How to Catch Indie Films at Indianapolis Cinema Society

Indianapolis Cinema Society (ICS) stands as one of the most vital cultural institutions in the Midwest for lovers of independent cinema. Founded in 2008, this nonprofit organization has cultivated a dedicated community of film enthusiasts who seek out bold, unconventional, and artistically daring stories often overlooked by mainstream theaters. Unlike commercial multiplexes that prioritize box office returns, ICS curates a rotating calendar of indie films—from intimate character studies to experimental documentaries—many of which never receive wide theatrical distribution. For film lovers in Indianapolis, catching these screenings isn’t just about entertainment; it’s an act of cultural participation, supporting filmmakers who challenge norms and expand the boundaries of storytelling.

The challenge, however, lies in knowing how to access these films. Unlike major studio releases, indie screenings at ICS are often limited in number, require advance planning, and operate on a different rhythm than traditional cinema chains. Many first-time attendees assume they can simply walk in—only to find sold-out shows or membership requirements. This guide is designed to demystify the process. Whether you’re a newcomer to indie cinema or a seasoned viewer looking to deepen your engagement, this comprehensive tutorial will walk you through every step needed to consistently catch indie films at Indianapolis Cinema Society.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Mission and Structure of Indianapolis Cinema Society

Before you can effectively engage with ICS, it’s essential to understand its operational model. Unlike for-profit theaters, ICS functions as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to film education and cultural enrichment. This means its programming is driven by artistic merit, not ticket sales. Screenings are often held in intimate venues such as the historic IUPUI Library Auditorium, the Indy Film House, or pop-up locations across the city. The society operates on a membership-based funding model, which allows them to secure licensing rights for films that would otherwise be inaccessible.

ICS does not rely on traditional studio distribution channels. Instead, they partner directly with indie distributors like Oscilloscope Laboratories, Kino Lorber, Film Movement, and Grasshopper Film. These partnerships enable ICS to screen films that may have played only a handful of theaters nationwide. Understanding this structure helps you appreciate why access is limited—and why proactive planning is non-negotiable.

Step 2: Join the Indianapolis Cinema Society Membership Program

Membership is the single most important step in securing consistent access to indie film screenings. ICS offers three tiers: Individual ($50/year), Dual ($80/year), and Supporter ($150/year). Each tier grants access to exclusive screenings, early ticketing windows, and invitations to filmmaker Q&As and member-only events.

Membership is not optional for most screenings. While a small number of public events are open to non-members, the vast majority of curated indie features require a valid membership card for entry. To join, visit the official ICS website and complete the online registration. You’ll receive an electronic membership card immediately, with a physical card mailed within 7–10 business days.

Pro Tip: Join in January or July—these are the months when ICS renews its annual programming slate. New members who join during these windows often receive priority access to the first screenings of the season.

Step 3: Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter

ICS does not maintain a public, real-time screening calendar on its homepage. Instead, they rely on a curated weekly newsletter to announce upcoming films, screening times, and special events. This newsletter is sent every Thursday evening and includes:

• Full program listings for the upcoming week
• Director and cast bios
• Behind-the-scenes production notes
• Links to trailers and related reading
• Early access codes for ticket reservations

Subscription is free and requires only your email address. Visit the ICS website, scroll to the footer, and enter your email under “Stay Connected.” Do not rely on social media alone—many screenings are announced in the newsletter 48 hours before tickets go live. Missing the newsletter means missing the opportunity.

Step 4: Set Up Ticket Alerts and Calendar Reminders

Once subscribed to the newsletter, create a system to ensure you never miss a ticket release. ICS releases tickets every Monday at 9:00 a.m. EST for the upcoming week’s screenings. The system is entirely online and often crashes within minutes due to high demand.

Here’s how to prepare:

1. Log into your ICS member account before 8:45 a.m. on Mondays.
2. Have your payment method saved in your profile (Visa, Mastercard, or PayPal).
3. Open the ticketing page in a dedicated browser tab.
4. Set a phone alarm for 8:45 a.m. and a calendar reminder labeled “ICS Ticket Drop – 9 a.m.”
5. Refresh the page at 8:59 a.m. to ensure you’re ready the moment tickets go live.

Most popular films sell out in under 12 minutes. If you miss the initial drop, don’t panic—ICS maintains a waitlist system (explained in Step 5).

