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May 13, 2016

Director David Salzberg and Eran Harrill about their film "Citizen Soldier".



We spoke with Director David Salzberg and Eran Harrill about their film "Citizen Soldier".  Talk about the understanding of deployment for military folks.




Patriotic men and women, one day working 9 to 5 jobs the next day deploying to the front line of war.  This film is about a born leader, devoted single father and head of his local chamber of commerce heading off to the front lines to fight for his country.
  
For more on the film go to: http://citizensoldierfilm.com/

May 12, 2016

Kevin Kaufman, Director of "Ace The Case" talks about movie



Dustin sat down with Kevin Kaufman, Director of "Ace The Case".  This film has a wide range of cast members including Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon.  Also in interview Rick Tirelli, a retired NYPD.  First Grade Detective who worked on NYPD Blue, Pride & Glory, as well as Kaufman Film's series.  Kevin and Rick wanted to come up with an idea that young girls like Olivia could be inspired.  So Kevin wrote a script based on one of Rick's actual cases and together they made Kid Witness.





Single mom leaves kids along to take care of themselves.  On the young daughter witnesses a kidnapping.  Go here for more information on the film: http://acethecasemovie.com/

May 11, 2016

Dustin sets down with Director Anne Hamilton talking about her new film "American Fable"



Dustin sets down with Director Anne Hamilton to discuss her film "American Fable" .  She talks about what is inspirational to her about the film.  




American Fable is a fairytale thriller set in the 1980's rural midwest about ta courageous girl living in a dark and sometimes magical world.

For more information on the film go to: http://www.americanfable.com/

Director Margaret Byrne talks about her documentary "Raising Bertie"


Drew sits down with Director Margaret Byrne to talk about her documentary "Raising Bertie" at the Bentonville Film Festival.




Raising Bertie - Through the intimate portrayal of three boys in Bertie County, NC, this starkly poetic film offers a rare in-depth look at the issues facing America's rural youth and the complex relationships between generational poverty, educational equity, and race.

For more information on the film go to raisingbertie.com


May 10, 2016

Drew sits down with Director Kim Snyder to Discuss the Film "Newtown"


Drew sits down with Director Kim Snyder to talk about her documentary "Newtown" at the Bentonville Film Festival.




Newtown - This film traces the aftermath of the worst mass shooting of school children in American history.  This is a portrait of the traumatized community, weaving an intimate story of resilience and their new sense of purpose in the face of unimaginable loss.

For more information on the film got to newtownfilm.com

Director Logan Kibens and Writer Sharon Greene talk about their film "Operator"


Drew sits down with Director Logan Kibens and Writer Sharon Greene to talk about their film "Operator" at the Bentonville Film Festival




Operator - Joe, an obsessive computer programmer, and Emily, a budding comedy performer, are happily married until they decide to use on another in their work. Operator is a dark comedy about love, technology and what can't be programmed.

For more information on the film go to www.facebook.com/operatormovie

May 9, 2016

Journey to the Mystic World of Albion with Actress Avery Arendes


Drew caught up with actress Avery Arendes. They spoke about the film she stared in "Albion: The Enchanted Stallion".  It was a narrative film shown at the Bentonville Film Festival.  



"Albion: The Enchanted Stallion" - A young girl is transported by a magical black stallion to a mystical world of Albion.  For more information on the film go to:  http://albionmovie.com 

May 8, 2016

Bentonville Film Festival Winners Announced:


Bentonville Film Festival Winners Announced:



Best of the Fest – No Greater Love
Audience favorite Showcase Film. Determined by Audience ballot.
No Greater Love – Director/Writer: Justin Roberts. (2015, USA)
No Greater Love explores a combat deployment through the eyes of an Army chaplain, as he and his men fight their way through a hellish tour in one of the most dangerous places in Afghanistan and then as they struggle to reintegrate home.

Best Narrative – It Had to Be You
Jury award for Best Competition Narrative. Determined by Jury.
It Had to Be You - Director/Screenwriter: Sasha Gordon (USA/Italy)
Sonia is a neurotic jingle writer who’s always dreamt of a big and exciting life. Surprised by a sudden proposal and subsequent ultimatum from her easy-going boyfriend, Chris, Sonia has to decide whether she’ll join the ranks of her married friends or take a leap and pursue her fantasies.
Cast: Cristin Milioti, Dan Soder, Halley Pfeiffer, Mark Gessner, Kyle Mooney

BFF Audience Award – Floyd Norman: An Animated Life
Audience favorite Competition Film. Determined by Audience ballot.
Floyd Norman: An Animated Life - Directors: Erik Sharkey, Michael Fiore. (USA)
Animator. Storyman. Troublemaker.  At 80 years old, see how this Disney Legend, the first African-American animator at Disney, continues to impact animation and stir up his own brand of “trouble.”

