Director Marc Turtletaub of the film "Puzzle" spoke to us about the film.

Director Marc Turtletaub of the film "Puzzle" spoke to us about the film.  "Puzzle" was a Non-competition - Showcase film in the the Bentonville Film Festival.  Click on the video below to watch interview.

PUZZLE
Director(s): Marc Turtletaub
Writer(s): Oren Moverman and Polly Mann, Based On The Film "Rompecabezas'" By Natalia Smirnoff
Producer(s): Wren Arthur, P.G.A.,Guy Stodel, P.G.A.,Marc Turtletaub, P.G.A., Peter Saraf, P.G.A.
Cast:
Kelly Macdonald (Agnes), Irrfan Khan (Robert),David Denman (Louie), Bubba Weiler (Ziggy), Austin Abrams (Gabe), Liv Hewson (Nicki)
Agnes, taken for granted as a suburban mother, discovers a passion for solving jigsaw puzzles which unexpectedly draws her into a new world - where her life unfolds in ways she could never have imagined.


Film Website: bigbeach.com

You can find out more about the film and other films at the Bentonville Film Festival on bentonvillefilmfestival.com/

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Director and Producer Anne-Marie Hess spoke about the film "Good After Bad".

Director and Producer Anne-Marie Hess spoke about the film "Good After Bad".  This film was entered as Competition - Feature Narrative in the Bentonville Film Festival.  "Good After Bad" is a story bullied student, Shelly, whose home life is in shambles.  Things take a turn when Wes offers to become the teen's guardian. Click below to watch interview.

GOOD AFTER BAD
Director(s): Anne-Marie Hess
Writer(s): Anne-Marie Hess
Producer(s): Matt Leutwyler
Cast:
Maddie Hasson (Shelly), Billy Burke (WES), Melora Walters (Veronica), Dabier Snell (Greg), Rhys Ward (Shaine).
SHELLY is at a crossroads. At seventeen years old, she must determine which people in her life intend to help her, and which intend to harm her, including her own mother. Without any role models, and with a home situation that is quickly deteriorating,determine which people in her life intend to help her, and which intend to harm her, including herself. GOOD AFTER BAD is a comedic drama that explores the intersection of family, friendship, sexuality, mentorship and love.

Film Facebook Page: GoodAfterBad

You can find out more about the film and other films at the Bentonville Film Festival on bentonvillefilmfestival.com/

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Director Sebastien Paquet and the star of the documentary Brandon Mendenhall spoke about the film "Mind Over Matter".

Director Sebastien Paquet and the star of the documentary Brandon Mendenhall spoke about the film "Mind Over Matter". "Mind Over Matter" is a film about a young man with cerebral palsy overcomes a paralyzed left hand, bullies, and stereotypes.  This is a competition - feature documentary that was entered into the Bentonville Film Festival

MIND OVER MATTER
Director(s): Sebastien Paquet
Writer(s): Nate Adams and Sebastien Paquet
Producer(s): Sean E. Demott, Sebastien Paquet, Shian Storm and Nate Adams
Cast:
Brandon Mendenhall, James 'Munky' Shaffer, Brian 'Head' Welch, Jonathan Davis, John 5
A young man with cerebral palsy overcomes a paralyzed left hand, bullies, and stereotypes, dreaming of becoming a rock guitarist even while told he will never succeed. His dreams become reality as he leads his own band, inspired by the band Korn to express himself through music.

Documentary Facebook page: MindOverMatterDocu

You can find out more about the film and other films at the Bentonville Film Festival on bentonvillefilmfestival.com/

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Director Ramaa Mosley and Actor Kip Collins talks about their film "Tatterdemalion".

Director Ramaa Mosley and Actor Kip Collins talks about their film "Tatterdemalion".  This film was a competition - feature narrative entry in the Bentonville Film Festival. "Tatterdemalion" is about a young army veteran suffering from PTSD who returns home to the Ozarks to look for her estranged brother and finds an abandoned young boy in the woods. Click on the video below for the interview.  

