of 15. Over a 

two-year period, she was stalked, intimidated, sold and broken in mind 

and body. Out of shame, guilt and fear of what could happen to her young 

brothers, Theresa stayed silent. 

This film contains mature themes related to sex trafficking. 

One Split Second (Program 3) 


Director: Rikki Henry 

Producer: James Dickinson 

Writers: James Dickinson, 

Josh Giuliano, Rikki Henry 

Leah Hoskins, a cancer survivor and the founder of The F.I.L.M. Project, 

gives back to the cancer community by offering free photo sessions to 

families with terminal illnesses. 

Speakeasy Supper-Club (Program 3) 


Directors: Jason Wallis, 

Taylor Robinson 

Producers: Jason Wallis, Lisa Harris 

Created by chef Zach Meloy and his wife Cristina, PushStart Kitchen is 

a private supper club that is quickly becoming a food phenomenon in the 

Atlanta area. Serving one table of ten people a night, two nights a week, 

the couple creates a dining experience that is not only inspired, but 

exquisite.

Ali 707 (Program 3) 

narrative short | official selection | 12 minutes | australia | 2012 

Director: Hannah Moore 

Producer: Cameron Ford 

Writer: Hannah Moore 

Cast: Baquir Rezai, Samantha Young, 

Sam Tripodi, Craig Behenna 

Ali is an Afghani man seeking refuge in Australia. Incarcerated at the 

infamous Woomera Detention Centre, he runs back and forth between 

the compound fences. He runs until his body gives up, and only then can 

he find his freedom. Based on a true story, Ali 707 tells a delightfully 

hopeful story of determination and genius. 

Good Karma $1 (Program 3) 


Directors: Jason Berger, Amy Laslett 

Producers: Kids at Play, 

The FearLess Cottage 

Alex Bogusky’s fascination with collecting the signs of homeless people 

led him to understand the world’s simplest form of communication, 

which turned into a lesson of generosity. A captivating look behind the 

common sight of homeless men and women holding cardboard signs on 

street corners, Good Karma $1 presents a different perspective of need, 

a fresh look at generosity and a better understanding of these 

salt-of-the-earth people. 



Spaghetti for Two (Program 3) 

narrative short | official selection | 18 minutes | germany | 2011 

Directors: Matthias Rosenberger, 

Betina Dubler 

Producer: Matthias Rosenberger 

Writer: Betina Dubler 

Cast: Johannes Silberschneider, 

Toks Körner, Mia Aegerter, 

Stefan Rutz 

A likeable but lonesome man is on his way to lunch. Awaiting him, 

the outside world lurks menacingly: in his imagination it swarms 

with would-be crooks, hussies and criminals. What should have 

been a routine stroll develops into a dark odyssey, triggering a 

troubled conflict against himself and against the world. Will the 

underdog prove victorious? 

73


“Hope in the Face of Darkness” 










It Ain’t Over (Program 4) 


74 

Director: Caleb Slain 

Producer: Karl R. Koelling 

Writer: David M. Phelps 

Diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Dr. Edward Dobson was 

given 2-5 years to live. A man accustomed to counseling others through 

grief and suffering, he now struggles to find hope for himself in a place 

where none seems to exist. 

This film contains mature themes related to disease. 

Picture. Perfect. (Program 4) 


Director: Winston Titus Tao 

Producers: Ngoc Ho, Bryan Barnes 

Writers: Winston Titus Tao, 

Aaron John Tao 

Cast: Reese Mishler, 

Olivia Rose Keegan, Ronnie Clark, 

Troy Ryan Zuercher 

Seventeen-year-old Russell Clayton has always loved photography. 

When he is given the chance to enter into a school competition to win 

some prize money for his sister Maggie, he takes the opportunity. Faced 

with a lack of food and a grim living situation, the two siblings come up 

with a shot list that ensures their victory. 

This film contains mature themes. 

The Station Master (Program 4) 


Director: Jon Olav Stokke 

Producers: Claudio Mascolo, 

Jon Olav Stokke, Rab Wilson, 

Jim O’Brien, Olav Stokke 

Writers: Benjamin Noble 

Cast: Shane Attwooll, 

Nadia Cameron-Blakey, 

Benjamin Noble, Christopher Hall 

It is 1950s England, and a lonely, dysfunctional station master lives in 

the middle of nowhere. Unexpectedly, a woman exits one of the steam 

trains and must wait a whole day for the next train to arrive. During the 

night they spend together, she opens his eyes to a life he never believed 

he could have, and now he cannot live without it.

