Heartland’s Sparks named “Spirit” Winner
7th annual Windrider Fourm will take place January 24th-30th, 2011 during the Sundance Film Festival
Jeff Sparks
The Windrider Forum is pleased to announce the 2011 “Spirit of Windrider Award” winner is Heartland Truly Moving Pictures President and CEO, Jeff Sparks
Jeff will be joining the Windrider Forum for the opening night festivities on Monday night, January 24th, to accept the award. Jeff will also be on hand for the entire forum, and will participate in numerous panel discussions and Q&A sessions.
Each year, we honor an individual who embodies the heart of soul of Windrider. We are always excited to feature our accomplished and eclectic Spirit of Windrider Award recipients. We take the time each year to go through a nomination, presentation and selection process, as we gather together to choose each year’s recipient. The award, which recognizes commitment in encouraging the creative spirit to impact culture through film and media, will honor a worthy recipient in Mr. Sparks.
The current President ,CEO and founding board member of Heartland Truly Moving pictures, has been a leader in recognizing and honoring filmmakers, whose works explore the human journey, artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life. Since 1991, the annual Heartland Film Festival has recognized filmmakers with the largest prize purse worldwide.
The prestigious Heartland Film Festival takes place in Indianapolis from 14-23, 2010. Beginning in 1991, Sparks led a group of visionaries, united to create a unique film festival to honor beautifully made films that celebrate the positive aspects of life called the Heartland Film Festival.
The Heartland Film Festival started in 1992 as a small event in Indianapolis and has expanded over time to become one of the fastest growing film festivals in the country. Today, the annual film festival is a ten-day event full of independent films, a variety of special events for film enthusiasts of all ages, and a one-of-a-kind experience in one of the Midwest’s most inviting cities.
Each October, the Heartland Film Festival screens independent films from around the world and presents more than $100,000 in cash prizes and Crystal Heart Awards to the Festival’s top-judged submissions.
About Heartland Truly Moving Pictures
Heartland Truly Moving Pictures recognizes and honors filmmakers whose work artistically expresses hope and respect for positive values of life. Heartland is a cultural institution, but it’s also an ideal. The organization was formed around the belief that great films can inspire people to accomplish amazing things. They can increase our understanding of the world around us. They can motivate us to treat one another with compassion and respect.
Maximizing film’s potential to promote the common good calls for action on multiple fronts. Heartland has responded in a variety of ways – from producing an internationally regarded film festival, the Heartland Film Festival, to presenting a highly coveted ndustry award, the Heartland Truly Moving Picture Award, to inspiring today’s youth through programs produced by the Heartland Institute such as the F.I.L.M. Project and the Heartland High School Film Competition.
Moreover, we continue to forge successful partnerships with film studios, like-minded national non-profit organizations and our supporters to achieve our goal of making more uplifting films more accessible than ever.
The result is a series of ripples that over the years has developed into a powerful wave.
Please join us in congratulating, Jeffrey L. Sparks, the 2011 Spirit of Windrider Award recipient.
James Lecesne, Hilla Medalia, John Priddy and David Abadi at the Heartland Film Festival Crystal Heart Awards Ceremony for After the Storm
