11th Annual Bentonville Film Festival, Led By Geena Davis, Announces Competition Line-Up

BENTONVILLE, AR (May 13, 2025) — Today, BFFoundation (BFF), in collaboration with founding partner Walmart and presenting partner Coca-Cola, is thrilled to announce the narrative, documentary, homegrown, short film, and episodic selections premiering in person at the 2025 Bentonville Film Festival (BFF) competition program set for June 16-22, 2025, Bentonville, Arkansas.  This year’s festival will showcase 28 feature competition films, including 9 World Premieres, with a newly launched Homegrown Competition highlighting powerful stories from filmmakers based in or filming in Arkansas.

BFF 2025 will open with East of Wall, written and directed by Kate Beecroft. Inspired by the real lives of Tabatha and Porshia Zimiga, and with a cast of predominantly non-professional actors playing themselves, East of Wall is an authentic portrayal of the modern American West. Beecroft and the Zimigas will be in attendance for a moderated conversation to follow the film.

“We are thrilled to open the festival with a film that speaks so genuinely to the power of female resilience,” said Wendy Guerrero, President of BFF. “The raw, gorgeous landscapes are matched by the vulnerability and passion of the women and girls at the heart of East of Wall.”

Closing night will feature Sony Pictures’ Karate Kid: Legends, directed by Jonathan Entwistle, and will open with an exclusive conversation with Entwistle and stars Ralph Macchio and Ben Wang. The film follows kung fu prodigy Li Fong, who moves to New York City and finds himself on a journey toward the ultimate karate competition, guided by Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso. It’s a fresh, heartfelt continuation of the legacy that has inspired generations.

Honoring Trailblazers: Lucy Liu and Al Roker

Lucy Liu will be honored with the Rising to the Challenge Award at BFF’s annual Festival Award Ceremony on Saturday, June 21. The award recognizes artists who champion storytelling that breaks barriers and broadens representation. Liu will also attend the screening of her latest film, Rosemead, which she stars in and produced. Inspired by true events, the film highlights a woman’s struggle to protect her son, and possibly others, from his violent obsessions, and reflects Liu’s dedication to authentic, emotionally resonant storytelling in this portrait of a Chinese American family.

“As we celebrate 11 years of BFF, I’m so proud of how the festival continues to elevate bold storytelling and amplify voices that reflect the full spectrum of the human experience” said Geena Davis, Chair of the Bentonville Film Festival.  We’re especially thrilled to honor Lucy Liu, whose groundbreaking work continues to inspire and open doors for the next generation of storytellers.”

On Tuesday, June 17, beloved weather anchor and producer Al Roker will join the festival for sneak peek and discussion of his new animated series, Weather Hunters. Created by Al Roker Entertainment, the show blends education and entertainment, helping kids understand the science of weather through fun, accessible storytelling.

Family Programming with Elmo as special guest

Families are invited to a joyful and inclusive event on Saturday, June 21 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at BFF’s Outdoor Cinema for “Read with Sesame Street’s Elmo & Geena”. Geena Davis and Elmo will read The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page— a story celebrating confidence, taking up space in the world and finding your voice.

Representing the World We Live In

BFF’s 2025 competition programming reflects its ongoing commitment to inclusion and authentic representation across all communities. Of this year’s selected competition films:

• 66% are from creators identifying as female or gender non-conforming
• 51% identify as BIPOC, Asian, or Pacific Islander
• 29% identify as LGBTQIA+
• 18% are filmmakers over the age of 50
• 12% identify as a person with a disability

On-screen representation is equally strong:

• 60% feature leads who identify as women or gender non-conforming
• 49% are BIPOC
• 17% represent people with disabilities

Behind the camera, 74% of films include female or gender non-conforming background cast and crews, and 54% represent BIPOC, AAPI, or Indigenous identities.

“Our film selections, thoughtfully curated by Artistic Director Drea Clark, embody the spirit and mission of the Bentonville Film Festival,” said Wendy Guerrero     . “What connects them is a shared strength: the ability to tell stories that resonate deeply and meaningfully.”

