Unwrap a sweet selection of juried 2026 Indy Shorts award-winning films! Titles include "Finding a Way: Revitalizing Nature in the Heartland" (Hoodox Indiana Spotlight Documentary Award), "Ruth" (Summer White Lynch Memorial Grand Prize, High School Film Competition), "The Ghost of the Embassy" (Indiana Spotlight Award, High School Film Competition), "JASON" (The Children's Resilience in Short Film Prize Presented by Shine Global), "Lottie Baby" (Indiana Spotlight Narrative Award), "Panther Pat" (Documentary Special Mention) and "The Baddest Speechwriter of All" (Jenni Berebitsky Legacy Award).

Indy Shorts Winners 2

Unwrap a sweet selection of juried 2026 Indy Shorts award-winning films!

Hoodox Indiana Spotlight Documentary Award Winner The Midwest has a rich natural heritage. Beautiful forests, sprawling prairies and clear and clean lakes and rivers. The vast human footprint across America's heartland has clashed with the natural heritage for several decades. Restoration of our most sensitive habitats is how humans can find a way to help biodiversity to persist within this working landscape. Public ContactJason Whalenjason@faunacreative.com

Finding A Way: Revitalizing Nature in America's Heartland

The Midwest has a rich natural heritage. Beautiful forests, sprawling prairies and clear and clean lakes and rivers. The vast human footprint across America's heartland has clashed with the natural heritage for several decades. Restoration of our most sensitive habitats is how humans can find a way to help biodiversity to persist within this working landscape.

Children's Resilience Short Film Prize Award Winner A young boy in Miami carries on with his days while the voice of his mother, recently deported, travels through the phone to try to reach him. JASON is about what happens after deportation, the felt absence, the connection that struggles to survive it and the power of a mother's love. Public ContactBonanza Productions LLCgabriella.canal@gmail.com

English

JASON

A young boy in Miami carries on with his days while the voice of his mother, recently deported, travels through the phone to try to reach him. JASON is about what happens after deportation, the felt absence, the connection that struggles to survive it and the power of a mother's love.

Indiana Spotlight Narrative Award Winner A passionate actress prepares for her last high school performance under the watchful eye of a new director while learning more about her late father. Public ContactPleaser Productionsbellarosalesbusiness@gmail.com

Lottie Baby

A passionate actress prepares for her last high school performance under the watchful eye of a new director while learning more about her late father.

Documentary Special Mention In 1970, a schoolteacher crashes into the brutal world of professional football, shattering its gender barrier. Public ContactAshley Brandonashleybrandonfilm@gmail.com

Panther Pat

In 1970, a schoolteacher crashes into the brutal world of professional football, shattering its gender barrier.

Summer White Lynch Memorial Award Winner A heartfelt profile of a local crossing supervisor, celebrating her impact on the community.

Ruth

A heartfelt profile of a local crossing supervisor, celebrating her impact on the community.

High School Film Competition Indiana Award Winner Paranormal Investigators Mike and Matt search for the infamous ghost of the Embassy Theatre. Public ContactKayla Sprayuekaylasprayue@gmail.com

The Ghost of the Embassy

Paranormal Investigators Mike and Matt search for the infamous ghost of the Embassy Theatre.

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Check out the database of festival films you can watch at home! Many, but not all, of the festival films are available to stream in the US, October 8-18.

Get lost in film and push play on 100+ of the best selections in independent film. Many, but not all, official selections will be available to watch virtually. Check out the full lineup!

Here's what Film Q&As and Panels are coming up. Can't make it? No sweat. Many Q&As and Panels will be available for on-demand viewing throughout the festival.