Tyler Blaker

Most of us Hoosiers in Indiana know that there is a lot of German heritage in our state. Lots of towns throughout the state have a German festival or some kind of Oktoberfest. But have you heard of Strassenfest? No? Oh my are you in for a treat. Let one of this year’s Indiana documentary features, Strassenfest and the Area’s Reemerging German Culture, be your guide.

Travel with me down to Jasper in southern Indiana. This documentary brings you in gently with Strassenfest in full swing. There’s beer and brats. There’s lederhosen and maypoles. Then bam! You are hit with the amazing German culture they have. The festival is huge, the German language had such a dominant presence in the community for so long, and did someone mention nuns and like a legit monastery?

This doc brings you so much! Never has the idea, there’s more than corn in Indiana, been more true than in this fantastic doc. You won’t want to miss it at this year’s festival.

I’m so pumped about Strassenfest and the Area’s Reemerging German Culture! So much so I’ve already started planning my trip to next year’s Strassenfest. Who’s with me? I’ll make sure to rent an extra big airbnb just in case.

Ohhhh give me a home where the buffalo bison roam…and I’m not talking about some far off mysterious wild west land. We are talking about Indiana! This beautiful documentary short is full of everything I love about film. You will not want to miss Wild Winds: Spirit of the Bison during the festival this year.

This film has heart and soul. Be prepared to care more about the majestic bison than you thought possible. From seeing baby bison to the crazy amount of personality the adult bison exhibit, these resilient animals will graze their way into your hearts and won’t let go. We go on a journey of the history of the bison intertwined with its place in Indiana’s past and future.

This documentary is brilliantly paced and showcases a story that can only be matched by the wonderful preservation work being done by the people at Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve in northeastern Indiana. This film obviously had an impact on me. I learned about our local Indiana past and how we can shape the future of our state and the spirit of the bison. Find this film in our shorts blocks and enjoy everything it has to offer. You’ll thank me later.