Director, Writer and Producer Tom Huang spoke to us about his film "Find Me".

Director, Writer and Producer Tom Huang spoke to us about his film "Find Me".  The film was a Competition - Feature Narrative entered into the Bentonville Film Festival.   "Find Me"  is a film about a extraordinary journey of a divorcee finding himself  while on a mission to find his co-worker through clues she left behind.  Watch the interview below.

FIND ME
Director: Tom Huang

Writer: Tom Huang

Producers: Randy Kulina, Tom Huang

Cast:

Sara Amini (Amelia), Krizia Bajos (Helena), Kirby Howell-Baptiste (Jordan), Jaycie Dotin (Joyce), Mike Rock (Tanner)

Joe is an accountant who on a downward spiral after a recent painful divorce. His only solace is his co-worker and 'office wife,' Amelia, whom he spends most of his free time with at work.  It's only when Amelia mysteriously disappears for weeks that he finally gets himself out of his shell to try to find her through clues she leaves for him in National Parks across the West.

Film Website: FindMeTheFilm.com

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 filmmakers about their episodics Brooklynification and From Jappan

Director Keith Miller and Writer Christopher Roy Poindexter of the film "Brooklynification" and Director: Raj Trivedi of the film "From Jappan" spoke to us about their films.  Check out the interview below.

*2018 Bentonville Film Festival Winner.  "Brooklynification" won an Audience Award for "Best Episodic".

FROM JAPPAN
Director: Raj Trivedi
Writer: Raj Trivedi
Producer: Ophelia Harutyunyan   
Cast:
Liba Vaynberg (Riley), Aiden Eyrick (young Jappan), Purva Bedi (Mom), Siraj Huda (Dad), Marcia Berry (Mrs. Farley) 

The pilot episode for a series about an Indian-American family in suburban United States. The series follows Jappan and his family over the twenty years after their immigration to the US, and explores their experiences through a comedic perspective. 

Film Facebook: www.rajtrivedi.com
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BROOKLYNIFICATION  
Director: Keith Miller
Writer: Christopher Roy Poindexter
Producer: Joyce Mishaan
Cast:
Karl Williams (Dr. P), Felecia Harrelson (Dawn Honore), Lamar Cheston (Dalton Honore), Tallie Medel (Amy)

 A mother and father struggle to maintain and protect their son’s authentic black self in a predominately white private school. It takes a frank conversation with the principal to help the father adjust to his son's new surroundings.

Film Facebook: Facebook.com/Brooklynification

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

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Director: Joanna James talks about her film "A Fine Line", Story about Chef and Restaurateur Valerie James.

Director: Joanna James talks about her film "A Fine Line".  The film was entered as Competition - Feature Documentary in the Bentonville Film Festival.  "A Fine Line"  is a story of a small town chef and restaurateur with a larger than life personality, Valerie James. A single mother on a mission to do what she loves.  Watch interview below.

A FINE LINE

Director: Joanna James

Writer: Joanna James

Producers: Joanna James, Katy Jordan

Cast:

Valerie James, Lidia Bastianich, Dominique Crenn, Cat Cora, Barbara LYnch, Mashama Bailey, Elena Arzak, Sylvia Weinstock, Maria Loi, April Bloomfield, Michael Anthony, Daniel Humm

A Fine Line explores why only 6% of head chefs/restaurant owners are women, when traditionally women held the central role in the kitchen. Following the personal story of a small town restaurateur with a larger than life personality Valerie James. A single mother on a mission to do what she loves, while raising two kids and the odds stacked mighty high against her.

Film Website: afinelinemovie.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, Producer and Writer Maya Washington talks about her film "Through the Banks of the Red Cedar".

Director, Producer and Writer Maya Washington talks about her film "Through the Banks of the Red Cedar".  The film was entered as Competition - Feature Documentary in the Bentonville Film Festival.  "Through the Banks of the Red Cedar" is about The daughter of football legend Gene Washington uncovers how the first fully-integrated college football team in America changed the game forever.  Watch the interview below.

THROUGH THE BANKS OF THE RED CEDAR Director: Maya Washington
Writer: Maya Washington
Producers: Maya Washington, Selina Lewis (Consulting Producer)
Cast:
Gene Washington, Bubba Smith, Clinton Jones, George Webster, Car Eller, Alan Page, Joe Kapp, Duffy Daugherty

In 1963 Michigan State Head Coach Duffy Daugherty gave 23 African American young men the opportunity of a lifetime.  The daughter of football legend Gene Washington uncovers how the first fully-integrated college football team in America changed the game forever.

Film Website: www.throughthebanksoftheredcedar.com/

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 with Director: Ben Strang of "Beast" and Director: Morgan Beck of "Brooke" about their episodics.

