Lights, camera, action: The 35th Heartland Film Festival, presented by Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at The Square, is ready for its close-up.

Happening from Thursday, Oct. 8 to Sunday, Oct. 18, the festival brings 100 independent films to screens across Indianapolis — and this isn’t your average trip to the movies.

From documentaries and rom-coms to horror, animation, sci-fi, and dramas, there’s something for every moviegoer. Catch world premieres, future Oscar-contending films before they hit theaters, and filmmaker Q+As that take you behind the scenes.

This year’s lineup has some serious star power, too. Opening Night features the festival world premiere of the Jimmy Stewart biopic, "Jimmy," starring KJ Apa. Closing Night rolls the credits with A24’s "The Debut," starring Julianne Moore, Paul Giamatti, Halle Bailey, and Jesse Eisenberg.

Plus, you can support homegrown talent with nine Indiana Spotlight films showcasing local filmmakers + stories.

Voted the No. 1 Best Film Festival in USA TODAY’s 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Heartland is kind of a big reel.

Tickets start at $13, so grab the popcorn, pick your flick, and secure your seat.