Heartland Film Festival to Salute Will Poulter for Drama 'Union County'
The 35th annual Heartland Film Festival will present an award to actor Will Poulter at its brunch on Oct. 17, following a screening of his film "Union County." In the drama, Poulter and Noah Centineo portray brothers navigating a court-ordered rehab program in rural Ohio affected by the opioid crisis. Poulter will attend the event in Indianapolis to receive the honor.
The 35th Heartland Film Festival runs in Indianapolis, where Poulter will receive his honor at the festival's awards brunch on Oct. 17, immediately following the screening of "Union County." The film, distributed by Oscilloscope Laboratories, casts Poulter opposite Noah Centineo as siblings ordered into rehabilitation by the courts, set against the backdrop of rural Ohio communities struggling with opioid addiction.
The festival's broader slate includes several awards-season contenders, among them "Elsinore," "The Debut," "La Bola Negra," "I Play Rocky," and "Wild Horse Nine," positioning this year's program as a notable stop for prestige cinema.
This recognition could draw wider attention to "Union County" during awards season, potentially boosting its visibility among audiences and industry voters. The film's subject matter—opioid addiction and court-ordered recovery—may resonate with communities affected by the crisis, while Heartland's midwestern setting could amplify regional engagement. Poulter's attendance may also elevate the festival's profile as a meaningful platform for socially conscious drama.