The following projects are confirmed for the 2025 Bentonville Film Festival competition:

OPENING FILM

East of Wall USA

(Director/Writer/Producer Kate Beecroft; Producers, Shannon Moss, Melanie Ramsayer, Lila Yacoub)

An authentic portrait of female resilience in the” New West” inspired and played by the women and girls who live it. Set in the Badlands of South Dakota, Tabatha, a young, rebellious rancher, who rescues and resells horses, must make hard decisions to deal with her fractured family, financial uncertainty, and unresolved grief, all while providing refuge for a group of wayward neighborhood teens.

Cast: Tabatha Zimiga, Porshia Zimiga, Scoot McNairy, Jennifer Ehle

 

CLOSING FILM

Karate Kid: Legends USA

(Director: Jonathon Entwistle)

Kung fu prodigy Li Fong relocates to New York City and quickly attracts unwanted attention from a local karate champion. Guided by Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso, he embarks on a transformative journey toward the ultimate karate competition, learning powerful lessons in discipline, courage, and self-belief.

Cast: Jackie Chan, Joshua Jackson, Ralph Macchio, Sadie Stanley, Ben Wang

 

SPOTLIGHT FILMS

 

40 Acres USA

After a series of plagues and wars leaves society in ruins, the Freemans are surviving —even thriving — on a farm in the middle of nowhere… so long as they repel the occasional raiding party. Former soldier Hailey and her partner Galen fled the collapse along with their children, training them to fight (and, yes, kill). But now Hailey’s eldest Emanuel is a young man, and when he meets a young woman in the forest beyond the fence, his need for human contact could place the whole family in jeopardy.

Cast: Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Greyeyes, Kataem O’Connor, Milcania Diaz-Rojas

 

She Runs the World USA

(Directors/Producers, Perri Peltz and Matthew O’Neill; Producer, Lisa Binns)

An impassioned look at the advocacy of Allyson Felix, the most decorated track and field athlete of all time. At the peak of her career, she faced a life-threatening pregnancy—and a 70% pay cut from her sponsor, exposing a sports industry without maternal protections. But Allyson turned adversity into action, redefining what it means to be a champion and sparking a movement far beyond the track. Felix’s rejection of the status quo and her subsequent defense of female athletes, particularly mothers, shifted the culture of sports as a whole.

 

HOMEGROWN COMPETITION

 

Films created by filmmakers from Arkansas and/or filmed in Arkansas.

 

Abigail Before Beatrice USA – World Premiere

(Director/Writer/Producer, Cassie Keet; Producers, Benjamin Dunn, Mindy Van Kuren)

An isolated woman is confronted by her past when a fellow former cult member reaches out with news that their leader has been released from prison early.

Cast: Olivia Taylor Dudley, Riley Dandy, Shayn Herndon, Jordan Lane Shappell, Molly Jackson

 

Beyond the Ashes: An Adaptive Trail Story USA – World Premiere

(Directors/Producers, Brock Wagner, Tim Johnson; Producers, Jason Williams, Uriah Nazario, Bianca Montoya, Brian Carlson, John Hunter) 

A documentary exploration of the Trailblazers, a trail development organization, and the transformative experiences of adaptive riders as they navigate the challenging terrain while breaking barriers in the world of mountain biking.

 

Sovereign USA

(Director/Writer, Christian Swegal; Producer, Nick Moceri)

A father and son who identify as Sovereign Citizens, a group of anti-government extremists, find themselves in a standoff with a chief of police that sets off a manhunt.

Cast: Nick Offerman, Jacob Tremblay, Dennis Quaid, Thomas Mann, Martha Plimpton, Nancy Travis

 

West of Greatness: The Story of the Westwego Muscle Boys USA – World Premiere

(Director/Writer, Jared Cliff LaReau; Producers, Chris Tucci, David Pons)

An unexpected friendship develops between two young men from vastly different backgrounds who have set their sights on winning a local bodybuilding competition. 

Cast: LaEric Moore, Zachary Van Zandt, Susan Gordon, John Castle, Stevie Cavalier

 

HOMEGROWN SHORTS BLOCK

This selection of films, taking part in the Short Film Competition, are created by local filmmakers and filmed in Arkansas, and will screen together.

