Heartland invites filmmakers and student filmmakers from around the world to submit feature length and short films in dramatic, documentary and animation categories. Films are selected based on the achievement of excellence in filmmaking and promotion of Heartland’s mission. A committee of previous Crystal Heart Award recipients from the film community selects the winners. Heartland presents Crystal Heart Awards and $100,000 in cash prizes to feature length and short film entries, including $50,000 to the grand prize winner for best dramatic feature. Student filmmakers receive Jimmy Stewart Memorial Crystal Heart Awards and cash prizes.
Heartland Film Festival, a nonprofit organization, was established in 1991 to recognize and honor filmmakers whose work explores the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life. In 12 years, Heartland has awarded more than $1.2 million to support filmmakers in their quest to create Truly Moving Pictures.