Award-Winning Feature Film ‘SENIORS’ Sweeps Top Honors at Heartland International Film Festival Ahead of October 23 Theatrical Release
Starring John Rhys-Davies and Paris Brosnan, the heartfelt comedy-drama takes home the Indiana Narrative Award and Audience Choice Award
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — SENIORS, the heartwarming new feature film starring iconic actor John Rhys-Davies (The Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones) and rising talent Paris Brosnan, has achieved a major double-victory at the prestigious Heartland International Film Festival. The film proudly took home both the Indiana Narrative Award and the Audience Choice Award: Indiana Spotlight Narrative, establishing momentum ahead of its nationwide theatrical release on October 23, 2026.
The Heartland International Film Festival, globally recognized for celebrating cinema that inspires, engages and elevates the human spirit, honored SENIORS for its rich character development, exceptional craftsmanship and profound resonance with festival audiences. Winning the Indiana Narrative Award underscores the film’s narrative excellence, while the Audience Choice Award highlights the deep emotional connection the story forged with moviegoers throughout the event.
SENIORS tells the uplifting story of Ori (Paris Brosnan), a rebellious high school senior sentenced to court-ordered community service at a retirement home. Expecting a mundane chore, Ori instead forms an unlikely friendship with a troubled war veteran (John Rhys-Davies). As their bond deepens, both men are forced to confront the pasts they’ve been running from discovering along the way that it’s never too late for purpose, healing and a second chance.
“To receive both the Critics’ Choice Award for Indiana Narrative Film and the Audience Choice Award at the Heartland Film Festival is truly incredible,” said Dr. Lance Clark, director of SENIORS. “Having both the critics and the audience respond so strongly to SENIORS makes this especially meaningful. But what I’m most proud of is what this says about the team we are building at Huntington University. This film represents the extraordinary collaboration of our faculty, students, alumni, professional cast and crew and so many people who believed in what we were creating together. It’s a testimony to what can happen when talented people share a vision, work hard and believe in one another. I could not be prouder of this team, and I hope everyone gets the opportunity to experience SENIORS the way it was meant to be experienced — together, in a movie theater.”
Brosnan delivers a standout performance as the rebellious youth whose court-ordered service turns into a life-changing journey, while veteran star Rhys-Davies brings decades of cinematic gravitas to his role as a former soldier seeking peace with his past.
SENIORS arrive in select theaters across the country on Friday, October 23, 2026. Tickets, theater showtimes and the official trailer are now available.
To watch the trailer or purchase tickets, please visit seniorsthemovie.com.