Step 5: Master the Waitlist System

Even if a screening appears sold out, there’s still a chance to attend. ICS operates a dynamic waitlist that activates 24 hours before each screening. Here’s how it works:

• Visit the event page on the ICS website.
• Click “Join Waitlist.” You’ll be added in the order you signed up.
• Within 24 hours of the screening, you’ll receive an email notification if a seat opens.
• You have 30 minutes to confirm your ticket before it’s released to the next person.

Many members use this system strategically. For example, if you’re interested in a foreign-language film with limited seating, you might join the waitlist for three different screenings of the same film across different days. The system is transparent—you can see your position on the list, and cancellations are processed in real time.

Step 6: Learn the Screening Schedule Patterns

ICS screenings follow a predictable weekly rhythm:

• Tuesdays: New releases and director’s cuts (often with filmmaker Q&As)
• Wednesdays: Themed retrospectives (e.g., “Women in Neo-Noir,” “Midwest Documentaries”)
• Thursdays: Student and emerging filmmaker showcases
• Fridays: Cult classics and midnight screenings
• Saturdays: Family-friendly indie films and animated features
• Sundays: Documentary premieres and panel discussions

By understanding these patterns, you can tailor your viewing preferences. For example, if you’re drawn to political documentaries, prioritize Sunday screenings. If you want to meet local filmmakers, attend Thursday nights. This pattern has remained consistent for over five years, making it a reliable tool for planning.

Step 7: Attend Member-Only Events and Pre-Screening Gatherings

ICS hosts pre-screening receptions at partner venues like The Coffee House on Mass Ave or The Old National Centre’s lounge. These events begin 90 minutes before the film and include light refreshments, themed cocktails, and informal chats with ICS curators and sometimes even visiting filmmakers.

These gatherings are exclusive to members and serve two critical purposes:

1. They give you insider context about the film—what to look for, its production history, and its festival reception.
2. They build community. Many attendees form viewing groups, share recommendations, and even organize carpooling to screenings.

RSVPs for these events are required and often fill up within hours. Always check the newsletter for event links and respond promptly.

Step 8: Explore Off-Site and Pop-Up Screenings

ICS doesn’t limit itself to one venue. Each season, they host pop-up screenings in unexpected locations: the Indianapolis Public Library’s central branch, the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s outdoor plaza, and even a converted church in the Fletcher Place neighborhood.

These events are announced with little notice—often just 48 hours ahead. To catch them:

• Follow ICS on Instagram (@indycinemasociety) and Twitter (@ICSIndy) for real-time updates.
• Enable location-based notifications on the ICS mobile app (available on iOS and Android).
• Join the “Pop-Up Alert” group on Facebook (search “ICS Pop-Up Film Watchers”).

Pop-ups often feature rare archival prints, 16mm screenings, or films that have never been shown in Indiana. These are the hidden gems of the ICS experience.

Step 9: Volunteer to Gain Priority Access

ICS relies heavily on volunteers to run screenings, manage seating, and assist with events. Volunteering just two hours per month grants you:

• Priority ticket access (24 hours before general members)
• Complimentary tickets to two screenings per month
• Invitations to exclusive behind-the-scenes tours

To apply, visit the “Get Involved” section of the ICS website. You’ll be asked to complete a short orientation and select your preferred role: usher, tech assistant, outreach coordinator, or archivist. Many volunteers become lifelong members of the ICS community, forming deep connections with curators and filmmakers.

Step 10: Keep a Personal Film Log and Share Recommendations

ICS encourages members to document their viewing experiences. While not mandatory, keeping a personal log helps you track your cinematic journey and identify patterns in your tastes. Use a simple spreadsheet or app like Letterboxd to record:

• Screening date and venue
• Director and country of origin
• Genre and runtime
• Personal rating (1–5 stars)
• Key themes or questions raised

ICS also hosts monthly “Film Swap” nights where members bring a film they loved and share why. These informal gatherings are invaluable for discovering hidden titles you’d never find on streaming platforms. Don’t underestimate the power of peer recommendations—many of ICS’s most successful screenings began as member suggestions.

Best Practices

Practice 1: Prioritize Consistency Over Quantity

It’s tempting to try to attend every screening, but quality of engagement matters more than volume. Instead of spreading yourself thin, choose one or two films per month that align with your interests and commit to fully experiencing them. Attend the Q&A, read the director’s interview, and discuss the film with others. Deep engagement with fewer films creates a richer understanding of indie cinema than superficial attendance at ten.

