Indigo Moon Film Fest

02/27/2026

The Indigo Moon Film Festival is entering a period of intentional pause as GroundSwell Pictures evaluates future direction during a season of transition.

We are deeply grateful to our filmmakers, partners, and audiences.

We do not know what the future form of this work will be, but the mission to engage and inspire through film remains.

Updates will be shared if and when new programming emerges.

09/01/2025

03/11/2025

Hi friends! Don't forget to vote for your favorite local film festival for the following:
📽️ - Best Event-Local
📽️ - Best Festival/Fair
📽️ - Tourist/Season Attraction

Submit your favorite area companies for consideration and be entered to win a gift card!

03/08/2025

We are so proud of our Groundswell team member Ieshia West! She is the embodiment of community love we strive for daily. Proud to have her on our team.

Guess what? One of our amazing teachers, Ieshia West, just won the Amazing Teacher Award! Ms. West's impact extends far beyond the classroom! This month's Amazing Teacher Award recipient inspires creativity and meaningful work in her students. We are so fortunate to have her at The Capitol Encore Academy!

01/19/2025

This cold weather has us ready for blue skies, green leaves, and warmer temps. It also has us looking longingly forward to October when Indigo Moon celebrates a milestone 10th anniversary.

As we spring into this year, we are looking for new members of our Groundswell Board of Directors team. Are you passionate about arts and culture in our community? A lover of film who wants to see what kind of fun you can have? Just looking for a way to give back? Well we want you!

Drop an email to [email protected] if you’re interested in at least exploring. We can’t wait to celebrate 10 years with all of you!

01/01/2025

Don’t forget: Our 2024 Opening Night film premiers on CNN tonight! This incredible story of Luther Vandross takes you behind the scenes on a remarkable life. We loved having this film in IMFF and are thrilled the world can experience it now.

Tonight is the night 🎉 LUTHER: NEVER TOO MUCH premieres at 8pm on CNN

Discover the story of Luther Vandross. From his days as a background singer for David Bowie and CHIC, to his break-out hit "Never Too Much," and rise to become one of the greatest voices in his generation. Using a wealth of rarely seen archives, Luther tells his own story with assistance from his closest friends and musical collaborators. The film relives the many stunning moments of Luther’s musical career, while exploring his personal life, health struggles, and a lifelong battle to earn the respect his music deserved.

Luther: Never Too Much will also be available on demand beginning Thursday, January 2 to pay TV subscribers via CNN.com, CNN connected TV and mobile apps, and Cable Operator Platforms.

We also anticipate the documentary to be released in the UK in the coming months. Watch Luther's channels throughout January for details.

01/01/2025

As we turn the page to 2025, we can’t help but think about the amazing journey our little festival has had. We are so thankful for the team of people who make all of this possible, from our fearless outgoing leaders Jan and Pat, to our board and volunteers, to the filmmakers who share their art and journey with us, to the members of our community who support this incredible cause.

2025 promises to be transformative for Indigo Moon. We can’t wait to see where the journey takes us, and we look forward to continuing this amazing endeavor with you all.

- B & E

12/18/2024

𝑮𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝑺𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝑷𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝑨𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝑬𝒙𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏!!

GroundSwell Pictures, the nonprofit organization behind the beloved Indigo Moon Film Festival, announces an important leadership transition. Founders Jan Johnson and Pat Wright have decided to step aside from their roles as leaders of the organization, paving the way for the next generation of visionaries to build on their legacy.

This decision comes after much thoughtful reflection by Jan and Pat, who co-founded GroundSwell Pictures with the mission of using the power of film to educate, inspire, and entertain. After years of dedicated service, they feel the time is right to pass the torch to new leadership, ensuring the organization’s continued growth and success.

“We are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together,” said Jan and Pat in a joint statement. “From establishing the Indigo Moon Film Festival as a cherished cultural event to supporting countless filmmakers, our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Now, we look forward to seeing fresh perspectives and new ideas shape the future of GroundSwell Pictures.”

Effective January 1, 2025, Brandon Plotnick and Erika Forbes will assume leadership of GroundSwell Pictures. Both bring a wealth of experience, energy, and a shared passion for the arts that align perfectly with the mission of the Indigo Moon Film Festival. Under their guidance, the organization will continue to thrive as a cornerstone of the local and global film community. The transition will be carefully managed to ensure continuity and a seamless handover.
“It’s an honor to be taking on this role after Jan and Pat did so much to make this festival matter in our arts community” said Brandon Plotnick. “I’ve been a film fan all my life, and I’m looking forward to what Erika and I can do to help continue the excellent work Jan and Pat have started. The arts bring our community together, and this festival has the potential to prove that film does indeed inspire change.”
Erika Forbes agreed, “ Jan and Pat have left big shoes to fill, but I’m so excited we get to continue bringing their vision to this community. “
Under Jan and Pat’s leadership, the Indigo Moon Film Festival has become a highlight of the cultural calendar, celebrating diverse voices in filmmaking and fostering a strong sense of community. Their contributions to the arts have been recognized with numerous awards, including the establishment of the Film Inspires Change Award in Jan’s honor.

While stepping away from their leadership roles, Jan and Pat plan to remain active supporters of GroundSwell Pictures and the festival, continuing to champion its mission and values.

The board of directors, staff, and volunteers are excited to build on their incredible legacy and continue bringing the transformative power of film to the community.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Brandon Plotnick or Erika Forbes
[email protected]

12/02/2024

We are grateful to our community for the support over the years. Please consider giving a bit more during Giving Tuesday when your gifts will be amplified by an amazing group of people and organizations. https://cumberlandcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/grant?grant_id=60121

11/25/2024

🎥 This , Support the Indigo Moon Film Festival! 🌟
We’re excited to announce that our Giving Tuesday donation link is live and ready to accept your generous contributions! Please give today to ensure your gift is amplified.
Your donation this holiday season will help us continue bringing diverse stories, impactful films, and community conversations to life. Together, we can ensure that the arts remain a powerful force for connection and change.
📅 Don’t wait! Cumberland Community Foundation’s Giving Tuesday campaign closes Wednesday, December 4 at 5 PM.
👉 Donate now: https://cumberlandcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/grant?grant_id=60121
Thank you for helping us make this Giving Tuesday one to remember! 💙

11/19/2024

It's always a great moment when we present the check from our box office to the non-profit we are supporting. This year it was Miller's Brew Coffee Shop. So happy to be helping this worthy group with their important mission!

11/11/2024

The brain does amazing things when you watch a film!

MIT researchers created the most comprehensive map yet of the functions of the brain’s cerebral cortex. Using fMRI, the team identified 24 networks with different functions, which include processing language, social interactions, visual features, and other sensory input.