The 12th annual Bentonville Film Festival runs June 15-21, promising a packed week of screenings, panels, and special events across downtown Bentonville. Film buffs and families looking for something to do will find plenty to choose from at venues including the Walmart AMP and the 21c Museum Hotel’s theater.
Opening night kicks off at the Walmart AMP on June 15 with a red carpet event featuring the premiere of several films spotlighting diverse voices and stories. Throughout the week, more than 100 films—ranging from feature-length narratives to shorts and documentaries—will screen at locations including the Momentary’s theater and Bentonville’s public library auditorium.
The festival is known for celebrating inclusion both on-screen and off. This year’s lineup includes works by women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ creators, as well as a spotlight on Indigenous filmmakers. Panels and discussions will follow many screenings, offering insights into filmmaking, representation, and the changing media landscape.
Some highlights this year include a tribute to filmmaker Kasi Lemmons, who will appear for a Q&A after her new film screening, as well as a community discussion on diversity in arts education held at the Bentonville Library on June 18. Family-friendly films will screen daily at the 21c Museum Hotel, with ages 7 and up welcome to attend.
The festival also features several parties and networking events at local hotspots like The Hive and Pressroom, perfect for catching up with filmmakers and other attendees. For those who want a quieter experience, the “Silent Cinema” nights at the Momentary focus on acoustic performances paired with classic silent films.
On the weekend, the lineup includes free outdoor screenings at the Bentonville Square and food trucks lining Central Avenue to round out the festival experience. Whether you want to mingle with filmmakers or just catch a great movie, the Bentonville Film Festival offers a fresh spin on indie film culture in Northwest Arkansas.
Tickets and passes cover multiple venues and events, with single tickets starting at $12. Full schedules are now available online and will be distributed at local spots including Crystal Bridges Museum and Bentonville City Hall. With a week this packed, planning ahead is your best bet to soak in as many films and conversations as you can.
Source: 5News KFSM
