7 Hoosier movies to catch during Indy Film Fest 2026
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The Indy Film Fest returns Wednesday with more than 70 films, including a strong slate of Indiana-made projects.
Why it matters: The volunteer-run celebration is expanding in its 23rd year to accommodate more programming in one of the city's fastest-growing arts districts.
The festival runs Wednesday through Sunday at two Windsor Park venues.
- In addition to another year of screenings at Kan-Kan Cinema, films will be shown at Dance Kaleidoscope in the Factory Arts District for the first time.
- Night one is headlined by "Carolina Caroline," a "Bonnie & Clyde"-inspired crime thriller starring Samara Weaving, Kyle Gallner and Kyra Sedgwick that starts at 7:30pm at Kan-Kan.
Plus: An opening-night party is being held at the nearby Mayfair Tap Room at 8pm with a cash bar and complimentary light snacks.
- The party is free for those with admission to "Carolina Caroline" and $10 for everyone else.
By the numbers: The festival includes more than 70 films, representing 17 countries.
- More than 40 of the filmmakers will be in attendance.
- Five films will celebrate their world premieres.
Zoom in: Sixteen films in this year's Hoosier Lens category highlight projects with strong Indiana ties.
- This means that the movies have principal actors or filmmakers with Indiana roots or that a significant amount of the film was shot in Indiana.
Here is a quick look at some of this year's Hoosier Lens offerings.
🦠 "Patient Zero": An Indiana-made mockumentary about a man obsessed with becoming the next pandemic's patient zero.
😷 "F2020": A feature-length production that shares a pandemic focus by telling the story of a talented Indiana artist who struggles to survive during COVID.
🏎️ "Pursuit of Perfection": A short film focused on Noblesville native Conor Daly chasing victory at the Indianapolis 500.
🎹 "Cora Dale: A Rediscovered Harmony": A documentary about how mental illness derailed the career of early-20th-century composer Cora Dale and how her Goshen home has been transformed into a symbol for mental wellness.
👽 "New High Score": A feature-length film shot in the Indianapolis area that focuses on a young woman haunted by visions of her late sister and space aliens as she navigates life post-breakup.
🦽 "Just One Man": A documentary about Indianapolis activist Richard Propes, who raised more than $100,000 in 2024 while traveling 150 miles across the state by wheelchair.
👟 "Stay Positive": In another documentary about crossing the state for a good cause, Michael Hartnagel runs 157 miles to honor his father's fight against cancer.
If you go: All-access passes to Indy Film Fest allow you to reserve tickets for all in-person screenings and events.