The Deep in the Heart Film Festival is just a couple of weeks away and we’re excited about it. Not sure if you’re a film festival person? The Deep in the Heart founders say, sure you are.

“One thing that seems universally true is that everyone loves movies,” said co-founder Louis Hunter.

Deep in the Heart Film Festival is Feb. 16 – 19 at the Waco Hippodrome (mostly). The festival includes feature (full-length) films and short films of every genre from horror to documentary. Films have been submitted from artists in Waco and around the world.

Hunter and his business partner are quick to point out this is not a festival full of “hard to get” art films.

“We were looking for across-the-board quality,” Thomas said. “And we were mindful to what would appeal to a Waco audience.”

Most of the short films are bundled in blocks based on fun themes. “Let’s make a plan” groups short films of various genres that all feature a plan of some sort. Another theme looks at interpersonal relationships and another groups films that go off the rails. There’s a block of family-friendly films Saturday morning and a block of horror Friday night.

Short films can be as short as one minute but the average length is 15 to 20 minutes and they are a great vehicle for filmmakers to be a bit more experimental.

“If you’re a person not sure about attending a film festival, head straight for the feature films, that’s exactly what you want,” Hunter said.

The festival’s red carpet experience Thursday night surrounds the feature film “Blur Circle” from Baylor’s own Chris Hansen.

If you just want to dip your toe in the festival waters, Hunter and Thomas said, buy an individual ticket ($8) for a single block or feature film. Tickets are also available in six-packs ($32). And if you want the full film festival experience, the creators suggest a VIP pass ($100) that gets you into all the movies and films plus the parties and workshops.

For more information, visit: http://www.deepintheheartff.com/