Bentonville, AR (May 28, 2025) The Bentonville Film Festival (BFF) in collaboration with founding partner, Walmart, and presenting sponsor, Coca-Cola, announced today their Shaping the Narrative, Geena & Friends participants, Juneteenth and Spotlight programming, jurors and additional panels and events taking place at the 2025 Bentonville Film Festival, set for June 16-22 in Bentonville, AR. The annual Festival, celebrating its 11th anniversary, is a globally recognized platform amplifying female, non-binary, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and people with disabilities’ voices in entertainment. Festival passes and individual tickets are on sale now.
Geena & Friends
Geena & Friends returns with two-time Academy Award-winning actor Geena Davis along with an all-star group of equally brilliant actors, who will re-imagine memorable dialogue from all-male movie scenes with an all-female lens. A saucy way to show that film and television casts can be far more diverse than they are written – without losing any of the fun! This year’s participants joining Davis include Shohreh Aghdashloo (The Penguin), Toks Olagundoye (Frasier), Alysia Reiner (The Diplomat) and Brenda Song (Running Point). Following the performance, Gold Derby Editor-in-Chief Debra Birnbaum will lead a Q&A with the participants. The event will take place on Friday, June 20 at the Thaden Theater.
In addition, yesterday in partnership with Variety, the Festival announced that Brenda Song will be presented with the Variety Virtuoso Award on June 20th.
“Every year, Geena & Friends reminds us just how much fun it is to reimagine the movies we know well with a very different cast. Goodfellas? Reservoir Dogs? The Godfather?? We’ve done ‘em all!” said Geena Davis, Chair of the Bentonville Film Festival. “With this incredible group of women—Shohreh, Toks, Alysia, and Brenda—we’re not just performing scenes, we’re breaking free from the limitations of traditional casting. It’s eye-opening—and hilarious! I can’t wait to share that energy with our audience.”
Shaping the Narrative
Olympic Champion Allyson Felix will participate in this year’s Shaping the Narrative conversation in partnership with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and Ingeborg Initiatives.
The Jury for this year’s festival awards will include Anne Alvergue (Editor/Director, The Martha Mitchell Effect), Keely Cat-Wells (Disability Advocate; CEO of Making Space), Joshua Dahlman (Program Director of Shorts & MN Features, Twin Cities Film Festival), Kathryn Everett (Director/Producer; Founder of 5D Studios), James Faust (Artistic Director, Dallas International Film Festival), Marie Jamora (Director; Guest Artistic Director of AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women), Michelle Krusiec (Writer/Director/Actor; Nian), Toks Olagundoye (Actor, Frasier), Pallavi Sastry (Producer/Actor; Co-Director of Programming, iSAFF), Nicole Shipley (Producer; Co-founder and CEO of Safe Space Pictures Foundation), Bomani J. Story (Director, The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster) and Claire Taylor (Chief Program Officer, SeriesFest).
“We’re thrilled about this year’s festival, featuring expanded programming that celebrates our mission to champion diverse voices in storytelling — and a jury that shares our passion and excitement,” said Wendy Guerrero, BFF President. “We’re especially looking forward to the conversations with advocate Allyson Felix, whose work exemplifies the spirit of equity and empowerment we strive to elevate. We’re proud to continue building a platform where the next generation of inclusive storytellers can thrive.”
Celebration of Juneteenth
As part of its ongoing mission to elevate human-centered stories that shape culture and reflect the communities they serve, the 2025 Bentonville Film Festival will commemorate Juneteenth with a special two-day spotlight on powerful films and creators with deep roots in Arkansas who have broken barriers and expanded what’s possible—on screen and off. This commemorative program honors the spirit of Juneteenth by uplifting stories that reflect freedom, resilience, and the ongoing journey toward justice and representation for all. This program will feature the films The Paris 3, COLBERT: All Students Can Learn, Traveling Mercies and God Said Give ‘Em Drum Machines.
In addition, the festival has announced the below events, panels and spotlight screenings to take place throughout the duration of the festival:
PANELS / EVENTS
Authenticity Matters: Rewriting Disability on Screen
Tuesday, June 17, 2:30 p.m. / Fermentation Hall at The Momentary
An insightful research presentation and panel discussion on The State of Disability Representation on Television: An Analysis of Scripted TV Series from 2016 to 2023, presented by the Geena Davis Institute. Following the research, a panel of experts will discuss practical recommendations for fostering more inclusive storytelling.
· Moderator: Madeline Di Nonno, President & CEO, GDI
· Panelists: Keely Cat-Wells (Disability Rights Activist), Isaac Zablocki (Co-Founder, CEO, ReelAbilities Film Festival), Daniel Poler (Filmmaker)
STEAM Sessions
Wednesday, June 18, 9:00 a.m. / Røde House at The Momentary
A dynamic program designed to explore the integration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics in modern filmmaking. With an emphasis on education, innovation, and inclusion, the Sessions will bring together students, educators, creators, and technologists for a day of hands-on learning and meaningful discussion.
