The Heartland International Film Festival (HIFF) returns with its 2025 lineup this Fall! From October 9th-19th, 2025, film fans can enjoy an assortment of in-person screenings in the Indianapolis area as well as streaming opportunities for this year’s batch of films. Here are my picks for 2025’s iteration of HIFF, now in its 34th year.
John Candy: I Like Me
Thurs., Oct. 9, 2025, at 7pm ET | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema At the Square–Theater 3
This documentary delves into the life and legacy of beloved comedian John Candy. In what I think is sure to be a heartwarming and humorous look at this celebrated man who was gone all too soon. I anticipate many a smile and many a tear. Among the executive producers of this documentary are his children, Chris Candy and Jennifer Candy, as well as his wife, Rose Candy.
Blue Moon
Sat., Oct. 13, 2025, at 8:30pm ET | Kan-Kan Cinema–Theater 2
I love a good (or bad!) biopic and I am bracing myself for whatever this one has in store. This film dramatizes the story of Rodgers and Hart. Aside from Words and Music (1948), I can’t think of another film that attempted their story. (And, yes, I know that Words and Music is also a very “Hollywood” version of their story.) I’m also curious to see which songs will make an appearance in this film. Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale, and Andrew Scott star in this production.
Honorable Mentions:
The Village on the Prairie: 50 Years of Prairietown
Sun., Oct. 12, 2025, 7pm | Indy Art Center Auditorium
Weds., Oct. 14, 2025, 5:15pm | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at The Square–Theater 9
Fri., Oct. 17, 2025, 5:45pm | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at The Square–Theater 4
Oct. 9-19, 2025 | Streaming Online
As someone who has visited Conner Prairie on a few occasions, I had no idea that they were celebrating their 50th anniversary. I’m a big fan of history and have enjoyed my visits there, though I have unfortunately had zero success in taking the hot air balloon ride. Nonetheless, Conner Prairie is a fine example of the “living history” experience and they do a wonderful job of it. The reenactors do not break character, which is great fun. I fondly remember chatting about phrenology with the town doctor while enjoying some lemonade and fiddle-playing. I’m very curious to learn more about Conner Prairie’s history through this documentary–and bravo to them for making some fun local history.
The Amateur Circus
Weds., Oct. 15, 2025, 5:30pm | Kan-Kan Cinema–Theater 2
Sat., Oct. 18, 2025, 5:45pm | Living Room Theaters–Theater 3
Oct. 9-19, 2025 | Streaming Online
Once again tapping into my interest in history, this documentary showcases circus history in Peru, IN. This small town is dubbed the circus capital of the world, with thousands of people coming to see the annual amateur circus, performed by local kids. Circus culture and history have impacted this town’s story in the past and are well ingrained in the town’s present. As a side note, this is also the hometown of composer Cole Porter. The town has the Cole Porter Festival annually, but it is the circus events that outshine the Porter Festival in terms of foot traffic.
Hometowns to Hollywood 