TATTERDEMALION
Director(s): Ramaa Mosley
Writer(s): Tim Macy, Ramaa Mosley
Producer(s): Gina Resnick, Ramaa Mosley, Tim Macy, David Beal, Cameron Gray
Cast:
Leven Rambin (Fern), Taylor John Smith (Billy), Jim Parrack (Mike), Landon Edwards (Cecil), Kip Collins (Fig)
A dramatic thriller about a young army veteran suffering from PTSD who returns home to the Ozarks to look for her estranged brother and finds an abandoned young boy in the woods.  Ultimately putting her own life in jeopardy to protect the young boy and find out the truth.

Film Facebook page: tatterdemalionmovie

You can find out more about the film and other films at the Bentonville Film Festival on bentonvillefilmfestival.com/

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We had a chance to speak with the director, writer and one of the cast members from the film "The Honor List".

We had a chance to speak with the director Elissa Down, writer Marilyn Fu and actress Meghan Rienks from Lionsgate's new film "The Honor List".  The film world premiered the first night of the Bentonville Film Festival.  This is a film made by women, for women, it explores the complexities of friendships, family, love, loss, and high school.

The Honor List Interview

THE HONOR LIST
Director(s): Elissa Down
Writer(s): Marilyn Fu
Producer(s): Liz Destro
Cast:
Meghan Rienks (“Piper”), Sasha Pieterse (“Isabella”), Karrueche Tran (“Sophie”), Arden Cho (“Honor”), Ethan Peck (“Dillon”), and Chris Mason (“Aaron”) 
When one of them suddenly passes away, they reluctantly put their differences aside and reunite to complete a forgotten bucket list, empowering them to honor every day like it’s their last.
Piper, Sophie, Isabella, and Honor are inseparable; by senior year, they barely speak.

Film Website: http://lionsgateathome.com/the-honor-list

You can find out more about the film and other films at the Bentonville Film Festival on bentonvillefilmfestival.com/

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We spoke to Director Rotimi Rainwater about this film "Lost in America".

We spoke to Director Rotimi Rainwater about this film "Lost in America".   "Lost in America" was a non-competition - Showcase film in the Bentonville Film Festival.  This film takes an all-encompassing look at this pandemic highlighting the issues that surround it: human trafficking, the failure of the foster care system, and the rejection of LGBT youth.

Director Rotimi Rainwater 

LOST IN AMERICA
Director(s): Rotimi Rainwater
Writer(s): Rotimi Rainwater
Producer(s): Mike C. Manning, Steven Vasquez Jr., Rosario Dawson, Jewel
Cast:
Rosario Dawson, Jewel, Halle Berry, Sanaa Lathan, Jon Bon Jovi Rotimi Rainwater, Senator Patrick Leahy
Lost In America is a feature documentary directed by a former homeless youth, Rotimi Rainwater. It follows his 4 1/2 year journey as he attempts to shine the light on youth homelessness in America.

Film Website: lostinamericafilm.com

You can find out more about the film and other films at the Bentonville Film Festival on bentonvillefilmfestival.com/

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Dustin spoke to the Directors and writers of the film "Love Always, Mom"

Dustin sat down with the Directors and writers Tricia Russo, Craig E. Shapiro of the film "Love Always, Mom".  This film was entered as Competition - Feature Documentary in the Bentonville Film Festival.  "Love Always, Mom" is a film with a never before seen look into the battle against metastatic breast cancer, as well as infertility, IVF, egg donation, and surrogacy. Moreover, it is about undying motherly love and a love letter to an unborn child.

*2018 Bentonville Film Festival winner.  "Love Always, Mom" won an Audience Award for Best Documentary Film at the festival.

Love Always, Mom
Director(s): Tricia Russo, Craig E. Shapiro
Writer(s): Tricia Russo, Craig E. Shapiro
Producer(s): Produced by Tricia Russo, Craig E. Shapiro, Executive produced by Debra & Michael Gelband, Arlene & Tom Gonnella. Associate Produced by Maureen & Tom Drummond, Amy & Waltern Gorman, Holly & George Mattson, Donna & Don Russo
Cast:
Subjects- Meghan & Matthew Brenner, Kali Rogers & Andrew Solomon, Arlene Gonnella, Tricia & Greg Russo, and introducing Grayson Russo

After 3 plus years battling stage 4 breast cancer, Trish Russo and her husband Greg, make the controversial decision to embark on a journey to have

a child using an egg donor and a surrogate. 

