Emily Pollen

INDY FILM FEST RETURNS FOR THE 23rd YEAR FROM APRIL 22–26, EXPANDS TO TWO WINDSOR PARK VENUES

Indianapolis, IN, March 4, 2026 — The Indy Film Fest will return April 22–26, 2026, bringing five days of independent film, filmmaker conversations and community events to Indianapolis. Now in its annual spring iteration, the Festival continues to position the city as a destination for bold storytelling and emerging creative voices.

Two Venues, One Share Experience around Film

The 2026 Festival will feature screenings at two venues in Windsor Park: Kan-Kan Cinema and, for the first time, Dance Kaleidoscope in the Factory Arts District.The addition of a second screening venue allows the Festival to accommodate more programming while further activating one of the city’s fastest-growing arts districts.

Organizers say the expansion reflects both audience growth and the Festival’s deepening roots within Indianapolis’ creative corridor.

“Independent film creates space for new perspectives and meaningful dialogue,” said Dan Moore, Indy Film Fest Executive Director. “Each year, the Festival brings filmmakers and audiences together in a way that strengthens our local arts community while connecting Indianapolis to the broader independent film landscape.”

All-Access Passes Now Available

All-Access Passes for the 2026 Festival are now on sale, providing entry to screenings throughout the five-day event. Organizers encourage early purchase as attendance continues to grow year over year.

Additional details about individual film selections and special events will be announced in the coming weeks.

Bigger Picture Show Returns March 27

Leading into the Festival is the 16th annual Bigger Picture Show, the organization’s signature fundraising event. This year’s theme, “Wild at Heart,” celebrates iconic animal characters from film history.

The event, designed and curated by Lodge Design, features framed, artist-reimagined movie posters sold in a live silent auction. It will take place Friday, March 27 at the Schwitzer Gallery in the Factory Arts District. Proceeds support the Indy Film Fest’s year-round programming and mission-driven initiatives.

 

 

The best way to get access to more party tickets, films, swag, and Indy Film Fest information is to become an Indy Film Fest member. For more information on Indy Film Fest, visit www.indyfilmfest.org, like Indy Film Fest on Facebook and follow @IndyFilmFest on Twitter and Instagram. 

 

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About Indy Film Fest 
A non-profit, all-volunteer organization, the Indy Film Fest has grown into one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing and most-watched film festivals. Now in its 23rd year, the Indy Film Fest seeks to create a shared experience around film by championing movies that entertain, challenge and expand perspectives in Indianapolis and beyond. This exciting year of creativity and collaboration will culminate with a multi-day film festival. For more info, visit www.indyfilmfest.org.

PRESS RELEASE: 2021 Lineup Revealed

INDY FILM FEST ANNOUNCES FULL LINEUP: DIRECTORS, FILMMAKERS & FEST FOLKS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW

As a hybrid virtual and physical event, filmmakers from far and wide are available to Zoom-in to talk about their processes, their inspiration, and what it’s like making art in a pandemic.

Indianapolis, IN, April 21, 2021 — Indy Film Fest released the entire film lineup, running April 29 to May 19. The movie possibilities are endless… and include both shorts and feature-length options from World Cinema, Documentaries, American Spectrum, and “Hoosier Lens” offerings.

The Fest is structured with three, week-long blocks of film availability:
• April 29 – May 5
• May 6 – May 12
• May 13 – May 19

In-person screenings will be held for some linchpin films at Tibbs Drive In:

Thursday, April 29

THE DRY
Based on the global bestseller, a federal agent’s homecoming leads to a deeply personal murder investigation that reopens old wounds and threatens to unravel the tight-knit small town.

 

Thursday, May 6

SWAN SONG
An aging hairdresser (Udo Kier) escapes his nursing home and embarks on an odyssey across his small town to style a dead woman’s hair for her funeral, rediscovering his sparkle along the way.

WORK HORSE QUEEN
By day, Ed Popil worked as a telemarketer in Rochester, New York for 18 years. By night, he transformed into drag queen Mrs. Kasha Davis, a 1960’s era housewife trying to liberate herself from domestic toil through performing at night in secret – an homage to Ed’s mother.

 

Thursday, May 13

FIRST DATE
Conned into buying a shady ’65 Chrysler, Mike’s first date with the girl-next-door, Kelsey, implodes as he finds himself targeted by criminals, cops, and a crazy cat lady. A night fueled by desire, bullets, and burning rubber makes any other first date seem like a walk in the park.

 

Following opening night on the 29th, movie lovers can enjoy more quality films from the comfort of their own homes by purchasing virtual tickets. The variety of films ensures that attendees can find movies for every part of their imagination. For more information on Indy Film Fest, visit www.indyfilmfest.org, like Indy Film Fest on Facebook and follow @IndyFilmFest on Twitter and Instagram.

 

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About Indy Film Fest
A non-profit, all-volunteer organization, the Indy Film Fest has grown into one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing and most-watched film festivals. Now in its 18th year, the Indy Film Fest seeks to create a shared experience around film by championing movies that entertain, challenge and expand perspectives in Indianapolis and beyond. This exciting year of creativity and collaboration will culminate with a ten-day film festival. For more info, visit http://indyfilmfest.org.