Practice 2: Arrive Early—Always

ICS venues are intimate. Seating is general admission, and popular films often fill the room 20 minutes before showtime. Arriving 30–45 minutes early ensures you get a good seat, especially if you’re attending with a group. It also gives you time to absorb the pre-show atmosphere—the curated playlist, the film posters on the walls, the quiet anticipation of a community gathered for art.

Practice 3: Respect the Space and the Art

Indie films are often shown on 35mm or 16mm film reels. The projectionists are volunteers who dedicate hours to maintaining analog equipment. Turn off your phone completely—no notifications, no screen glow. Avoid talking during the film, even in whispers. These are not casual movie nights; they are sacred spaces for artistic expression.

Practice 4: Support the Filmmakers Beyond the Ticket

When you attend an ICS screening, you’re not just paying for a seat—you’re helping fund the filmmaker’s next project. Consider purchasing a DVD or digital rental directly from the distributor listed in the program. Many indie directors rely on these sales to survive. You can also follow them on social media and share their work with others.

Practice 5: Learn the Language of Indie Film

Indie cinema has its own terminology: “narrative vérité,” “slow cinema,” “transnational co-production,” “non-linear editing.” Familiarize yourself with these terms by reading ICS’s monthly “Film Theory Briefs,” available on their website. Understanding these concepts enhances your appreciation and allows you to engage more meaningfully in discussions.

Practice 6: Engage with Local Film Communities

ICS doesn’t operate in isolation. Connect with other local organizations: the Indiana University Cinema Club, the Indy Film Fest alumni network, and the Central Indiana Film Collective. Attend their events, participate in their forums, and build a broader network. The more connected you are, the more opportunities you’ll uncover.

Practice 7: Be Patient and Persistent

Not every screening will be a masterpiece. Some films will challenge you, confuse you, or even bore you. That’s part of the journey. The beauty of indie cinema is its unpredictability. Don’t give up after one disappointment. Keep attending. Your taste will evolve, and so will your understanding of what cinema can be.

Tools and Resources

Official ICS Platforms

• Website: www.indianapoliscinemasociety.org – Central hub for schedules, membership, and archives
• Newsletter: Weekly Thursday email with curated listings and early access codes
• Mobile App: Available on iOS and Android – Push notifications for pop-ups and waitlist updates
• Member Portal: Login to view your ticket history, waitlist status, and event RSVPs

Third-Party Tools

• Letterboxd: Free platform to log films, write reviews, and discover titles recommended by other ICS members
• IMDb Pro: Paid subscription for deeper industry insights—useful for researching directors and distributors
• Google Calendar + ICS RSS Feed: Subscribe to ICS’s public calendar feed to auto-sync screenings
• Bandcamp: Many indie films have companion soundtracks. Support composers by purchasing directly.

Reading and Learning Resources

• “The Indie Film Handbook” by Sarah Polley – Practical guide to navigating indie film circuits
• “Cinema Scope” Magazine – Quarterly journal covering global independent cinema
• “IndieWire” – Film Festival Coverage – Track which films are playing at Sundance, Cannes, and Toronto
• ICS Film Theory Briefs (Archived) – Free PDFs on cinematic techniques used in recent ICS selections

Local Partnerships

• Indianapolis Public Library: Free access to Kanopy streaming service with your library card—many ICS films are available here after their theatrical run
• Butler University Film Department: Hosts public lectures and student screenings that often overlap with ICS programming
• Indianapolis Art Center: Collaborates on visual art-film hybrid exhibitions

Real Examples

Example 1: “The Last Light in Bloomington” (2023)

A quiet, 82-minute documentary by first-time filmmaker Lena Ruiz, “The Last Light in Bloomington” followed the final year of a rural Indiana drive-in theater. ICS screened it in January 2023 as part of their “Vanishing Spaces” series. The film had no marketing budget, no festival buzz, and no streaming rights—until ICS picked it up.

Member Sarah T. joined the waitlist after reading about it in the newsletter. She attended the pre-screening reception, where Ruiz spoke about filming with a single camera and no crew. The film sold out. Two weeks later, a seat opened on the waitlist, and Sarah attended a second screening. She later wrote a blog post about it, which was shared by ICS on their site. The film eventually received a limited digital release through Kino Lorber—thanks in part to the buzz generated by ICS members.