Film Website: lovealwaysmomthemovie/

You can find out more about the film and other films at the Bentonville Film Festival on bentonvillefilmfestival.com/

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BFF Announces its 2018 Winners at the Awards Ceremony, Presented by P&G

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
BFF Announces its 2018 Winners at the Awards Ceremony, Presented by P&G
Five of Five Feature Film Winners are BFF World Premieres
More than Half of Winning Directors Are Women

BENTONVILLE, AR (May 5, 2018) — The Bentonville Film Festival (BFF) founded by Walmart and Presented by Coca-Cola, announced its 2018 Award Winning Films, and honors at an Awards Ceremony, presented by P&G, at the Crystal Bridges American Museum of Art. 
The show was hosted by The Real’s Loni Love, and presenters included festival Co-Founders Geena Davis and Trevor Drinkwater, and actor Stephanie Beatriz, with performances by Martina McBride and the Latin X Theater Project. Actor and filmmaker Natalie Morales was presented with BFF’s first SEE IT, BE IT award, recognizing her rising and influential voice in the landscape of diversity and inclusion in media.

The winning film received award recognition as well as prizes from the awards partners listed below. Five out of five feature film award winners made their world premiere at this year’s festival.

Jury Awards:

Best Narrative Film: LEZ BOMB, (World Premiere), Director: Jenna Laurenzo, includes guaranteed distribution offer from a BFF distribution partner

Best Documentary Film: EMANUEL (World Premiere), Director Brian Ivie, includes a mentorship prize package from ITVS

Best Short Film: THE BROWNLIST, Directors: Kelly Walker and Ryan Garcia, includes a feature film directing job from MarVista Entertainment

Best Episodic: BEAST, Director Ben Strang, includes a mentorship prize package from SeriesFest

Audience Awards:

Best Narrative Film: MISS ARIZONA (World Premiere), Director Autumn McAlpin

Best Documentary Film: LOVE ALWAYS MOM (World Premiere), Directors Tricia Russo, Craig E. Shapiro

Best Short Film: LABORATORY CONDITIONS, Director Jocelyn Stamat

Best Episodic: BROOKLYNIFCATION, Director Keith Miller

Best of the Fest: F.R.E.D.I. (World Premiere) Director Sean Olson


Click here for full press release

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Director and Writer Autumn McAlpin spoke to us about the film "Miss Arizona".

Director and Writer Autumn McAlpin of the film "Miss Arizona" spoke to us at the festival.  The film is entered as a Competition - Feature Narrative in the Bentonville Film Festival.  The film is about a former "Miss Arizona" that becomes one of five women embark on an all-night adventure through L.A.’s darkest streets and wildest drag club as the women fight to survive, and in so doing, discover what they need most.

*2018 Bentonville Film Festival winner.  "Miss Arizona" won an Audience Award for Best Narrative Film at the festival.

Director and Writer Autumn McAlpin interview

Miss Arizona
Director(s): Autumn McAlpin
Writer(s): Autumn McAlpin
Producer(s): Deanna Cooper & Autumn McAlpin
Cast:
Johanna Braddy (Rose), Robyn Lively (Leslie), Dana Wheeler-Nicholson (Maybelle), Steve Guttenberg (Gary/Emerald), Missi Pyle (Bev), Otmara Marrero (Sammy), Shoniqua Shandai (Jasmine), Willam (Delilah), Ginger Minj (as herself)
Rose Raynes was crowned Miss Arizona - 15 years ago. Now a bored housewife trapped in a less-than-ideal marriage, and mourning the independence of her 10-year-old son, Rose accepts an invitation to teach a life skills class at a women’s shelter.  And ends up on a one night adventure with five women through L.A.’s darkest streets and wildest drag club as the women fight to survive, and in so doing, discover what they need most.

Film Website or Facebook:  MissAzMovie

You can find out more about the Bentonville Film Festival on bentonvillefilmfestival.com/

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Director and Writer Skye Borgman talks about her film "Abducted in Plain Sight".

