Do The Ozarks with The Arkansas CW Crew: Over the next few weeks we will be posting our Branson adventures

Do The Ozarks with The Arkansas CW Crew: We recently took a 2 hour trip north to Branson.  We were invited up by the Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau ( www.explorebranson.com).  Over the next few weeks we will be posting our Branson adventures check out the interview with the band Prince Ivan!

It's time for the Spring 2016 Arkansas Anime Festival in Springdale!

It's time for the Arkansas Anime Festival in Springdale!  This Weekend!  Get your tickets now!  On May 27th, 28th and 29th the Arkansas Anime Festival will be held in Springdale at the Holiday Inn Convention Center.  The Arkansas CW is proud sponsor of Arkansas Anime Festival! Plenty of fun activities for everyone! Cosplay contest, artists, vendors, video and table top competition.

For more information on event schedules and how to get your tickets go to www.arkansasanimefestival.com 

Fall guest are:

Voice Actor Austin Tindle

Austin Tindle is a writer and actor living in Dallas Texas.  He is best known for his work with Funimation Studios.  He is the voice of Tokyo Ghoul's Kaneki.  He also voiced Shu in "guilty Crown" Marco bodt in "Attack on Titan" Karma in "Assassination Classroom" and Ayumu Aikawa in "Is This a Zombie?".  
You can Click Here to read more about Austin Tindle.

Voice Actress: Rachael Messer

Rachael messer is a professional and full time voice actress.  She has work with numerous animes, cartoons, video games, radio plays and commercials.

She has a new animated TV series "Prince Adventure".  She is in Heroes of Newerth and Teacher in Yanadere Simulator, Wakfu Raiders, Wii U game Anima: Gates of Time, Astra in the Xbox game.  Click here to read more about Rachael Messer.

Other featured guest:

           

E.M. Ervin  
A consumer of fantasy and science-fiction literature, gamer and prankster.  Her book Wake up Call: Book 1 of the Nasaru Chronicles and she is currently working on second book.  You can Click Here to learn more.

Michelle The StoryTeller

 Click Here to read more about Michelle

DJ Blay

The Arkansas CW Crew

The Arkansas CW is the home of hit shows such as Legends of Tomorrow, Supernatural, Arrow, Flash, Reign, Originals, iZombie,Vampire Diaries and coming this fall Supergirl.  You can Click Here to find out more about The Arkansas CW.

You can find a complete list of guest by clicking here.

Get your tickets now! For tickets and other event information go to  Arkansas Anime Festival Website now!

Annual Dog Days Event in Bentonville Square

It was Dog Days at the Bentonville Farmers Market in downtown square on Saturday.  The Arkansas CW and Pedigree teamed up with local shelters to help loving pets find local homes.   We were joined by local shelters Heavenly Paws Rescue, Washington County Animal Shelter and Springdale Animal shelter.  Pedigree gave shelters a helping hand by paying for adoption fees during the event. 

List of Local Shelters that attended Bentonville Dog Days who can still use your help in finding homes for loving pets:

Washington County Animal Shelter
801 W Clydesdale Dr  Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
479-695-3450

Heavenly Paws Dog Rescue
1 Riordan Rd Bella Vista, Arkansas
Cathy 479-366-1419

Springdale Animal Shelter
321 Randall Wobbe Lane Springdale, Arkansas
479-750-8163

We want to thank all those who have provided loving homes for our local furry friends in need!

...

CW Primetime Schedule Revealed for 2016/2017 Season

The Cw Network released the primetime schedule for the fall season and there are a lot of interesting changes for next season.

Three new shows have been add to next fall's lineup. Supergirl lands on Mondays at 7pm, No Tomorrow will air on Tuesdays at 8pm and Frequency will hit the airwaves Wednesdays at 8pm. With the addition of these new shows some of you favorite shows have moved days, Supernatural moves to Thursdays at 8pm and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend moves to Friday at 8pm.

Mid-season will see the return of fan favorites iZombie, The Orignals, Reign and The 100.  Plus, the new series Riverdale will premiere in mid-season.

Check out the fall schedule below.

Drew caught up with Disney Legend Floyd Norman

Drew caught up with Disney animator Floyd Norman at the Bentonville Film Festival.  They spoke about his documentary "Floyd Norman-Animated life" and his legendary career at Disney.  You would have seen his work with Disney favorites like "Mary Poppins", "Sleeping Beauty", "The Jungle book", "One Hundred and One Dalmatians", "The Sword and the Stone", "Toy Story 2", "Godzilla", "The Smurfs", "Monsters Inc" and whole bunch more!  

