LIFT exists to shine a light on Hoosiers whose actions and character help raise the spirit of Indiana. These short films aren’t meant to idealize people or paint perfect pictures. Instead, they recognize the extraordinary that often hides inside the ordinary - the moments of generosity, creativity, resilience, or courage that remind us what’s possible in our communities. By elevating stories like these, LIFT aims to create a statewide ripple effect of recognition and connection, inviting audiences to see themselves and their neighbors in new, inspiring ways.

LIFT seeks proposals for the creation of high-quality short films (five minutes or less) that feature stories of Hoosiers who have a vision for how to strengthen their communities and are working to do so. Selected filmmakers will receive a $5,000 stipend to produce films that are both uplifting and rooted in authentic Hoosier experiences. Our goal is to support the documentation and distribution of compelling, achievable Hoosier stories that surprise, delight, inspire, and elevate the individuals and communities working to make Indiana a strong, vibrant place.

LIFT invites stories that center on a single Hoosier (or very small group) whose actions, perspective, or presence meaningfully contribute to their community. The story does not have to be dramatic or heroic; it could simply reveal something genuine and illuminating about how people strengthen, support, or uplift one another in Indiana.

Strong LIFT stories:

• Focus on one person or a very small group

• Capture a specific moment, effort, practice, or ritual

• Highlight depth of character rather than breadth of activity

• Reveal the “why” behind someone’s actions

• Offer a perspective audiences might not normally encounter

• Show how individual choices can create a positive ripple effect

LIFT stories can be tender, surprising, humorous, inventive, or quietly powerful. What matters most is uplifting resonance - a story that offers viewers an honest, memorable glimpse into a life or moment that helps raise the spirit of Indiana.

LIFT is designed for stories that can be filmed in a focused, highly achievable way. Applicants should propose projects that can be filmed within one or two days, using locations, subjects, and access they can realistically secure within the program timeline. Stories should be scoped so they can be shaped into a compelling five-minute film without requiring long-term observation, extensive travel, or unfolding events outside the filmmaker’s control.

LIFT embraces the five-minute film format because small stories, told with clarity and care, can have a powerful impact. A five-minute film asks applicants to focus on a single person, moment, or idea. This constraint encourages creative intention: noticing the details that reveal character, choosing moments that matter, and crafting a story that resonates without grand scale or extensive time period.

By supporting short films, LIFT aims to remove barriers to participation and make space for a wide range of voices, styles, and storytelling approaches.

• Applicants must reside in Indiana and be able to conduct the majority of filming within the state.

• Subjects featured in the film should also reside in Indiana.

• Collaborative teams are eligible to apply, but a single lead applicant must be designated.

• Students and emerging filmmakers are welcome to apply.

• Organizations may apply, but funding will be awarded to the designated lead filmmaker.

• Story alignment - How well the proposed story reflects the purpose and spirit of LIFT

• Feasibility - Whether the film can be completed within the timeline and scope

• Creative approach - The filmmaker’s vision and storytelling clarity

• Access & Authenticity - Applicant's ability to meaningfully engage with the story in ways that respect the subject and their community

• Potential impact - The film’s ability to resonate with audiences across Indiana

Films will premiere at Heartland Film’s Indy Shorts Film Festival in July 2026. Films will also be disseminated through a special partnership with Free Press Indiana and on social media via Hoodox and Indiana Humanities.

Filmmakers are responsible for securing all necessary rights, releases, and permissions for individuals, locations, and any third-party materials used in their films (including music). By submitting a proposal, applicants confirm that they will obtain appropriate releases and clearances before delivering the final film. LIFT program partners are not responsible for unauthorized use of copyrighted or restricted materials.

While the filmmaker retains ownership and copyright, Hoodox, Indiana Humanities, and program partners retain the right of non-exclusive, royalty-free license to screen, share, and promote the film as part of their mission-related programming and communications and edit clips or screengrabs for promotional purposes. This includes online streaming on Hoodox, educational presentations, and inclusion in partner media stories.

Filmmakers remain free to distribute, submit, and promote their films elsewhere without restriction. Filmmakers are encouraged to submit their completed films to festivals and organize their own screenings of their films.

Hoodox and Indiana Humanities must be credited on screen in both the opening credits (if there are any) and the closing credits, as follows: 

• Opening Credits: Acknowledged as funder, i.e., “with the support of Hoodox and Indiana Humanities” 

• Closing Credits: Acknowledged as funder, i.e., “Hoodox and Indiana Humanities” appears in any listing of funders; Logos appear on screen for minimum of 3 seconds (we will provide logos for your use)

Because LIFT operates on a short timeline, filmmakers must meet all deadlines and deliver the required materials on time. Projects that fall significantly behind schedule or fail to meet deliverable requirements may become ineligible for final distribution through program partners and for future program opportunities.

Filmmakers are responsible for conducting their productions safely, ethically, and in accordance with all applicable laws and permissions.

Selected filmmakers must commit to timely communication with LIFT program partners throughout the production process. This includes responding promptly to email requests, participating in scheduled check-ins, and notifying partners of any challenges affecting timeline or deliverables.

• January 15, 2026: Applications open

• March 15, 2026 by 11:59 pm Eastern: Applications due

• April 15, 2026: Notification of funding

• June 15, 2026: Completed Films Due

• July 21 – 26, 2026: Films premiere at Heartland Film’s Indy Shorts Film Festival

Selected filmmakers will be required to deliver:

• A final film (5 minutes or less), exported in 4K or 1080p

• A 30–60 second trailer or teaser

• 3–5 high-quality still images from the production

• Headshots and short bios for key production team members and subjects

• A short written synopsis (75–150 words)

• Any required releases for subjects, locations, and music

Individual filmmakers or organizations should submit a proposal via the submission form at www.LIFTIndiana.com/apply by March 15, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern.

Applicants requiring accessibility accommodations for the application process may contact LIFT@watchhoodox.com in advance of the deadline.