We had a chance to speak with Director and Writer Skye Borgman about her film Abducted in Plain Sight.  "Abducted in Plain Sight" was a Competition - Feature Documentary enter in the Bentonville Film Festival.  This film is based on a true story and tells of one family’s struggle with desire, deceit, faith and forgiveness. 

Director and Writer Skye Borgman

ABDUCTED IN PLAIN SIGHT

Director(s): Skye Borgman

Writer(s): James Cude and Skye Borgman

Producer(s): Skye Borgman, Stephanie Tobey, Emily Kincaid

Cast:

Jan Broberg, Mary Ann Broberg, Bob Broberg

On October 17, 1974, 12 year old Jan Broberg was kidnapped by her next door neighbor and parents' best friend. Abducted in Plain Sight is a feature length documentary about the stranger-than-fiction, true story of the Brobergs; an Idaho family who fell under the spell of a sociopathic neighbor with designs on their twelve-year-old daughter.

Film Website: abducteddoc.com/

You can find out more about the Bentonville Film Festival on bentonvillefilmfestival.com/

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Academy Award Winning Actress Geena Davis Speaks About This Year's Bentonville Film Festival

Arkansas CW Crew-Jeremy Turner and Actress Geena Davis

The Bentonville Film Festival was co-founded by Academy Award® winner Geena Davis & Inclusion Companies CEO Trevor Drinkwater.    We had a chance to speak with Actress Geena Davis about this year's 2018 festival.  Check out her interview below.

You can find out more about the Bentonville Film Festival on bentonvillefilmfestival.com/

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Director Kendall Goldberg and Actor Jon Heder talk about their Film "When Jeff Tried To Save The World".

Actor Jon Heder, Director Kendall Goldberg and Crew member Jeremy Turner

We had a chance to sit down with Director Kendall Goldberg and Actor Jon Heder  to talk about their film "When Jeff Tried to Save the World".  The film is entered as Competition - Feature Narrative in the Bentonville Film Festival.  Check out their interview below.

Director Kendall Goldberg and Actor Jon Heder Part 1

Director Kendall Goldberg and Actor Jon Heder  Part 2

When Jeff Tried to Save the World
Director(s): Kendall Goldberg
Writer(s): Kendall Goldberg, Rachel Borgo
Producer(s): Shane Simmons, Kendall Goldberg, Jimmy Seargeant, Sam Slate
Cast:
Jon Heder (Jeff), Brendan Meyer (Stanford), Anna Konkle (Lindy), Maya Erskine (Samantha), Steve Berg (Frank), Candi Milo (Sheila), Jim O'Heir (Carl)

Jeff (Jon Heder) is the manager of an old-school bowling alley called Winky’s World. Everyday he is the first to arrive and the last to leave. He has memorized the shoe sizes of community regulars and the quirks of his fellow employees. Routine is Jeff’s middle name, and it’s up to him to keep everything and everyone in order.  Jeff is forced to face the reality that his life as he knows it may slip out of his grip.

Film Website:  https://www.facebook.com/WhenJeffMovie/

You can find out more about the film and other films at the Bentonville Film Festival on bentonvillefilmfestival.com/

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Mars Petcare Is Helping Find Homes For Pets At The Bentonville Film Festival

We had a chance to talk pets with Better Cities for Pets booth with Jan Heidel-Staelens Director of Supply for MARS Petcare.  MARS is out in full force helping pets find good homes in our community during the Bentonville Film Festival this week. If you are making a new addition to your family go by the Better Cities for Pets booth in sponsor village at the Bentonville Film Festival. Check out what Jan had to say in the below interview. 

You can find out more about the Bentonville Film Festival on bentonvillefilmfestival.com/

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Cast Member Speaks About The Film "Sadie"

Actress Sophia Mitri Schloss who plays the main character in "Sadie" spoke with Dustin about the film. The film is a Competition - Feature Narrative at the Bentonville Film Festival.
"Sadie" is about a 13 year old who goes to extreme measures to end her mothers relationship with a new man in a effort to save her family through the only way she knows. Check out her cast

SADIE
Director(s): Megan Griffiths
Writer(s): Megan Griffiths
Producer(s): Lacey Leavitt, Jennessa West
Cast:
Sophia Mitri Schloss (Sadie), Melanie Lynskey (Rae), John Gallagher Jr. (Cyrus), Tony Hale (Bradley), Danielle Brooks (Carla), Tee Denard (Deak), Keith L. Williams (Francis)

SADIE is the story of a 13-year-old girl who lives at home with her mother while her father serves repeated tours in the military. With her dad's prolonged absence, her mother begins dating a new man, Sadie takes extreme measures to end the relationship.