The Fundamentals, USA (Director, Kyle Yazzie) 

Ridge to River: The Arkansas Traverse, USA (Director, Allyson de la Houssaye) – World Premiere

Sharps & Flats, USA (Director, Iman June Blackwell) – World Premiere

 

NARRATIVE COMPETITION

 

Adult Children USA – World Premiere

(Director/Producer, Rich Newey; Writer/Producer, Annika Marks; Producers, Angie Gaffney, Thomas Sadoski) 

When a crisis strikes, Morgan, a sheltered 17-year-old, is provided with the rare opportunity to spend time with her three significantly older half-siblings. She hopes they’ll be able to shed some light on what it means to be an adult, only to be disappointed when she discovers they’re all faking it.

Cast: Ella Rubin, Betsy Brandt, Aya Cash, Thomas Sadoski, Mimi Rogers

 

Bird in Hand USA

(Director/Writer, Melody C. Roscher; Producers, Craig Shilowich, Alexander Schepsman, Danielle Massie, Sam Bisbee, Cody Ryder, Saba Zerehi)

Bird Rowe is searching for a wedding venue in her hometown, navigating a tumultuous relationship with her mother, and hiding a secret agenda – to connect with her biological father, whom she has never met.

Cast: Alisha Wainwright, Christine Lahti, James Le Gros, K. Todd Freeman, Annabelle Dexter-Jones

 

Color Book USA

(Director/Writer, David Fortune; Producers, Kiah Clingman, Kristen Uno, Autumn Bailey-Ford)

Following his wife’s recent passing, single father Lucky finds himself navigating the challenges of raising his exuberant son Mason, who has Down syndrome. Seeking solace, Lucky and Mason embark on a journey across Metro Atlanta to attend their first baseball game together.

Cast: Will Catlett, Jeremiah Daniels, Brandee Evans, Terry J. Vaughn

 

Cotton Candy Bubble Gum USA

(Director/Writer/Producer, J Pinder; Producer, Cole Dabney)

Carter, a 21-year-old mama’s boy still living at home, must complete a seemingly impossible list of tasks by the end of the day or find a new place to live. If Carter can conquer this wildly chaotic day, he might be ready for the real world after all.

Cast: Nick Darnell, Morgan Jay, R. Marcus Taylor, Jada Paige, Jack Stone, Mildred Marie Langford

 

Dope Queens USA – World Premiere

(Director/Writer, Grafton Doyle; Producer, Julio Lopez Velasquez, John Reyes Doyle)

Inspired by true events in San Francisco’s notorious Tenderloin district, three friends must hustle through one gritty, glamorous, adrenaline-fueled night. With only hours to scrape together enough cash to cover rent, they dive into a world of sex work, drugs, and danger. As tensions rise, a fiery love triangle tests their loyalties.

Cast: Trace Lysette, Pierson Fode, Alexandra Grey

 

Espina Panama, USA

(Director/Writer/Producer, Daniel Poler; Producers, Frida Torresblanco, Ari Tan)

Bitter after losing his job, Jonathan recruits a down-on-her-luck actress and a cynical playboy to aid in his journey from Mexico to Panama before spinal surgery. As the trio ventures into Panama’s wild side, it becomes unclear if Jonathan’s trip is for diversion— or to avenge a long-held grudge.

Cast: Jonathan Benaim, Paulina Mondragón, Aaron Díaz, Juliette Roy, Lola Ponce, Mimi Lazo, Marygaby Sealy

 

The Floaters USA – World Premiere

(Director, Rachel Israel; Writers, Brent Hoff, Andra Gordon, Amelia Brain; Producers, Becky Korman, Lily Korman, Shai Korman, Andra Gordon)

A struggling musician takes a last-resort job from her overachiever best friend: supervising misfits at their childhood Jewish summer camp. As its survival hangs in the balance, the clashing friends and campers must overcome their differences to save the camp.

Cast: Jackie Tohn, Sarah Podemski, Aya Cash, Judah Lewis, Nina Bloomgarden, Jake Ryan, Seth Green, Jonathan Silverman, Steve Guttenberg

 

For Worse USA

(Director/Writer/Producer, Amy Landecker; Producers, Bradley Whitford, Valerie Stadler, Jenice Bergere, James Portolese)

A newly divorced sober mom goes to a wedding with a much younger date, and behaves like a drunk 25 year old bridesmaid to try and keep up.