We spoke with Director: Ben Strang of "Beast" and Director: Morgan Beck of "Brooke" about their episodics.  Both episodics were entered in the Competition - Episodic at the Bentonville Film Festival.  Watch interview below.

*2018 Bentonville Film Festival Winner.  "Beast" won an Jury Award for "Best Episodic".

Director: Ben Strang and Director: Morgan Beck 

Brooke

Director: Morgan Beck

Writer: Morgan Beck

Producers: Miguel Lima, Morgan Beck

Cast:

Kerry Bishe (Brooke), Morgan Beck (Jason), Zoe Perry (Amy), Pamela Roylance (Karen), Danton Stone (Burt), Henry Watkins (Warren)

A baby is coming! Unfortunately for Brooke and her husband, James, that baby is coming two months earlier than expected. As they head to the hospital for an induced delivery, all their plans go out the window. 

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Beast  

Director: Ben Strang

Writer: Ben Strang

Producers: Jonathan Maurer, Lara Pictet, Ben Strang

Cast:

Elijah Mayo (Daniel), Chantal Nchako (Michelle), Jay Potter (John Barkley), Helen Hedman (Pastor Claire)

Set on the eerie maritime landscape of Smith Island, BEAST, Season 1 centers around the perplexing disappearance of a fisherman named Christopher Press, and his determined teenage son who, despite being warned of a formidable sea-monster that lurks in the water, will stop at nothing to find his father and figure out once and for all why people keep disappearing on Smith Island.

Instagram: @Benhstrang

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 Chevrolet Dealership this Friday in Springdale

Owner-Partner of McLarty Daniel Automotive, Russ Daniel

Come Join the Springdale Chambers of Commerce, Community Leaders, McLarty Daniel Company Officials and the Public this Friday May 11th to celebrate the Grand Opening of McLarty Daniel Chevrolet dealership located at 1159 N 45th Street Springdale, AR 72762  The event will start at 11:30 am. There will be Food, huge giveaways every 15 minutes during the event and entertainment for you to enjoy. 

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

Don't miss it! Food, Giveaways and Entertainment!

Video below is from the Ribbon Cutting from Grand Opening from Buick GMC Dealership in Bentonville last week.

Director Anthony Nardolillo, Actress Jadi Collado and Actor Gilbert Saldivar talk about the film "Shine".

We spoke with Director Anthony Nardolillo, Actress Jadi Collado and Actor Gilbert Saldivar  about the film "Shine".  The film was entered as a Competition - Feature Narrative in the Bentonville Film Festival.  Watch the interview below.

SHINE
Director(s): Anthony Nardolillo
Writer(s): Anthony Nardolillo, Ahmadu Garba, Corey Kramer
Producer(s): Anthony Nardolillo, Sandra Varona
Cast:
Jorge Burgos, Gilbert Saldivar, Kimberli Flores, Jadi Collado, David Zayas, Alysia Reiner
Two brothers once East Harlem's best Salsa dancers are separated after the death of their father only to be reunited years later on opposing ends of gentrification.


Film website: shinethemovie.nyc

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 with the filmmakers of the locally filmed movie "F.R.E.D.I."

We spoke with the filmmakers of "F.R.E.D.I.",  Director & Writer Sean Olson, Writer & Producer Johnny Remo and Executive Producer Christian Beckman.  This film was shot locally in and around the Bentonville area. Skipstone Pictures movie "F.R.E.D.I." was entered as a Competition - Feature Narrative film in the Bentonville Film Festival.  Click on the video below to watch interviews. 



*2018 Bentonville Film Festival World Premiere and Winner.  "F.R.E.D.I." won an Audience Award for "Best of the Fest".

Interview with filmmakers of "F.R.E.D.I."

Interview with robot designer Christian Beckman

F.R.E.D.I.
Director(s): Sean Olson
Writer(s): Kat Olson - Sean Olson - Lee Schneller - Johnny Remo
Producer(s): Johnny Remo
Cast:
Kelly Hu (Dr. Andi Palmer), Candace Cameron Bure (voice of FREDI), Angus MacFadyen (Grant), Lucius Hoyos (James Nash), Reid Miller (Danny), Tyler Christopher (Randy Nash), Casimere Jollette (Natalie), Christina Cox (Williams), Texas Battle (Brody), Harvey
F.R.E.D.I. is found by 15-year-old James, and the pair quickly bond as they skate through teenage troubles, keeping it a secret from James’ recently divorced father, Randy. James’ best friend, science-whiz kid Danny, and the subject of James’ affection, the unattainable Natalie, team up to escape the manic corporate villain Grant, hot on F.R.E.D.I.’s tracks.

Film Facebook Page:  FREDImovie

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

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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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