The Hunter (Program 4) 

animated short | official selection | 7 minutes | australia | 2012 

Director: Marieka Walsh 

Producer: Marieka Walsh 

Writer: Marieka Walsh 

Cast: Jack Finsterer 

When a young boy goes missing in the icy wilderness, a hunter 

undertakes a journey to find the missing boy: dead or alive. But as the 

hunter tracks the boy into the mountains, his natural instincts betray 

him as primal fear takes over and in the hunter’s most vulnerable 

moment, he must make decisions that question everything he has 

always believed. 

This film contains mild violence. 

Stronger (Program 4) 


Director: Brian Lazzaro 

Producer: Time For Three 

Writer: Time For Three 

Cast: Misha Yayman, Carson Aune, 

Cameron Goodman 

A talented violinist is struggling to overcome bullying in high school, 

and hope seems gone when his violin is smashed. His world is in 

shambles. But when he goes on a soul searching walk and attends an 

underground showcase for a string trio, he is inspired to prove that no 

one will prevent him from being himself. 


FOUR WALLS Sarajevo (Program 4) 

narrative short | official selection | 24 minutes | turkey | 2012 

fairytale (Program 4) 

Director: Nadim Güç 

Producers: Engin Altan Düzyatan, 

Nadim Güç 

Writer: Nadim Güç 

Cast: Senad Alíhodzíc, Sead Bejtovíc, 

Bahri Uka 

Mirza and his handicapped father, Cemil, are trying to survive in 

sniper-surrounded Sarajevo streets. Cemil is bedridden and because his 

only connection with the outside world is Mirza. One day, a visitor comes 

knocking on their door to reveal a truth they cannot see. 

This film contains mature themes relating to war. 

In Bosnian with English subtitles. 


Director: Andy Collier 

Producer: Andy Collier 

Writer: Andy Collier 

Cast: Jemma Bolt 

Kate is the perfect mother, preparing her two perfect children for a 

typical school day morning in her picture-perfect world. But cracks 

begin to appear around the edges of her reality as the people she meets 

start to show that all might not be as it appears. 

This film contains alcohol content and mature themes. 

75


“A World of Whimsy” 










Jack and the Dustbowl (Program 5) 


78 

Director: Brandon McCormick 

Producers: Nicholas Kirk, 

Brandon McCormick, Kevin Myers, 

Dave Ronne, Alex Watson, 

Masi Willis 

Writers: Brandon McCormick, 

Charlie Wetzel 

Cast: Adam Boyer, Ron Caldwell, 

Bijoux Wright, Eugene Russell 

Set during the Great Depression, record heat waves and over-farming 

have turned the once fertile soil into worthless dust. Refusing to become 

a victim of his circumstances, Jack embraces his surroundings and digs 

in. Jack’s tenacious spirit and ingenuity will either keep his family 

together or cause him to lose everything. 

Tom Sadly (Program 5) 

narrative short | official selection | 17 minutes | brazil | 2012 

Directors: Cesar Nery, André Saito 

Executive Producers: 

Rodrigo Pagianotto, Silvia Cruz 

Writers: André Saito, Cesar Nery 

Cast: Thomas Huszar, Guilherme 

Seta, Gabriela Cerqueira 

Tom Sadly grew up believing that everything he touched turned sad; 

he even used a glove all his life to shelter him and the world from this 

unwanted power. Now he meets Bella and his touch is desired more 

than ever. The only way to make her happy is taking the chance of 

making her sad. 

In Portuguese with English subtitles. 

The Magical Wishing Washing Machine 

(Program 5) 


Flawless Life (Program 5) 

Director: Noah Sunday 

Producer: Kylee Sunday 

Writer: Brigham Sunday 

Cast: Victor Medina, Amory Layne, 

Clara Susan Morey II 

Life has always been the same for Mr. Torres: a strict routine, an 

endless supply of hand sanitizer and of course his laundry mat crush— 

Rosie. Will today be the day he talks to her? Not without a little help and 

a little magic. 

animated short | official selection | 4 minutes | turkey | 2012 

Director: Özgül Gürbüz 

Executive Producer: Ozgul Gurbuz 

Producer: Berat Ýlk 

Writer: Ozgul Gurbuz 

One day a homeless man finds something that makes him have a 

lucky day.