Cast: Amy Landecker, Bradley Whitford, Nico Hiraga, Gaby Hoffman, Kiersey Clemons, Missi Pyle, Ken Marino

 

Invention USA

(Director/Writer/Producer, Courtney Stephens; Co-Creator/Writer/Producer, Callie Hernandez)

In the aftermath of a conspiracy-minded father’s sudden death, his daughter inherits his patent for an experimental healing device.

Cast: Callie Hernandez, Sahm McGlynn, Lucy Kaminsky, Tony Torn, James N. Kienitz Wilkins

 

Magic Hour USA

(Director/Writer, Katie Aselton; Writer, Mark Duplass; Producer, Emily A. Neumann)

Erin and Charlie escape to the desert to navigate an unexpected and challenging new phase of their relationship.

Cast: Daveed Diggs, Katie Aselton, Brad Garrett, Susan Sullivan

 

O Horizon USA

(Director/Writer, Madeleine Rotzler; Producers, Audrey Tommassini Cross, Mark Gill, Joe Cross)

Abby, a brilliant young neuroscientist, spends her days working with a monkey and mourning the recent loss of her father. When she finds a way to speak with him through a new technology, she begins to question everything.

Cast: Maria Bakalova, David Strathairn, Alysia Reiner, Adam Pally, Aimee Mann

 

Rosemead USA

(Director, Eric Lin; Writer, Marilyn Fu; Producers, Mynette Louie, Andrew Corkin, Lucy Liu)

In a race against time, an ailing woman is stricken by the discovery of her teenage son’s violent obsessions and must go to great lengths to protect him, and possibly others. Inspired by true events.

Cast: Lucy Liu, Lawrence Shou, Orion Lee, Jennifer Lim, Madison Hu, James Chen

 

DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION

 

Heightened Scrutiny USA

(Director/Producer, Sam Feder; Producers, Amy Scholder, Paula Mendoza)

Civil rights lawyer Chase Strangio’s courtroom battles against anti-trans laws intertwine with exposing media narratives impacting public perception of transgender rights.

 

In Waves and War USA

(Directors/Producers, Jon Shenk, Bonni Cohen; Producer, Jessica Anthony)

Highly decorated Navy SEAL Marcus Capone struggles with PTSD after returning from Afghanistan. His wife finds hope in psychedelic therapy. They embark on providing access to this treatment for other veterans battling mental health issues.

 

The Librarians USA

(Director/Producer, Kim A. Snyder; Producers, Janique L. Robillard, Maria Cuomo Cole, Jana Edelbaum)

As an unprecedented wave of book banning largely addressing race and LGBT issues is sparked in Texas, Florida, and beyond, librarians under siege join forces as unlikely defenders fighting for intellectual freedom on the front lines of democracy.

 

Maintenance Artist USA

(Director/Producer, Toby Perl Freilich; Producer, Judith Mizrachy)

Trailblazing artist Mierle Laderman Ukeles, the NYC Sanitation Department’s original artist-in-residence, believes that routine maintenance – from changing diapers to picking up city trash to caring for the earth – could be works of art.

 

Natchez USA

(Director, Suzannah Herbert; Producer, Darcy McKinnon)

In a rural Southern town dependent on a Lost Cause tourism industry, a reckoning is at hand as planter scions, carpetbaggers, activists and historians navigate their city’s past and debate the debts they owe to the descendants of enslavement.

 

No Baby on Board USA – World Premiere

(Director/Producer, Julia Kots)

One woman’s humorous, partially-animated search to donate her eggs uncovers the multi-faceted reasons behind rising childlessness.

 

Remaining Native USA

(Director/Producer, Paige Bethmann; Producer, Jessica Epstein, Judd Ehrlich)

Ku Stevens, a 17-year-old Native American runner, struggles to realize his dream of becoming a collegiate athlete as the memory of his great grandfather’s escape from an Indian boarding school begins to connect past, present, and future.