Find Your Fight: A Conversation & Book Signing with Jay Ruderman
Wednesday, June 18, 3:00 p.m. / The Walmart Museum, 3rd Floor With an introduction by Geena Davis and moderated by Madeline Di Nonno; president and CEO of the Geena Davis Institute. A powerful afternoon of purpose and inspiration as the Bentonville Film Festival welcomes Jay Ruderman—activist, thought leader, and president of the Ruderman Family Foundation—for an intimate conversation and book signing celebrating the release of his new book, Find Your Fight: Make Your Voice Heard for the Causes That Matter Most. In this compelling and practical guide for advocates and changemakers, Ruderman shares hard-earned wisdom from over three decades on the front lines of social justice. From advancing disability inclusion to reshaping narratives in Hollywood, his journey is a testament to the impact one voice can have when used with clarity, courage, and conviction.
This conversation will explore what it means to “find your fight” in today’s complex world—how to identify the issues that move you, spark necessary controversy, and stand boldly in your truth. Ruderman will also reflect on stories and strategies from fellow changemakers like John Lewis, Kevin Love, and Amariyanna “Little Miss Flint” Copeny, weaving together a dynamic roadmap for meaningful advocacy.
Whether you’re a seasoned activist or simply seeking your path to impact, this event will challenge and empower you to step up, speak out, and push forward for the causes that matter most. Books will be available on-site, with a signing to follow the conversation. Free and open to the public with RSVP.
X Tracks Licensing Summit
Thursday, June 19, 9:00 a.m. / Røde House at The Momentary
A dynamic exploration of how various content creation mediums reflect and drive popular culture trends, richly populated with sessions focusing on current pop culture phenomena. The Summit is meticulously designed to convene leading content creators, marketers, merchandisers, and senior licensing executives.
If She Can See It, She Can Be It Panel
Thursday, June 19, 11:30 a.m. / Fermentation Hall at The Momentary
An engaging panel discussion featuring a diverse group of actors, content creators, and industry executives who are shaping the landscape of women-led content. This annual event offers thoughtful insights into the creative and strategic efforts behind some of today’s most impactful projects and explores the ongoing work to advance gender representation in media.
● Moderator: Madeline Di Nonno, President & CEO, GDI
● Panelists: Academy Award winner and Bentonville Film Festival founder Geena Davis; director Rachel Israel (“Keep the Change”), director/actor Katie Aselton Duplass (“Mack & Rita”), actor Trace Lysette (“Monica”), and actor Alexandra Grey (“Empire”)
A Guiding Light for Documentary Ethics + Case Study
Friday, June 20, 10 a.m. / Røde House at The Momentary
A look into the newly established, free resource library created by the Documentary Producers Alliance with an eye to contemplate ethics in documentary filmmaking and provide a one-stop-shop for filmmakers seeking guidance. Panel will highlight a case study showing one filmmaker’s path: from encountering an ethical dilemma to the library’s potential for helpful resources to resolution.
Moderator: Risé Sanders-Weir (Journalist, Emmy-nominated filmmaker)
Building a Sustainable Future: Empowering the Next Generation of Talent and Creators
Friday, June 20 at 11:30 a.m. / Fermentation Hall at The Momentary
In an era where sustainability extends beyond the environment to include workforce development and community impact, companies are reimagining their role in shaping the future. This dynamic panel explores how leading organizations are investing in the next generation of talent and creators through intentional support, innovative programs, and inclusive practices.
● Moderator: Craig Robinson, EVP and Chief Diversity Officer at NBCUniversal
● Panelist: Liliahn Majeed, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, North America L’Oréal Groupe
Built on Skills: A Roadtrip Nation Screening and Conversation About How Skills Create Success Stories
Friday, June 20, 1:00 p.m. / Røde House at The Momentary
A special Built on Skills screening and panel at the Bentonville Film Festival, hosted in partnership with Walmart. Follow three people as they explore how people build careers from experience—not just degrees. Hear firsthand from one of the roadtrippers and local workforce leaders about what’s working, what’s missing, and how we can better support learners at every stage.
Variety’s Producers to Watch Roundtable
Saturday, June 21, 1:00 p.m. / Røde House at The Momentary
Variety’s Producers to Watch program is hosted for the first time by Bentonville Film Festival, who are proud to welcome the notable up-and-coming film producers recognized on the 2025 annual impact list to this roundtable discussion, moderated by Variety’s Todd Gilchrist.
SPOTLIGHT FAMILY FILMS
Karate Kid: Legends USA (Closing Film)
(Director, Jonathan Entwistle; Writer, Rob Lieber; Producer, Karen Rosenfelt)
Karate Kid: Legends unites the iconic martial arts masters of one of the most beloved film franchises of all time to tell a completely new story full of action. Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and original Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), join forces to prepare kung fu prodigy Li (Ben Wang) for the ultimate karate competition.