Best Family Film – Lost & Found
Best Family Film in a Competition Narrative Film. Determined by Jury.
Lost & Found - Director: Joseph Itaya, Screenwriters: Joseph Itaya, Erik Cardona (USA)
Andy and his younger brother Mark are sent to visit their estranged uncle on a mysterious island.  They soon discover clues to a complex treasure hunt, a hunt that could lead to unimaginable wealth and heal their broken family - if they can find it in time.
Cast: Justin Kelly, Benjamin Stockham, Céleste Desjardins, with Cary Elwes, and Jason Patric

Best Documentary – A Journey of a Thousand Miles: Peacekeepers
Jury award for Best Competition Documentary - Determined by Jury.
A Journey of a Thousand Miles: Peacekeepers - Directors: Geeta Gandbhir, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. (USA/Pakistan)
One hundred and sixty women leave their families in Bangladesh for one year to join the United Nations Stabilising Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). They form one of the world’s first all female, predominantly Muslim peacekeeping units, shattering every stereotype the world holds about the capabilities of Muslim women. 

The Dernsie – Alice Coulthard - Josephine
Best Acting in a Competition Narrative Film. Determined by Jury (named for Bruce Dern, BFF BOA Member) 
Josephine - Director: Rory Feek, Screenwriter: Rory Feek and Aaron Carnahan (USA)
In the spring of 1864, a desperate young farmer’s wife enlists in the army, posing as a man.  She battles the enemy, the men of her unit and her own identity in a quest that takes her on a journey from Tennessee to Virginia in search of her missing husband.
Cast: Boris McGiver, Alice Coulthard, Jessejames Locorriere

Best Ensemble – Fair Market Value
Best Ensemble in a Competition Narrative Film. Determined by Jury
Fair Market Value - Director: Kevin Arbouet, Story: Judy San Roman, Screenwriter: Kevin Arbouet. (USA) World Premiere
Kendall, a real estate agent from Miami, moves to the suburbs of New York and immediately finds she has to join forces with Brooke, a competitive rival agent, to sell one of the most expensive mansions in Long Island.
Cast: Luisana Lopilato, Craig Bierko, Royce Johnson, Julia Duffy, Drew Meorlein, Jerry Adler, Wendy Makkena, Debra Jo Rupp, Tina Benko, Gene Gabriel, Olga Merediz

Highest Diversity Score – Tested
Determined by analysis through the Bentonville Film Festival Foundation
Tested - Director: Curtis Chin. (USA)
A diverse group of 8th graders in New York City vie for a coveted spot in one of the city's elite public schools by taking a single standardized test.

BFF Spirit Award -  Monica Gonzalez, ESPN
Selected by BFF recognizing an individual in media advancing the cause of diversity and inclusion.
Monica Gonzalez, former Mexican-American professional soccer player, now soccer analyst and announcer for ESPN, has taken her Gonzo Soccer Academy global, teaching soccer, life and leadership skills to over 900 girls worldwide.

Impact Award – Walmart, AMC Theatres, Lifetime & STARZ 
Selected by BFF based on contribution to Festival & Mission
In addition to the support of Walmart, AMC Theatres and Lifetime, the expanded partnership support from Starz offered filmmakers in the 2016 BFF Film Competition even greater distribution opportunities.  Carmi Zlotnik, managing director at Starz said, "Starz is pleased to partner with the BFF. The festival has already made an impact, and we are proud to participate in a bigger way this year. We are dedicated to supporting new voices and emerging storytellers.” 

BFF Jurors ranged from industry professionals to corporate executives and were led by Alex Cohen in the Documentary competition and Emilio Estevez in the Narrative competition.

Narrative Jurors: Emilio Estevez (Head Juror), Cody Allison, Bailey Gibson, Chris Nagelson, Al Dominguez, Jody Pinson, Darin Dickson, Mike Roberts, Tangellia Moore, Gretchen Bellamy, Julian Franco, Ashley Price, Laura Philips, Tom Hoehn and Scott Landes. 


Documentary Jurors: Alex Cohen (Head Juror), Kenneth Bradley, Brenda Kellenbarger, Cindy Bradley, Jill Wesbecher, Rebecca Powers, Rock Skeans, Sherrie Langehennig, Connie Kelley, Sree Vaddi, Kortnee Bradley, Jennifer Readio and David K Saito.

Maris Curran speaks about "Five Nights in Main"




Maris Curran writer and director of the film "Five Nights in Main"  talks about her film showing at the Bentonville Film Festival.  





"Five Nights in Main"  Written & Directed by Maris Curran.  Starring David Oyelowo, Dianne Wiest and Rosie Perez.  This is a story about a young african amercian reeling from the loss of his wife travels to Main to find answers from his estranged mother-in-law.

http://www.fivenightsinmaine.com/

May 6, 2016

Brazil Film Debuts in America at the Bentonville Film Festival



Directors Paulo Cesar Toledo and Abigail Spindel discussed their film "Waiting for B".  Their film is making it's first screening in America at the Bentonville Film Festival.  Their documentary followed Beyonce's super-fans who camped outdoor for two months waiting for tickets at the Morumbi Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil. 



