In the final awards of the 2014 Heartland Film Festival, Produce directed by Chris Dowling is the Audience Choice Award Winner, Narrative Feature, and Becoming Bulletproof, directed by Michael Barnett is the Audience Choice Award Winner, Documentary Feature. The 23rd annual Heartland Film Festival ran October 16 to 25, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

2014 Heartland Film Festival Audience Choice Award Winners

Produce – 2014 Heartland Film Festival Audience Choice Award Winner, Narrative Feature

In St. Matthews, Kentucky, Calvin, a professional baseball player sent to an early retirement due to his panic attacks at the plate, is struggling with the curveball life has thrown him. With his two best friends, he sleepwalks through his days and the challenge of raising his teenager daughter. His life is awakened and invigorated by the most unlikely person – a kid with Down syndrome named Produce who works at the local grocery store.

Calvin slowly loses the chip on his shoulder as he begins to see the world through Produce’s eyes. Family, faith and purpose work their way back into Calvin’s life as their friendship develops. The unlikely pair becomes intertwined in a way that gives Calvin meaning and purpose, ultimately leading to tragedy due to a single decision echoed from Calvin’s past.

Becoming Bulletproof – 2014 Heartland Film Festival Audience Choice Award Winner, Documentary Feature

A.J. Murray, 29, has cerebral palsy and lives with his mother, Cynthia, who takes care of him full-time in their Atlanta home. To their great surprise, A.J., who has always dreamed of acting in films, is invited to participate in a camp designed to help build a community (rather than paid “staff and clients”) to support friendships between people with and without disabilities.

Weaving between 1890s period drama and behind-thescenes realities, this documentary follows A.J. mastering lines, pushing through take after take and showing up in costume on time. As A.J. grapples with these high expectations and grows and gains in spirit, he becomes part of a vibrant community of friends working together to produce a lasting artwork. Through his story we gain a moving vision of what a more inclusive, creative, desegregated world might look like.

Showfolk – 2014 Heartland Film Festival Audience Choice Award Winner, Documentary Short

Till Then – 2014 Heartland Film Festival Audience Choice Award Winner, Narrative Short

2014 Heartland Film Festival Best Premiere Award Winners

Highway to Dhampus – 2014 Heartland Film Festival Best Premiere Award Winner, Narrative Feature

Elizabeth James is in trouble in the tabloids again, and her parents (and publicist) have had enough. In an attempt to turn her image around, she has been sent to Ghandruk, Nepal to do charity work at an isolated orphanage with jaded photographer Colt Morgan in tow. The fastest way to reach Ghandruk is by air, and they are flown by young but accomplished mountain pilot Ajit Thapa, who bristles at Elizabeth’s caustic demeanor. When they reach Ghandruk they meet Laxmi, the beaming head matron of the village’s orphanage, which lies in the shadow of the majestic Mount Machhapuchchhre, or “Fish Tail” mountain.

These four individuals from four different worlds will learn what it means to be charitable, to give and to love, but what unfolds will change their lives forever.

Dukale’s Dream – 2014 Heartland Film Festival Best Premiere Award Winner, Documentary Feature

Actor Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness traveled to Ethiopia in their role as ambassadors for World Vision Australia in 2009. During that visit, they met Dukale, a coffee farmer. Growing up, poverty had deprived Dukale of an education, but he saw an opportunity to create a new future for his family when World Vision offered access to a new kind of economic empowerment. Jackman was so inspired by Dukale’s story, that he made – and kept – a promise to him that is revealed in the film.