Cast: Jackie Chan, Ben Wang, Ralph Macchio, Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, Ming-Na Wen
Audrey’s Children USA
(Director, Ami Canaan Mann; Writer/Producer, Julia Fisher Farbman; Producers, Bradley Gallo, Michael A. Helfant)
The inspiring true story of Dr. Audrey Evans, who joins an elite children’s hospital in 1969 as the first female Chief of Oncology. Determined to overhaul ineffective therapies and challenge the status quo, she pioneers life-saving treatments, co-founds the first Ronald McDonald House and impacts millions of families around the world.
Cast: Natalie Dormer, Jimmi Simpson, Clancy Brown, Brandon Micheal Hall
The Pout-Pout Fish USA
Producers, Nadine Bates, Madeira Ginley, Kristen Souvlis, Cyma Zarghami, Jen Besser and Kristin Dulaney)
The Pout-Pout Fish, based on the best-selling book series, is the story of an unlikely duo: Mr. Fish, a pouty recluse, and Pip, a high-energy sea dragon. When catastrophe strikes, they must embark on a daunting, undersea quest in search of a fabled mythical fish to grant their wish to save their homes.
Cast: Nick Offerman, Miranda Otto, Amy Sedaris, Nina Oyama, Mark Coles Smith, Remy Hii, Jordin Sparks
Robin and the Hoods UK
(Director, Phil Hawkins; Writers, Stuart Benson, Paul Davidson; Producers, Claudia Bleumhuber, Matt Williams
Fired by her imagination, ROBIN is the bright-eyed leader of a group of kids, the Hoods, who love to play fantasy games on a patch of land they nickname The Kingdom. While their biggest concern is a rival gang looking to take over their domain, things get serious when plans emerge to develop the area that’s their playground into a new leisure facility for the town. Faced with the ruthless spokesperson CLIP-BOARD, Robin and her friends must find a way to save their play area before it’s too late.
Cast: Naomie Harris, Gwendoline Christie, Mark Williams, Darcey Ewart, Bruno Edgington-Gibson, Darcey Ewart
JUNETEENTH SPOTLIGHT FILMS
COLBERT: All Students Can Learn USA
(Director/Writer/Producer, Mike Day; Writer/Producer, Dan Robinson; Producers: Kris Katrosh, J’onnelle Colbert-Diaz)
Almost 70 years after Fayetteville Arkansas Public School’s integration, Dr. John L Colbert, the city’s first African American superintendent, cements his historic legacy with a school named after him. Produced by DAYVISION and New Harvest Creative.
God Said Give ‘Em Drum Machines USA
(Director/Writer, Kristian R. Hill; Writer/Producer, Jennifer Washington; Writers, Thomas Quarterman, Tim Rodd; Producers, David Grandison Jr., Delmart Washington)
The untold story of the Black Detroit artists who pioneered techno music, only to watch the genre rise globally without proper recognition. A blending of music history, personal narrative, and cultural commentary into a vibrant celebration of artistic innovation and legacy.
The Paris 3 USA
(Director, Miles Hanon; Writers/Producers, Karrié Claybrook, Clay Thompson; Producer, Tom Livingston)
The untold story of three young Black girls who, in 1961, made a bold decision to sit down at a “whites only” counter in Paris, Kentucky. Their actions ignited a year-long boycott that ultimately led to the hiring of their town’s first Black cashier. A special Q&A will follow the screening with all three women featured in the film, moderated by Karrié Claybrook, granddaughter of one of The Paris 3 and a producer on the project.
Traveling Mercies USA
(Director, Niva Dorell; Writer, Madison Trice; Producer, Marjorie Lin Kilpatrick)
Two Black high school students have different attitudes about the daily microaggressions they experience in an ultra wealthy neighborhood of Houston, TX. When one of them encounters a shocking outburst at their private prep school, they’re both forced to reexamine their viewpoints.
ABOUT BFFOUNDATION: BFFoundation is a non-profit organization focused on promoting underrepresented voices of diverse storytellers. The core mission is to champion female, non-binary, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, API, and persons with disabilities’ voices in entertainment and media, through research, education, and supporting the production and distribution of inclusive content.
The foundation believes that by taking real action with content creators, talent, influencers, advertisers, and content distributors, we can accurately reflect the gender balance and diversity of our country. Our goal is to create a seismic change in how media inspires young minds to do great things.
Along with the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, the foundation also partners with schools and community institutions to educate the challenging effects of stereotyping, unconscious bias, and representation imbalance of gender, ethnicity, sexuality, and persons with disabilities. We also utilize media-based tools and content to build positive association and equality-based learning models.
BFFoundation is focused on working with its partners to foster inclusivity in media and entertainment to produce a positive influence in the community at large.
