Tune in to learn all the big winners for the 2021 Heartland Film Festival. The awards show takes place at the amazing Cabaret Theater so you will be sure to watch a beautiful awards night! The awards show is FREE!

Additional Award - FIPRESCI Best Directorial Debut for US Narrative Feature

HIFF is also proud to once again host a jury delegation from the Fédération Internationale de la Presse Cinématographique International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) to present a sanctioned award honoring the top directorial debut for a dramatic US film. This year’s FIPRESCI jury is comprised of international film critics Adriana Fernández, Barbara Gasser, and Wilfred Okiche. 

"The FIPRESCI Best Directorial Debut for US Narrative Feature is presented to 'Mass,' directed by Fran Kranz,” said the FIPRESCI jury. “For its unflinching and compassionate inquiry into the aftermath of a devastating tragedy, one that has sadly become all too common. Ignited by a quartet of outstanding lead performances, 'Mass' is unafraid to delve into uncomfortable places, asking difficult questions and demanding that the full complexity of feelings be dealt with squarely. A triumphant debut suffused with wisdom and uncommon empathy, 'Mass' makes a simple demand of all of us, that we dare to be human, together.”