Elon + Emmanuel (Program 5) 

narrative short | official selection | 5 minutes | canada | 2012 

Director: Natalie Galazka 

Producers: Natalie Galazka, 

Melissa C. O’Brien 

Writer: Natalie Galazka 

Cast: Elon Höglund 

What if your shadow revealed the light inside? What would your soul say 

if it could dance aloud? What if someone paused long enough to really 

see? Join Elon and Emmanuelle in a whimsical, moving street art piece 

told through dance that unravels a chance encounter between strangers, 

their merging imaginations and falling in love without words. 

What if, like me... (Program 5) 


Director: Sean Kelly 

Producer: Sean Kelly 

Writer: Sean Kelly 

Cast: David Aldridge, Nancy Sullivan, 

Tyson Douglas, Katie Alexandra 

What if, like me... you have your routine? Day in, day out. Nothing 

changes. And then you see her—wow! She steals your heart. But you are 

useless with women and someone comes along and steals your thunder. 

So, what if you find an extraordinary way to change all that? 

This film contains some alcohol content. 

Tumbleweed! (Program 5) 


Director: Jared Varava 

Producer: Jared Varava 

Writer: Justin Varava 

Cast: Gabriel Meyer, Peter Carlson 

The true and historically accurate tale of one tumbleweed that 

did not tumble. 


Asternauts (Program 5) 

narrative short | official selection | 16 minutes | usa, germany | 2012 

Director: Marta Masferrer 

Executive Producer: 

Marianne Walzer 

Producers: Alex Weimer, 

Esther Friedrich, Marta Maferrer 

Writer: Raven Burnett 

Cast: Zenon Zeleniuch, 

Wray Crawford, Melissa D. Brown, 

Tina Balthazar 

Life is pretty dull for small-town farmer Earl McKnutt and his childlike 

brother Joel: wake up, feed the cows and sit on the porch until it is time 

to turn in. That is, until one night a mysterious object from outer space 

crash-lands in their pasture killing their best bull and milking cow. 

This film contains mild language and some violent content. 

Friend Request Pending (Program 5) 


Director: Chris Foggin 

Producer: Chris Croucher 

Writer: Chris Croucher 

Cast: Judi Dench, Tom Hiddleston, 

Penny Ryder, Philip Jackson, 

John Macmillan 

Friend Request Pending is a short comedy drama about the mature 

generation dating in our modern social networking world. It tells the 

story of Mary and Linda who spend an afternoon discussing the 

pleasures, pitfalls and problems with using social networking to try and 

woo the local choirmaster Trevor. 

This film contains brief language. 

79


“Children Around the World” 


80 









Ejaz’s Story (Program 6) 

documentary short | official selection | 9 minutes | pakistan | 2011 

Director: Syed Zayer Hassan 

Ejaz Najum was living in Karampur when floods ravaged his entire 

village and surrounding communities in late July 2010. Across Pakistan, 

the massive floods inundated farms, schools and health facilities. Ejaz 

and his family were left with no choice but to move to the Selani relief 

camp. 

In Urdu with English subtitles. 

The Glowing Hours (Program 6) 


Director: Paul Young 

Producers: Paul Young, 

Kaushik Bhattacharya 

Writer: Paul Young 

Cast: Maya Beresford, 

Virge Gilchrist, Michelle Augustin, 

Lily Hill, Elizabeth Boyle 

As snow begins to fall over Christmas, young Olivia arrives at the 

mysterious place Stowfield, where she forms an unlikely friendship 

with peculiar teenager Spook, both sharing a dream of their mothers and 

helping one another not to feel alone as they hang on the cusp of an 

unknown future. 

Contains some mature themes relating to adoption. 

The Story About Rosa (Program 6) 

documentary short | official selection | 45 minutes | denmark | 2011 

Director: René Bo Hansen 

Five children reveal what it is like to live with a foster family, while 

trying to cope with the feeling of being let down by their own parents. 

Together with an artist and a young woman, the children create an 

animated film about Rosa, a girl who leaves her family just as they did, 

and begins a lonely journey into the unknown. 

