It has been several years since my last review of Indy Film Fest, a now over 20-year-old film festival based out of Indianapolis that used to be known more formally as Indianapolis International Film Festival. Indy Film Fest is what I'd call Indy's truly "indie" film festival. Let's face it. The two big film festivals are Heartland International Film Festival - an Oscar-qualifying film festival (actually more than two fests come out of Heartland Film now) with a full-time paid staff - and Indy Film Fest - an all-volunteer organization from the beginning. For years, Indy Film Fest primarily utilized Newfield's as their homebase. For the last couple years, they've united with Kan-Kan CInema and Bar (Indy's only non-profit, arthouse theatre) and this year they have screenings at Dance Kaleidoscope. Indy Film Fest's office is located inside the Factory Arts District leaving them close to Dance Kaleidoscope and basically right around the corner from Kan-Kan. Most of my experiences with Indy Film Fest have been serving on a jury or as a film critic reviewing films. This year, I happen to be featured in a documentary (Just One Man). This has given me an even broader perspective on the wonder of an all-volunteer film festival putting together events for a five-day festival (it used to be 10-days, however, it is a shorter and more focused fest now). Indy Film Fest serves up the usual - short film blocks, docs, narrative features, world cinema, American cinema, and what's known as "Hoosier Lens." I love the Kan-Kan. It's a 3-theater cinema. I think Indy Film Fest only used two of the screens this year. While parking can be a bit of an issue, Kan-Kan is stellar with accessibility (including automatic doors - unheard of for a movie theater). Factory Arts District is a little hit-and-miss in terms of accessibility, though generally the spaces used by Indy Film Fest are fine. Prices are quite good. Unlike Heartland, where you're likely to see at least some films you'll eventually see in theaters, Indy Film Fest definitely leans into indie with Gregg Araki likely being the most familiar filmmaker this year. As someone involved with a film, I've been impressed with the venues, the hospitality, the after-parties and more. Indy Film Fest also has other events like Cereal Cinema, 48-Hour Film Project, Bigger Picture Show, and others. Honestly, Indy Film Fest accomplishes a lot for an all-volunteer organization (though some of those volunteers are, indeed, centrally involved in film as a profession). There are good reasons to go to Heartland. There are good reasons to go to Indy Film Fest. Indy is lucky to have them both. Indy Film Fest also works really well with local media - often using them on juries and ensuring access to screeners and screenings. If you've never gone, I recommend it. read more

I was fortunate to attend opening night at the Indy Film Fest after winning tickets from Yelp (thanks, Yelp!)! I love movies so much that I almost exclusively go to the movie theatre by myself so that I can truly immerse myself in the film. I was overjoyed to attend this film festival by myself and see the opening night film, Tully. The film was shown in the Toby Theatre, which sits inside the IMA. It's a decent-sized theatre, and the seats are comfy, with drink holders that are attached to the back of the chair in front of you. I'm not sure if they always have alcohol available to purchase, but they did have a bar for opening night of the film fest, which was a nice option. I was blown away to learn that this year, the Indy Film Fest is showing more than 145 films! I probably won't make it to all of them, but I'm excited by the sheer variety of films that are represented at this festival. I love that Indy takes film seriously and that this festival exists every year. read more

Indy Film Fest - 2018 Indy Film Fest - Festivals Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Oh, Indy Film Fest. You're too much fun to handle. From your brilliant sponsor roster including Just Pop In, Sun King and Lodge Design to your especially clever marketing campaign this year: "Follow the Filmsquatch" - - which includes an oh.so.sexy video shot at Libertine - you continue to surprise, entertain and make me proud as a dweller of 317. Last night's kickoff show of "Beer Buddies" was just as good as I imagined with one of those classic this-could-go-both-ways independent film endings. Along with the brand spanking new Filmsquatch promotion, this years' Fest includes multiple off-site screenings at cool venues like the drive in, Libertine and more whose location tie in to the theme of the film being screened. The feature that makes me love Indy Film Fest the most would have to be that the event is organized and operated by an amazing crew of volunteers who are bubbling over with enthusiasm for the Fest and Indy's film scene. Before I forget, Happy Tenth Anniversary. A decade: impressive!!! read more

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Every year I want to catch a movie here and every year something comes up. I saw Tully was playing there and began to obsess. My friend and I went (she thought I said we were seeing Sully ). The Toby theatre is so beautiful and comfortable. I had some samples from Just Pop In and they are always winners no matter what flavor you get. The movie Tully is just amazing. I can't say much about it other than just see it. The after party was pretty great. Drinks food and a DJ. Indy Film Fest does it up right. I really want to see RBG but we have plans that night. I will catch that one for sure. Make sure you catch a flick here. read more

Big fan of Indy Film Fest. I hardly watch any movies but when I do it's during the festival. It's so much better to watch films that have themes versus the shoot 'em up type blockbusters. Especially with the foreign films, you get to immerse yourself with different cultures and locales without actually being there. And with documentaries, you always walk away feeling like you learned something new. For some of the screenings, the filmmakers may be in the audience and are available for Q&A after the screening. If you are new to the festival and need recommendations, start with the jury and audience award winners. You can never go wrong with those and they are always as good as advertised. The shorts are usually good too since you can partake in several smaller films in one time slot. The film fest also hosts a number of parties, including Opening/Closing Nights and Awards Ceremony. The parties are usually accompanied with special screenings and you can interact with the filmmakers afterward. Indy Film Fest is yet another outstanding cultural asset to the city! read more