Example 2: “Echoes of the River” (2022) – Pop-Up Screening

This experimental 16mm film, shot entirely along the White River in Indianapolis, was shown only once—at a pop-up event on a floating barge near Eagle Creek. The screening was announced via Instagram at 6 p.m. on a Friday, with tickets available for 90 minutes. Only 35 seats were available.

Three members—James, Priya, and Marcus—saw the post, grabbed tickets within minutes, and carpooled. They arrived early, brought blankets, and watched the film as the sun set. Afterward, they met the director, who handed out handmade zines. The screening became legendary in ICS circles. A year later, it was re-screened as part of the “Indiana in Motion” retrospective.

Example 3: The “Student Spotlight” Series

In 2021, ICS launched a monthly series showcasing films by students from Herron School of Art and Design. One film, “The Quiet Room,” a 12-minute silent short about a nonverbal child in a nursing home, was submitted by a sophomore. It was screened on a Thursday night with no promotion beyond the newsletter.

Only 18 people attended. But one attendee—a retired film editor—was moved to tears. He contacted the student, offered mentorship, and helped her submit the film to the Student Academy Awards. It went on to win a regional medal. Today, the student runs her own indie production company in Bloomington.

These stories are not anomalies. They are the heartbeat of ICS. Every screening carries the potential to change a life—yours, the filmmaker’s, or someone in the audience.

FAQs

Can I attend ICS screenings without being a member?

Very rarely. A few public events, like seasonal film festivals or community partnerships, are open to all. But the vast majority of curated indie features require a valid membership card for entry. Membership supports the organization’s mission and ensures access to the full program.

How much do tickets cost?

Members pay $8 per screening. Non-members (if permitted) pay $12. Student members pay $5. Pop-up events may have different pricing, but discounts are always available for members.

Are subtitles available for foreign films?

Yes. All foreign-language films include English subtitles, either burned into the print or projected via digital subtitle systems. If you require accessibility accommodations, contact ICS at least 72 hours in advance.

Do ICS screenings have intermissions?

Most do not. Films are typically shown without breaks. However, longer films (over 120 minutes) may include a 10-minute intermission. This is always noted in the event description.

Can I bring food or drinks?

Light snacks and bottled water are permitted in most venues. Alcohol is served at select events with prior approval. No outside food is allowed during screenings. ICS partners with local vendors to offer affordable, artisanal concessions.

What if I miss a screening I wanted to see?

Check the waitlist. Many films are re-screened in future seasons. ICS maintains an archive of past programs—some films are shown again after a year or two. Also, consider watching the film on Kanopy (via your public library) or purchasing a digital copy through the distributor listed in the program.

Can I suggest a film for ICS to screen?

Yes. ICS has a dedicated “Suggestion Box” on their website. Members can submit titles, along with a short rationale. Every submission is reviewed by the programming committee. Over 30% of ICS’s annual selections come from member suggestions.

Are children allowed at screenings?

Children under 12 are welcome at designated family-friendly screenings (marked on the calendar). For all other films, ICS requests that attendees be 16 or older due to content intensity. Always check the film’s rating and description before bringing minors.

Do ICS screenings have closed captioning?

Yes. All digital screenings include open and closed captioning options. For film reels, captioning is provided via portable devices available at the entrance. Contact ICS in advance to arrange accommodations.

How can I support ICS beyond membership?

Donate directly via their website, volunteer your skills (editing, graphic design, translation), or host a viewing party and invite friends. Every contribution helps keep independent cinema alive in Indianapolis.

Conclusion

Catching indie films at Indianapolis Cinema Society is not merely about watching movies—it’s about becoming part of a living, breathing community that values art over commerce, depth over distraction, and connection over consumption. The process may seem complex at first: memberships, newsletters, waitlists, pop-ups, volunteer shifts. But each step is a thread in a larger tapestry—one that weaves together filmmakers, audiences, and the city itself.

What you gain is more than access to rare films. You gain context. You gain conversation. You gain the quiet thrill of seeing something no one else in your circle has seen, and knowing that your presence helped make it possible. In a world saturated with algorithm-driven content, ICS offers something radical: choice, intention, and humanity.

So take the first step. Join. Subscribe. Set the reminder. Show up early. Be quiet. Be present. Let the film speak. And when it ends, don’t rush out. Stay. Talk. Listen. That’s how indie cinema survives. That’s how it thrives. And that’s how you become part of something far greater than a movie night.