If you’re thinking of moving to the Bentonville area, but worry it may be a little too laid back, fear not. It may not be Cannes, and it may not be Hollywood, but right in between, the Midwest’s finest film festival is at home right here in Bentonville. Film lovers rejoice, from May 2-7, the third installment of the Bentonville Film Festival was held, highlighting films from up-and-coming directors, social activists, and more.
The festival has run every year, and each year has grown both in popularity and diversity of entertainment. Indeed, the entire city comes alive in a celebration of film as well as the important messages they deliver.
Star-Studded Power
The festival was founded in 2015 by actress Geena Davis and ARC Entertainment executive Trevor Drinkwater. Davis, who is most notable for her roles in such critically acclaimed films as: A League of Their Own, The Fly and Thelma and Louise, is the founder of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender In Media, a nonprofit organization that focuses on researching gender representation in media and promotes gender equality.
There are 15 categories for film, including Best Documentary, Best Family Film, Best Narrative and Whole Human Impact Award. Films that win Audience, Jury and Best Family Film are guaranteed theatrical release by AMC theatres, a Lifetime network showing and a DVD release in Walmart stores. Walmart itself is a founding sponsor of the event.
Film entries tend to tackle important social or political issues of the times. For example, this year’s opening film “3 Generations,” featured Elle Fanning, Susan Sarandon and Naomi Watts, focuses on gender identity and issues facing the LGBTQ community.
Other films that were showcased at the festival last month included William H. Macy’s Krystal, covering the perils of alcoholism, Dorie Barton’s Girl Flu, a coming-of-age film and Blood Road, directed by Nicholas Schrunk which highlights mountain biker Rebecca Rusch.
In a League of Its Own
A League of Their Own received a 25-year anniversary screening, which was followed by the third annual softball game featuring Davis and the film’s director, Penny Marshall. A League of Their Own focused on an all-women’s softball league that thrived during World War II and was released in 1992.
A Growing Destination
Bentonville Film Festival has become a platform for well-known celebrities as well, as actresses Judy Greer and Meg Ryan also appeared at a panel discussion at the festival.
The festival has been growing steadily each year, with more stars and more films taking center stage. While it isn’t quite on the level of other such film festivals; there’s no indication that the Bentonville Film Festival is going anywhere anytime soon.
Your Dream House Takes Center Stage
With events and festivals always just around the corner; Bentonville can be quite an exciting place! If you’re thinking of moving to the Bentonville area and plan on auditioning a few Realtors; give the team at Burnett Real Estate Team a chance to audition!
Contact Us today and let us cast you in the home you’ve always dreamed of!
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