 

Seeds USA

(Director, Brittany Shyne; Producers, Danielle Varga, Sabrina Schmidt Gordon)

An exploration of Black generational farmers in the American South reveals the fragility of legacy and the significance of owning land.

 

Speak. USA

(Director/Producer, Jennifer Tiexiera; Co-Director/Producer, Guy Mossman; Producer, Pamela Louise Griner)

Ambitious teen orators hone their craft, vying for glory in a prestigious global speech contest. Through dedication and artistry, they prepare to showcase their talents on the ultimate stage.

 

Stop the Insanity: Finding Susan Powter USA – World Premiere

(Director, Zeberiah Newman; Producers, Celia Aniskovich, Chad Hines, Michiel Thomas)

Exploring the meteoric rise and subsequent fall of 90s pop culture icon and wellness guru Susan Powter, while asking what it will take to bring Susan back to audiences and whether her message, “Stop The Insanity,” is still as relevant and powerful today.

Cast: Susan Powter, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ross Mathews

 

Street Smart: Lessons from a TV Icon USA – World Premiere

(Director, Ernie Bustamente; Producers, Steve Canals, Maor Azran)

A look into the life of Sonia Manzano, the trailblazing actress who made history as the first Latina on TV in a regular role as “Maria” from Sesame Street, from her roots in the South Bronx, to the original off-Broadway production of Godspell, to a celebrated career as an author and a TV creator.

Cast: Sonia Manzano, Sonia Sotomayor, Stephen Schwartz, Gloria Estefan, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Whoopi Goldberg

 

Suburban Fury USA

(Director, Robinson Devor; Producers, Jason Reid, Zachariah Sebastian)

An examination of the 1975 assassination attempt on US President Gerald Ford by Sara Jane Moore, a conservative, middle-aged, single mother.

 

EPISODICS COMPETITION

 

Born 2 Lose, USA (Director, Carlos Cardona)

Chasers, USA (Director, Erin Brown Thomas)

The Great American Electric Road Trip, USA (Director, Sophia Tyler Shrand) – World Premiere

Neo-Dome, USA (Director, Bonnie Discepolo)

 

SHORT FILM COMPETITION

 

1001cuts, USA (Director, Sarah Temkin) 

Brand New, USA (Directors, Quincy Ledbetter, Denzel Whitaker) 

Broken Flight, USA (Directors, Erika Valenciana, Mitchell Wenkus) 

Deep Dish Dimples, USA (Director, Manuel Villarreal) 

FCBK, USA (Director, Kanani Koster) 

Fishtank, China (Director, Wendi Tang) 

Flight 182, USA (Director, Rippin Sindher)

Forward is a Pace, USA (Director, Robin Oroso)

The Fundamentals, USA (Director, Kyle Yazzie) – Homegrown

Get Lost, USA (Director, Victoria Pedretti) – World Premiere

The Inconvenience Store, USA (Director, Ifeanyi Ezieme) – World Premiere

In The Fold, USA (Director, Manuel Del Valle)

In The Jungle, USA (Director, Ky Dickens) – World Premiere

Level Up, USA (Director, Gabrielle Roberts) – World Premiere

Lovin’ Her, USA (Director, day) 

Newbies, USA (Directors, Kimiko Matsuda-Lawrence, Megan Trufant Tillman) 

Poreless, USA (Director, Harris Doran)

Pow!, USA (Director, Joey Clift) 

Ridge to River: The Arkansas Traverse, USA (Dir, Allyson de la Houssaye) – World Premiere / Homegrown

Seat 31: Zooey Zephyr, USA (Director, Kimberly Reed) 

Sharps & Flats, USA (Director, Iman June Blackwell) – World Premiere / Homegrown

A Stupid Man, USA (Director, Amy Frear) 

Tender Thoughts, USA (Director, Anndi Jinelle Liggett) 

Thin Places, USA (Director, Brit Hensel) 

Tiger, USA (Director, Loren Waters) 

View from the Floor, USA (Directors, Megan Griffiths, Mindie Lind) 

We Should Eat, USA (Director, Shaina Feinberg)

Witness, USA (Directors, Radha Mehta, Saif Jaan) 

 

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.

For more information, visit bentonvillefilm.org. 

 

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