Drew also spoke with the Directors Michael Fiore and Erik Sharkey about their film "Floyd Norman: Animated Life"

*Winner at Bentonville Film Festival

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.”

For more information about the film go to: https://www.facebook.com/FloydNormanDocumentary  

Director Rory Feek and Actor Boris McGiver to talk about their film "Josephine"

Dustin sits down with Director Rory Feek and Actor Boris McGiver to talk about their film "Josephine" at the Bentonville Film Festival. 

*Winner at Bentonville Film Festival:
The Dernsie- Alice Coulthard-Josephine

Best Acting in a Competition Narrative Film.  

Josephine - Director: Rory Feek, Screenwriter: Rory Feek and Aaron Carnahan (USA)

Cast: Boris McGiver, Alice Coulthard, Jessejames Locorriere

This is about a young woman who enlisted in the army in 1864 posing as a man.  She begins the journey in search for her missing husband, battling the enemy across Tennessee and Virginia.
  
For more information on the film go to: http://www.josephinethefilm.com  

Cast and Crew Speak About Their Film "Lost & Found"

Kim Selby, Benjamin Stockham & Celeste Desjardins

Drew sits down with cast and crew from 2016 film "Lost & Found".  First he spoke with Producer Kim Selby, Actor Benjamin Stockham and Actress Celeste Desjardins.   He also spoke with the Director Joseph Itaya and filmmaker Kelsey Selby.

Director Joseph Itaya and filmmaker Kelsey Selby

Watch both interviews below:

*Winner at Bentonville Film Festival

Best Family Film - "Lost & Found"
Best Family Film in a Competition Narrative Film

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

For more information on the film go to : http://www.lostandfoundmovie.net/

Producer Judy San Roman Speaks About the Film "Fair Market Value"

We spoke with Judy San Roman Producer of Fair Market Value.  She spoke about the making of the film and what went into casting for it.   Fair Market Value was one of the winners at the Bentonville Film Festival.    

*Winner at Bentonville Film Festival:  Best Ensemble in a Competition Narrative Film

 – Fair Market Value

 http://www.fairmarketvaluemovie.com/

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

Director Curtis Chin talks about his documentary "Tested"

Dustin sits down with Director Curtis Chin to talk about his documentary "Tested" at the Bentonville Film Festival.

*Winner at Bentonville Film Festival:

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. 
You can go here for more information about the film: www.testedfilm.com

Actress Q'orianka Kilcher and Gil Birmingham talk about their film "Te Ata"

Dustin sits down with Actress  Q'orianka Kilcher and Gil Birmingham to talk about their film "Te Ata" at the Bentonville Film Festival.

Te Ata - Based on a true story, Te Ata follows the life of Mary "Te Ata" Thompson Fisher, a young Chicasaw woman who is torn between tradition of her family and her desire to become an actress in early 20th century America.

For more information on the film go to teatamovie.com

"Driving with Selvi" Director Elisa Paloschi talks about film at BFF

Drew sits down with Director Elisa Paloschi to talk about her documentary "Driving with Selvi" at the Bentonville Film Festival.

Driving With Selvi - Selvi is a former child bride who escaped to become South India's first female taxi driver.  This is the journey of a charming, strong, and courageous young woman who defies all expectations, moving beyond the pain she's experienced to create a new life.

For more information on the film go to drivingwithselvi.com

Director Aniruddh Pandit and Actor Anthony Gioe talk about their film "The Mad Ones"

Drew sits down with Director Aniruddh Pandit and Actor Anthony Gioe to talk about their film "The Mad Ones" at the Bentonville Film Festival.

The Mad Ones - Three twenty-something professionals search for meaning in life and work in the digital age.

For more information about the film go www.TheMadOnesMovie.com

Director AnnaRose King & Producer Carolyn Mao talk about their Film "Good Enough"

Drew sits down with Director AnnaRose King and Producer Carolyn Mao to talk about their film "Good Enough" at the Bentonville Flim Festival.

Good Enough - In the aftermath of her estranged father's death, Lorna sets off on a journey across country in hopes of finding out more about her family and herself.

For more information about the film go to www.goodenoughthefilm.com

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/

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/

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

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

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 

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/

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.  

http://www.4029tv.com/entertainment/thearkansascw

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/

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:  

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.

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