Sadie official site: sadiefilm.com

You can find out more about the film and other films at the Bentonville Film Festival on bentonvillefilmfestival.com/

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Director Robin Berghaus talks about her film "Stumped".

Director Robin Berghaus talks about her film "Stumped".  "Stumped" is entered in the Competition - Feature Documentary in the Bentonville Film Festival.  The film is about four year journey into a filmmakers life after he has to come to terms with the lose of his limbs and a new opportunity that might allow him to gain his independence.  

Interview with Director Robin Berghaus

STUMPED
Director(s): Robin Berghaus
Producer(s): Robin Berghaus, Bryan W. Davies, Sam Kauffmann, Kevin McCarthy
Cast:
Will Lautzenheiser, Angel Gonzalez
When filmmaker Will Lautzenheiser’s limbs are amputated, his life is derailed and he turns to stand-up comedy as therapy. Meanwhile, a world-famous medical team is performing transplants that restore bodies to unprecedented levels. Despite grave risks, Will agrees to undergo an experimental double-arm transplant in the hope of reclaiming his independence.

Stumped Facebook Page:  stumpedthemovie

You can find out more about the film and other films at the Bentonville Film Festival on bentonvillefilmfestival.com/

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The Director of "Benji The Dove" Spoke To Us About The Film

Director and writer Kevin Arbouet of the film "Benji The Dove" spoke to us about his film that is entered as a Competition - Feature Narrative in the Bentonville Film Festival.  "Benji The Dove" is a tender tale of four boys who are coming to terms with school, bullies, friendship and loyalty.

Director/Writer Kevin Arbouet 

BENJI THE DOVE
Director(s): Kevin Arbouet
Writer(s): Brandon Dickerson, Kevin Arbouet, Fridrik Erlingsson (novel)
Producer(s): Erlingur Jack Gudmundsson, Gregory Martin
Cast:
Lynn Cohen, Kelly AuCoin, Royce Johnson
The film is based off the critically acclaimed book of the same name and the Biblical story of Abraham in Genesis which tells a tale of four boys who are rapidly coming to terms with school, bullies, friendship, and loyalty.

You can find out more about the film and other films at the Bentonville Film Festival on bentonvillefilmfestival.com/

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Grand Opening of McLarty Daniel Buick GMC dealership this Friday

Come Join the Bentonville and Rogers/Lowell Chambers of Commerce, Community Leaders, McLarty Daniel Company Officials and the Public this Friday May 4th to celebrate the Grand Opening of McLarty Daniel Buick GMC dealership located at 2517 SE Best Lane in Bentonville!  The event will start at 11 am. There will be Food, huge giveaways every 15 minutes from 11 to 1pm and entertainment for you to enjoy. 

First 100 people to RSVP receive a MD gift bag.  Please RSVP to sorman@McLartyDaniel.com

Director P.J. Marcellino speaks about his film "When They Awake"

We sat down with Director/Writer/Producer P.J. Marcellino of "When they Awake" a Competition - Feature Documentary in the Bentonville Film Festival.  It's a film's filled with roller coaster of emotions of emerging indigenous musicians in the moment of cultural and political resurgence.  Check out his interview below about the film.  

Director/Writer/Producer P.J. Marcellino

WHEN THEY AWAKE Director(s): P.J. Marcellino and Hermon Farahi
Writer(s): P.J. Marcellino
Producer(s): P.J. Marcellino
Cast:
Tanya Tagaq, Leela Gilday, Leanne Goose, Iskwe, A Tribe Called Red, The Jerry Cans, Don Amero, Wab Kinew, Logan Staats

When They Awake is a vibrant celebration of a remarkable generation of Indigenous musicians across North America, at a watershed moment of social, cultural, and political resurgence.

Film's Website:  whentheyawake.com

You can find out more about the film and other films at the Bentonville Film Festival on bentonvillefilmfestival.com/

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