10th Annual Bentonville Film Festival Announces Additional Programming and Awards
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Bentonville Film Festival has added exciting events and panels to its schedule, ensuring a memorable experience for attendees. The festival, focused on amplifying underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry, takes place from June 10 to 16 in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Among the highlights, the festival will feature an exclusive live pitch session where five selected filmmakers will present their projects to industry professionals, including Lisa Ann Walter and Erich C. Smith, aiming to advance their careers in television and digital media. This will be moderated by Claire Taylor, Director of Programming at SeriesFest.
The “Emerging Storytellers Showcase” on June 12 will present a collection of short films from programs such as the mitú x Walmart Filmmaker Mentorship, Ghetto Film School, and the Coca-Cola Refreshing Films Program. A Q&A session will follow, delving into the filmmakers’ experiences andExplore the impact of mentorship in visual storytelling.
Panels and Events
The festival features a range of panels, including “AI in Storytelling” (presented by IBM), “The Next Generation of Media,” and “Breaking Barriers: Finding Your Voice and Paving Your Own Career Path” (presented by Coca-Cola). These discussions will highlight key issues in the industry, including the latest AI advancements and the challenges faced by women in media.
In addition to the panels, the festival will host various events, such as the “Pitch-a-Thon Presented by SeriesFest” and the “Creative Impact Award” ceremony for Geena Davis. Fun experiences for families include a toy element and a screening of “Beetlejuice” with a special Barbie dress-up night.
Film Screenings and Honors
The festival will show a number of films, including “Out of My Mind,” “All Happy Families,” “Ghostlight,” “The Queen of My Dreams,” and various documentary films. Geena Davis is scheduled to receive the “Variety Creative Impact in Leadership Award” for her contributions to the industry and dedication to promoting underrepresented voices.
A fireworks display will conclude the festival at the Momentary after the closing awards ceremony. With a plethora of thought-provoking films, engaging discussions, and enjoyable community activities, the Bentonville Film Festival is poised to leave a lasting impression on attendees and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse entertainment industry.