So glad Indy has a film fest to show films that might otherwise not be seen. 2016 has some great offerings. Took my hubby and son to see the documentary on climbing up K2, & the invisible but crucial people who carry the climbers gear. It was such beautiful scenery, yet cold and brutal. These people have so little, and this is their only livelihood but at great risk to their health and their lives. Planning to take in a few more screenings before the festival ends next weekend. Check it out! read more

Indy Film Fest - Outside the Indy film fest, plenty of interesting artwork at the IMA .... this from Lichtenstein. - Festivals Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Indy Film Fest is one of my favorite summer traditions! I also pick a new film and some are incredible and some are a disaster, but they all get me thinking and introduce me to new perspectives. I think the fest is a great addition to the cultural scene in Indy and feel lucky that we get to have it here. I have gone for so many years that I think it's about time I start volunteering to give back because it really is a great experience. read more

Indianapolis is one of the coolest cities I've ever been a part of. That may be a very broad statement, but the community has been so awesome to get everyone involved. Indy Film Fest is just one of those events that connects so many bodies together that would otherwise never meet. Being a pretty main stream movie goer earlier in my years, I always thought film fests were for hippies. I assumed all movies that came out of these festivals were B movies that could never make theaters. Let me tell you how wrong I was. The two movies I saw were actually the opening and closing night features, Wind River and Patti Cake$. Wind River blew my mind; it is the best movie I've seen in years. When the opening scene included Jeremy Renner, I was dumbfounded because I didn't know that these movies had budgets big enough to star A-list actors. My emotions were going the whole movie. I for sure shed a tear in the first hour (don't tell anyone) and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat for the rest of the movie. The story behind Wind River was even more powerful, as the whole movie was made to promote awareness for young Native American women. Patti Cake$ was the polar opposite movie to Wind River; it had us laughing and damn near peeing our pants at some points. And I won't lie, this movie had me rapping along with Patti like the little Asian gangster that I am. The sponsors were all awesome. Just Pop In was actually the reason we got tickets in the first place so a big thank you to them!! And the little parties after the movie.... I hope I will be able to attend next year in the spring time and my goal is to see 4-6 movies throughout the 10 day stent. Five stars all around!!!! read more

Indy Film Fest - Closing night of Indy Film Fest #SelfieGameOnPoint - Festivals Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Ok, I have so much to say about this event!!! First off, who knew it was so awesome?!?!? I won tickets for being the first to post on Just Popin's Instagram - had they not posted, I would have never even know about the Indy Film Fest at the IMA. We were able to see two movies: 1. Wind River and 2. Patti Cakes. BOTH movies were absolutely amazing!!! The theater was spacious and created such an awesome environment to kick our feet up and watch a great movie. I also loved the panel after Wind River! It was great to hear from Tokala Clifford and the amazing cultural preservation of this movie. I learned so much about the Native American culture. After the movie we had an after party with h'orderves and drinks which was so awesome!!! Nice touch! Also I loved the drinks and Just Popin popcorn that could be purchased before the movie!!! Loved my canned Rose as well!!! I am a new fan of the Indy Film Fest! read more

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The Indy Film Fest is now in it's 11th year and going strong. If you've never been to a film festival before and it is one of your bucket list items, you should definitely attend, if not for the experience, but for the opportunity to see films and shorts that you might not otherwise had the chance to see or know about their existence. If that wasn't enough, here is else you might considering going and other notes about attending/ the festival: - It is a small film fest and feels more intimate - Take a pic in front of Robert Indiana's Love Sculpture prior to entering the film festival. The IMA has been the host of the Fest for the past 6 years. The sign is located as you drive into the IMA's entrance off of Michigan - Enjoying the Toby Theater and the red bean bag seats in the front - You have the opportunity to purchase tickets to the open and closing screening/party - Some films have post Q&A with the filmmakers - There are different levels of ticketing - opening/closing nights screening and parties was $25/ticket, single tickets were $10, although if you were an IMA member they were $8, and all access passes were $150 - Other than the main film festival, there are other events throughout the year, including Roving Cinema - Getting a chance to meet interesting and fun people while waiting for the film to start read more

Lucked up and scored 2 free tickets to this year's event, and saw Tully which was fantastic. Sun King was there to provide the tasty beverages during the movie, and afterwards the included vip party was fantastic. Yummy snacks shared by all while mingling and discussing the movie, plus wine and a decent DJ. Not a bad w weeknight out! Next year I plan to try to attend more nights at the film fest, I love the opportunity to see these films that otherwise might not have been on my radar! read more

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Great event with lots of independent movies. Good vibes and great setting at IMA. In addition to the main fest at IMA there are several other events during the year including breakfast and a movie and other smaller events across the city. read more

Indy Film Fest - Closing night after party - Festivals Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

This is always a great festival! I can't imagine how much goes into the planning and execution of this event, but it's always feels totally put together and seamless. They have a great variety of films at really reasonable prices plus beer and wine to make the movie going experience that much better. Always a highlight of my Indianapolis summer! read more