Madpix at Indy Shorts Film Festival.

Madpix Films had plenty to celebrate at this year’s Indy Shorts Film Festival, part of the Heartland Film Festival. Filmmakers Lisa Klein and Doug Blush attended with four Madpix-associated films in the lineup—and Doug was presented with the Pioneering Spirit Award!

Pioneering Spirit Award to Doug Blush

Over the years, the Heartland Film Pioneering Spirit Awards have honored individuals who have embodied Heartland Film’s mission; those whose work has inspired conversation, ignited imagination, and shifted perspectives. The Pioneering Spirit Award honors individuals in the prime of their career (recent past honorees include Colman Domingo, Ben Proudfoot, Will Smith, Jessica Biel and Geoffrey Rush), and the Pioneering Spirit: Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates the full career contributions of an individual (recent honorees include Ann Dowd, Cloris Leachman, Michael Apted, Brian Dennehy, and Rob Reiner). Doug was honored to receive the award this year.

 

Indy Shorts Film Festival Screenings:

OUT HERE
Director: Lisa Klein
Executive Producer, Writer, Producer: Leslie Silver
Producer: Doug Blush

“OUT HERE” is a story of redemption as social worker Mark, who has overcome his troubled past, works to house his Sacramento neighbors. As we see Mark “piecing shit together” it reveals the power of human connection and personal conviction. Visit the OUT HERE website for the trailer and more information on upcoming screenings and hosting a screening.

Lisa, Doug and Leslie were joined by editor Josh Bayer for the Q&A.

In addition to Madpix’s own project, three more films featuring Doug’s creative contributions were also showcased at Indy Shorts:

HER FIGHT, HIS NAME: The Story of Gwen Carr and Eric Garner
Director: Brad Bailey

Screenwriters: Brad Bailey, Jered Everson, Deanna Cuadra, Jeff Weisinger

Producers: Jered Everson, Doug Blush, Cedric Hill, Deanna Cuadra, Francis Maxwell, Jeff Weisinger, Nadia Fischer

Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner, spends years seeking justice over the death of her son. At home, surrounded by photos of lost loved ones, she draws strength from cherished memories to keep fighting. Filmed over six years, this documentary marks the 10-year anniversary of Eric’s death.

THE BREAKTHROUGH GROUP

Director and Writer: Ben Rekhi

Producer: Undine Buka

Executive Producer: Doug Blush

With unprecedented access to a new behavioral community in Salt Lake City, “The Breakthrough Group” follows several formerly incarcerated students as they undertake peer-led interventions to break through their negative behaviors and become functioning members of society again.

MIDDLEGROUND

Director, Writer and Producer: Alex Herz

Executive Producer: Doug Blush

This short documentary follows four young adults with intellectual disabilities in Fresno, California, as they start their professional careers, relying on a patchwork of family and community aid while navigating a fragmented system of state services.

Thank you to the organizers of the Indy Shorts Film Festival and the Heartland Film Festival for an awesome event!

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