This film contains some strong language and alcohol and drug 

content, all related to the strong emotions surrounding abusive/ 

neglectful parents. 

In Danish with English subtitles.

Little Kyoya Neon Hood (Program 6) 

narrative short | official selection | 20 minutes | japan | 2012 

Director: Satsuki Okawa 

Producers: Takeshi Tanaka, 

Satsuki Okawa 

Writer: Satsuki Okawa 

Cast: Kaede Tsuchiya, Misa Shimzu, 

Andrew Dow, HARCO 

Kyota is never seen without his bright protective hood and a worn out 

English vocabulary notebook. One day his English teacher named Tim 

returns to the town he once fled. Gently presenting the fears of a child in 

post-disaster Japan, Little Kyoya Neon Hood combines the humor of 

cultural misunderstandings with the discovery of hope beyond pain. 

In Japanese with English subtitles. 


81

Lilly salutes the 

Heartland Film Festival. 

PRINTED IN USA ©2011, Lilly USA, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. lillyforbetterhealth.com

High 

School 

Film Competition 

Big screen. 

Even bigger impact. 

The Grand Prize winner, four Finalists and five Honorable Mention 

shorts from the 2012 Heartland High School Film Competition are 

showcased, along with four of the films entered into the inaugural 

Team High School Film Competition held in May, 2012. 

sponsored high school byfilm 

competition sponsored by:

High School 

Film Competition 









Expectations 

high school film competition | team competition | 3 minutes | usa | 2012 

Carmel High School 

A student debates whether or not to take the full ride soccer scholarship 

or go after her dream of being a chef at culinary school. 

High School Film Competition 

Passion 


Lawrence North High School 

A high school senior is torn between signing his letter of intent for 

college baseball and his dream of professional ping-pong. He must 

choose between the comfortable life and what he truly wants. 

Rotating Clock 


Carmel High School 

A student struggles with the idea that everything has already been 

accomplished—so why should he try to do anything? He talks to his 

high school counselor and receives unexpected inspiration. 

Blue 


Herron High School 

Follow the story of an orange named Blue. 

85


Breathe Easy 

high school film competition | honorable mention | 5 minutes | usa | 2012 

86 

Director: Dena Odell 

Producer: Dena Odell 

Writer: Dena Odell 

Carly Lindmeier is one of 30,000 people who live with cystic fibrosis. 

Diagnosed at three months old, Carly has taken 28 or more pills and has 

completed 3 breathing treatments every single day since. She is a proud 

spokesperson for the cystic fibrosis cure and will enlighten viewers on 

the cause, effects and eye-opening facts about the disease. 

Peace For Paws 


Director: Matt Shouse 

The Marion Grant County Humane Society is a remarkable organization 

that sheds a light on animal cruelty while finding homes for animals 

waiting to be pets. 

Venia 


Director: Stephen Byrum 

Producer: Bob Byrum 

Writer: Stephen Byrum 

Cast: Samuel Richardson, Gary 

Lirette 

Two characters collide, one wealthy and selfish and another poor 

and simple. Their encounter leads them down a path where they can 

have the chance for revenge or an opportunity to learn the true 

meaning of “venia”. 

Ram 


A story about a Catholic tattoo artist. 

Jaso 

What I Want 

Director: Nick Damian 

Executive Producer: Emma Porter 

Producers: Nic Weinfeld, 

Richie Siegel 

Cast: Ram Lee 


Director: Caelan Barr 

Writer: Caelan Barr 

Jaso was adopted from Liberia when she was a toddler. When she was 

there, she ingested a cleaning chemical that burned her esophagus. 

For the longest time she could only eat through a tube, until the Isaac 

family changed her life forever. 

high school film competition | finalist | 9 minutes | usa | 2012 

Director: Michelle Mixay 

Cast: Kat, Jay 

A young woman struggles with family pressures of growing up when 

she chooses to attend the San Diego Comic-Con.

Last Call From Nowhere 


Director: Nicholas Heighway 

Cast: David Towne 

Last Call from Nowhere is a film about self discovery. A trip to the men’s 

room becomes anything but mundane when the lead character discovers 

a misplaced cell phone. Through a series of unexpected conversations 

with callers searching for answers, the overworked and stressed office 

worker discovers the solution to his own problem. 

