The 11th Annual Bentonville Film Festival (BFF) commenced on June 16, 2025, in Bentonville, Arkansas, reaffirming its commitment to championing diversity and inclusion in the film industry. Co-founded by Academy Award-winning actress Geena Davis, the festival continues to spotlight underrepresented voices, including women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
This year’s festival, running through June 22, features a robust lineup of 28 competition films, nine of which are world premieres. A newly introduced “Homegrown” section highlights the work of Arkansas-based filmmakers, showcasing narratives deeply rooted in the local community. The festival’s programming reflects a deliberate effort to present stories that resonate with a broad spectrum of audiences, emphasizing authenticity and representation.
The opening night film, East of Wall, directed by Kate Beecroft, offers an intimate portrayal of female resilience in the American West. Set in South Dakota’s Badlands, the film follows Tabatha, a young rancher navigating familial challenges and personal loss. Notably, the film features non-professional actors, including Tabatha and Porshia Zimiga, who play themselves, adding a layer of authenticity to the narrative. Beecroft and the Zimigas participated in a post-screening Q&A, providing insights into the film’s creation.
In addition to film screenings, BFF 2025 offers a range of events designed to engage audiences and industry professionals alike. Notable appearances include Lucy Liu, who is being honored with the “Rising to the Challenge” award for her contributions to storytelling that breaks barriers. Liu also stars in and produced Rosemead, a film exploring a Chinese American family’s struggles, which is being screened during the festival. Al Roker, renowned weatherman and media personality, is presenting a sneak peek of his upcoming animated series, Weather Hunters, aimed at educating children about weather science.
Family-friendly programming is a cornerstone of this year’s festival. The Walmart Toy Corner offers interactive activities for children, including games, crafts, and character visits. A highlight is the “Read with Elmo & Geena” event, where Geena Davis and Sesame Street’s Elmo read The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page, a story celebrating confidence and self-expression.
Outdoor screenings at the Geena Davis Outdoor Theater provide free evening entertainment, featuring a mix of animated features and cult classics such as Beetlejuice, Superman: The Movie, and Wicked. These events aim to foster community engagement and make the festival accessible to a wider audience.
The festival’s theme, “Find Yourself in Film,” underscores its mission to present narratives that reflect the diverse experiences of its audience. According to festival organizers, 66% of this year’s selected competition films are from creators identifying as female or gender non-conforming, 51% identify as BIPOC, Asian, or Pacific Islander, and 29% identify as LGBTQIA+. Furthermore, 18% are filmmakers over the age of 50, and 12% identify as a person with a disability. On-screen representation is equally strong, with 60% of films featuring leads who identify as women or gender non-conforming, and 49% featuring BIPOC leads.
Geena Davis, chair of the Bentonville Film Festival, expressed pride in the festival’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusive storytelling. “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,” Davis stated.
