Cinemania Is Back With a Celebration of Classic ’80s Dance Films

Cinemania, Heartland Film’s signature fundraising event, is back for the second year and promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Presented by F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co., Cinemania will take place on Friday, April 11 at The Crane Bay Event Center at 551 West Merrill Street in Indianapolis.

“Cinemania is unlike any event Indianapolis has ever had before,” says Alissa Zink, who attended last year when the theme was “A Tribute to the Beatles in Film”. “So much thought and planning go into every detail. It was fun to see how much fun every person was having.”

Heartland Film is a local nonprofit arts organization that runs the Heartland International Film Festival, the Indy Shorts International Film Festival, and other community events throughout the year centered around film. Founded in 1991, Heartland Film’s mission is to curate, promote and celebrate thoughtful and engaging films from diverse perspectives.

“Cinemania is helping to support our organization and its future film festivals, community events and education programs,” says Jessica Chapman, director of marketing of Heartland Films. “This is not something we typically do because this event isn’t showcasing any film, but rather celebrating classic films.”

This year’s theme is “A Tribute to Dance Films of the ‘80s” and will include such fan favorites as “Flashdance”, “Purple Rain”, “Fame”, “Dirty Dancing”, “Footloose” and “Xanadu.”

Jamee Gifford, who had a blast at Cinemania last year, is looking forward to returning this year.

“It was amazing to see so many people embracing the theme and having a good time together,” says Gifford.

Guests are invited to dig deep into their (or their parents’) closets and come dressed in eclectic ‘80s chic.

“That can really range depending on what your favorite ‘80s style is,” Chapman says. “It could be ‘80s grunge, ‘80s prom styles, neon, or the flashy dance-club route. I think we’ll see a wide mix of things.”

This is not your typical fundraiser with a formal sit-down dinner. Rather, it’s an interactive evening that invites attendees to experience different dance aspects of the ‘80s. Guests enter by walking the 20-foot Purple Carpet, where they will get their photo taken in their totally tubular ‘80s outfits. They then get to dive into the immersive, interactive fun via different ‘80s activations, which are themed to the particular film being showcased. The event promises lots of cool surprises, but here’s a sneak peek; they’ll have a glam squad helping guests get their hair and makeup done in a classic ‘80s style.

The night will include music from the featured films performed by several live bands, including the headlining band The Breakfast Club, who will perform on the Purple Rain Main Stage. Live dancers will also be part of the night’s entertainment. Plus, there will be photo activations in which guests can re-enact these iconic ‘80s movies.

Food and bars will be spaced throughout the venue offering different types of drinks, some of which will be themed.

Gifford calls Cinemania a one-of-a-kind event.

“The interactive stations, surprise elements and the delicious food all made for an unforgettable, entertaining and Instagram-worthy night,” Gifford says of last year’s event. “I loved that there was something for everyone, and everywhere you turned, you found something new: photo opportunities, dancing to an awesome band, art, several interactive stations, and fun opportunities to donate, all coupled with amazing food and cocktails.”

Premiere tickets are $300, or you can buy a Party 12-Pack for $3,000, essentially getting two tickets for free. In addition, they have sponsorships available at $5,000, $10,000, and $25,000 levels, with benefits that range from naming and logo opportunities to private specialty studio lounges with VIP tickets. (Party Packs also get VIP access.) The 2024 event sold out at 650 tickets, bringing in $250,000 through sponsors, donations, ticket sales and event activations. This year’s event is likely to sell out too, so purchase tickets today. The event runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., although sponsorships and Party Pack purchasers get access to Cinemania starting at 6 p.m.

This year Cinemania has two couples acting as honorary co-chairs: Mike and Kyra Epps, and Brian and Gigi Wilkes. Mike Epps is a famous stand-up comedian and actor. Kyra Epps is an award-winning TV producer. The pair have an HGTV show called “Buying Back the Block”. Brian Wilkes, the chief meteorologist at Fox59 for the past three decades, acted as Cinemania’s Red Carpet host last year. Both couples are excited to be a part of the 2025 event.

 

Comments 1

  1. Brenden says:

    Classic 80’s dance films missed Beat Street, Breaking, Staying Alive, White Nights. You missed greats that truly embody what 80’s/Gen X movies are about escape, free thought, and what it is to grow up with all options available.

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