Recipe for Love 


Look Up 

Director: Gwyneth Christoffel 

Producer: Gwyneth Christoffel 

A lonely cupcake sees other couples in the kitchen enjoying each other’s 

company and decides that she needs a friend. With no other options, she 

chooses to make one. She encounters a number of challenges in her work, 

but manages to overcome them with innovation and style. 


Directors: Amanda Prager, Jake 

Oleson 

Producers: Amanda Prager, Jake 

Oleson 

Writers: Amanda Prager, Jake Oleson 

Cast: Zach Maitlin 

An imaginative child becomes fascinated with the idea of flying. He 

devises various ways to pursue his dream. Using umbrellas as balloons 

he discovers that achieving flight is more difficult than he anticipated. 

Everyone has dreams, but sometimes we need to let them go. Or better 

yet, give them to someone else. 


Dream Away 

high school film competition | grand prize | 2 minutes | usa | 2012 

Director: Jenna Yonker 

Cast: Lauren Spott 

Combining three wonderful stories—Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland 

and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz—through chalk and photography, 

Dream Away is the story of a girl who lets reading take her away. It is the 

story of everyone who has ever read a book and found themselves in a 

whole new world. 

87


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Miles Design is proud to be the design and branding partner of the 

2012 Heartland Film Festival. To see more of our story, visit: 

milesdesign.com/heartland

Heartland Recognitions 

Heartland would like to recognize and thank the individuals who have made this year’s Festival possible. 

Through the generous support of volunteers, board members, sponsors, foundations, donors and partners, we 

are able to fulfill our mission and recognize filmmakers whose work engages, inspires and educates us all. 

Special Event Committee Chairs 

Announcement Celebration 

Kristen Bader, Chair 

Lisa Anderson, Vice-Chair 

Awards Ceremony 

Ellen Butz, Chair 

Julie Easton, Chair 

Awards Ceremony Production 

Jason Kistler, Chair 


Sue Swanson, Chair 

Kelly Boe, Chair 

Kristen Draper, Vice-Chair 


Jenny Brake, Chair 

Janet Schwinde, Chair 

Megan Hershey, Vice-Chair 

Filmmakers’ Brunch: Reel 

Conversations 

Robin & Joel Singer, Chairs 

Tracie Mrakich, Vice-Chair 

Andy & Holly Friedt, Vice-Chairs 


Marianne Sahm, Chair 

Mariah Sahm, Vice-Chair 


Sue Swanson, Chair 

Kelly Boe, Chair 

Kristen Draper, Vice-Chair 

Support Committee Chairs 

Airport Hospitality 

Ed Locke, Chair 

Jim Lowes, Vice-Chair 

Hospitality 

Dolly Craft, Chair 

Transportation 

Doug Sherow, Chair 

Susan Meadors, Vice-Chair 

Welcome Bags 

Barb Jablonski, Chair 

Jan Taylor, Chair 

Theater Committee Chairs 

AMC Castleton Square 14 

Claudia Dille, Chair 

AMC Showplace Traders Point 12 

Claudia Dille, Chair 

Maribeth Fischer, Vice-Chair 

Donna Quiring, Vice-Chair 

It is our goal to custom design 

each menu item to give you 

the perfect meal for your 

special day. 

From intimate gatherings to 

elegant formals to festive 

theme parties or international 

cuisine,we are here to create 

the perfect atmosphere for you. 