Trailer for the film located here: Waiting for B trailer click here or go to their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/waitingforb/



Jane The Virgin Star Andrea Navedo attends Bentonville Film Festival.



We ran into one of our favorite stars from CW Network hit series "Jane The Virgin" Andrea Navedo right here at the Bentonville Film Festival. She was a part of the Geena and Friends Panel and will be speaking at another panel later today Women who launch TV shows.  Dustin had a chance to catch up to her, check out what she had to say about her visit to Arkansas and the Bentonville Film Festival. 



You can catch Jane the Virgin on The Arkansas CW on Monday nights at 8pm or catch up online by clicking on the watch now button.  

Dustin talks about "She Started It"



Dustin sat down with Director Nora Poggi to talk about her film "She Started It". Check out the interview below!



The film follows five young women entrepreneurs who set out to build their own business in a male dominated field.  For more information on this film go to this link:

http://www.shestarteditfilm.com/about-the-film/


May 5, 2016

Filmmakers hit the links with their film Swing Away




Dustin sat down with Filmmakers from the film "Swing Away".  He spoke with husband and wife team, Director Michael and writer Julia Nickles.   



He also had a chance to speak with three of the producers George Stephanopoulos, Paul Lingas and Tom Hiotis.


 
This film is about a professional woman golfer who after a meltdown retreats to Greece for a break and then discovers a young Greek girl who is determined against all odds to become a golfing sensation.  You can go here to learn more about the film:  http://www.swingawaymovie.com/


Talking "Priceless" with For King and Country



Drew caught up with Grammy award winning For King and Country at the Bentonville Film Festival White Carpet event .  Joel Smallbone and Luke Smallbone spoke about their new film "Priceless". The Smallbone trio worked together on this film; Luke produced, Joel stared in film and their brother Ben directed the film. 




"Priceless" is about a unlikely hero risks everything to shut down a human trafficking ring and save the woman he is falling in love with.  To learn move about the movie and release. http://www.pricelessthemovie.com/

Photos:  

May 4, 2016

Opening Ceremony Launches the Bentonville Film Festival


Band members from For King and Country Joel Smallbone and Luke Smallbone


Opening Ceremony at the Bentonville Film Festival featured an eclectic group of filmmakers, actors and musicians which included Academy Award and Golden Globe winning Actress Geena Davis, Grammy award winning For King and Country, jazz singer Marcus Johnson and many more.  For King and Country performed music from their new film "Priceless" during Tuesday opening ceremonies.


From left to right:: Co-Founders of Bentonville Film Festival Trevor Drinkwater and Geena Davis 

Bentonville Film Festival (BFF) co-founders Geena Davis and Trevor Drinkwater stopped to talk about what exciting things going on at this years festival and the success of meeting goals set for 2016 Bentonville Film Festival.  Check out what they had to say!

Filmmakers discuss their film The Good Breast


Arkansas CW Crew member Drew Thompson spoke with Director Bernadette Wegenstein and Producer Elizabeth Karr about their documentary "The Good Breast" that shows the emotional challenges with breast cancer, the history, suffering and power of female identity.  Check out what they had to say about their film.
   


You can find out more about their film at  http://www.thegoodbreast.com/

Producer Elizabeth Karr and Director Bernadette Wegenstein at BFF white carpet event.

May 2, 2016

Bentonville Film Festival: Tips to Navigate the Fun!


The Bentonville Film Festival is in full swing this week and they want to help you navigate the festival and enjoy a great week.  Click here for a guide of the festival locations and tips on how to maximize the fun of BFF.

For more information on the event and tickets go to bentonvillefilmfestival.com  

April 19, 2016

ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN tickets to the Renaissance Festival at the Castle of Muskogee!

April 7, 2016

BFF Announces Concert at Walmart AMP


Exciting news for music fans, on May 4th as part of the Bentonville Film Festival, the My Country Nation Concert will hit the stage at the Walmart AMP.

Headlining the concert will be platinum-selling recording artist Darius Rucker.  Country/Pop artist Cassadee Pope and Arkansas' own Barrett Barber will also perform at the event.

Click here for tickets or call the box office at 479.443.5600.  You can purchase lawn seating for 
$34.50 or reserved seating for $50.50 and $60.50.

Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, April 13 at 10am. 

BFF Announces Films for 2016 Festival

The Bentonville Film Festival has released the full slate of films that will be part of the competition this year. BFF will feature 34 films, this includes 16 documentaries, 18 narrative films and the addition of a short film competition.

To see the films selected click here!