Its flagship event, the Heartland Film Festival, launched in 1991 and runs each October in Indianapolis, screening independent films around the world. Each year, the Festival awards $200,000 in cash prizes and presents its Crystal Heart Awards to the top-judged submissions. Heartland has awarded more than $1.6 million to support filmmakers during the last 16 years.

The organization's Truly Moving Picture Award was created to honor films released theatrically that align with Heartland's mission. By bestowing a watermark to honored films, the award allows studios and distributors to inform audiences of a film?s uplifting message and appeal. Heartland is also dedicated to its relationship with National Collaboration for Youth and its expanding F.I.L.M., "Finding Inspiration in Literature and Movies," project.