4335 West 106th Street, Carmel, IN 46032 

Phone 317.802.9004 Fax 317.802.9006 

sweetsavorycatering.com 

89


Heartland Staff 



Don Palmer 

Interim COO 

Peggy O. Monson 

Vice President for Advancement 

Louise Henderson 

Vice President, Operations 

Susan Frenzel 

Volunteer Manager 

Adam Howell 

Director of Operations 

Tim Irwin 

Artistic Director 

Michael Meunier 

Advancement Assistant 

Greg Sorvig 

Director of Marketing & Communications 

Robert Spoonmore 

Strategic Initiatives Manager 

Erina Ludwig 

Seasonal Festival Assistant 

Austin Lugar 

Seasonal Programming Assistant 

Evan McCaulay 

Seasonal Operations Assistant 

Laura Sands 

Seasonal Marketing & 

Communications Manager 

Michael Thompson 

Seasonal Programming Assistant 

90 

Interns 

Ben DeCamp 

Jorge Dorantes 

Lachelle Feavel 

Ben Flack 

Owen Garrett 

Derek Hulsey 

Jaclyn Jones 

Ashley Mills 

Fletcher Mutz 

Alex Naremore 

Michael O’Neill 

2011–12 

Heartland Truly Moving 

Pictures Board of Governors 

Stephen Mattingly* 

Chairman 



Laura George* 

Secretary 

Dawn Tabler* 

Treasurer 

Rex E. Bennett* 

Alpha Blackburn 

Lael Boren 

Ellen Butz 

Ginny Cain 

Dan Chancellor 

Gary D. Cohen* 

Margot Lacy Eccles 

Rick Eldridge 

Susan Frenzel 

Chris Gahl 

Jenny Godby* 

Juan Gonzalez 

Arlene Glick Grande 

P. Lowell Haines* 

Steve Harkness 

Kathy Harrison 

Daniel Johnson* 

E.H. Lamkin Jr.* 

William Martin 

Ava Memmen* 

Grant Monahan 

Liza Najem 

Gregory M. Paul* 

Conrad Piccirillo 

Judith J. Pickens 

Angelo Pizzo 

Cindy Simon Skjodt 

Robert L. Smith 

Stan D. Soderstrom 

Robert Spoonmore 

Roberta Walton 

Amy Conrad Warner* 

Norma Winkler 

*Executive Board 

Honorary Board Members 

Charles Champlin 

Dick Cook 

Judy O’Bannon 

D. Barry Reardon

The campaign for Heartland Truly Moving Pictures 2007-2012 

(Contributors to the Campaign from January 1, 2007 – June 30, 2012) 

Truly Moving 

At this level, donors provide transformative 

gifts of at least $1,000,000 to the Campaign. 

Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable 

Foundation 

Mr. & Mrs. Leland Boren 

Mrs. Robert Eccles 

The Glick Fund, A Fund of Central Indiana 

Community Foundation 

Lilly Endowment Inc. 

Inspiring 

At this level, donors provide gifts 

of $100,000 to $999,999 

Ahmanson Charitable Community Trust 

Anonymous 

Anonymous 

Arts Council of Indianapolis 

The Boren Foundation 

California Community Foundation 

Christel DeHaan Family Foundation 

Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, Inc. 

Estridge Family Foundation, A Fund of 

Legacy Fund Community Foundation 

The Joshua Max Simon Charitable 

Foundation 

Mr. & Mrs. Donald Laskowski 

Mr. & Mrs. Russ Pulliam 

The Stewart Foundation 

Uplifting 

At this level, donors provide gifts 

of $10,000 to $99,999 

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 

Anonymous 

Anonymous 

Avonlea Charitable Foundation 

Benevolent Friends of African Charities 

Rex & Nancy Bennett 

Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple 

Central Indiana Community Foundation 

Mr. Gary D. Cohen 

Innovative Edit, Inc. 

Richard E. Ford 

Tony & Laura George 

Mr. & Mrs. Tom Godby 

Mr. & Mrs. Lowell Haines 

Mr. & Mrs. Mark Harrison 

Thomas & Patricia Hefner 

Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates, Inc. 

Dr. & Mrs. Ned Lamkin, Jr. 

LDI, Ltd. 

Lumina Foundation for Education 

Mr. & Mrs. William Martin 

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Mattingly 

MCR Charitable Foundation, Inc. 

Mr. & Mrs. James Monson 

National Christian Foundation of Indiana 

Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust 

Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Paul 

Mr. Gregory M. Paul 

Mr. & Mrs. Bart Peterson 

Rock Island Refining Foundation 

Ms. Judith Roudebush 

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Skjodt 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Spoonmore 

Mr. & Mrs. Norman Tabler 

Dr. W.C. Vladuchick & Susan Meloy 

John & Amy Warner 

Mrs. Norma Winkler 

Wolfe Associates, Inc. 

One Film Can... 

2012 Foundations & 

Supporting Organizations 

Arts Council of Indianapolis and the City of 

Indianapolis 

Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, Inc. 

Indiana Arts Commission 

Lacy Foundation 

LDI, Ltd. 

Special Thanks 

Heartland would like to thank and recognize 

the following organizations for supporting the 

annual Film Festival and Heartland Truly 

Moving Pictures. 

91

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