Diversity-Focused Bentonville Film Festival Officially Announces Dates for Second Annual Fest
Just months after celebrating their inaugural year, the Arkansas-based Bentonville Film Festival has announced its dates for its second event. The second annual Bentonville Film Festival will run from May 3-8, 2016 in its hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas.
Co-founded and co-chaired by Geena Davis, the festival has made a mission out of championing women and diversity in the media. It is also the only film competition that “guarantees theatrical, television,
digital and retail home entertainment distribution for its winners.”
Of the 45 feature-film entries that screened at this year’s festival, 80 percent have secured distribution. Films receiving the Best Narrative Jury Award, Best Family Film Award and Audience Award at BFF will all receive a distribution agreement with a guaranteed theatrical release from BFF sponsor AMC Theatres.
For its second year, the Festival’s mission is expanding to include more forms of media, and although BFF 2016 will still continue to screen feature-length films, short films, digital content and TV programming, the festival also promises to include “new and innovative events designed to salute Bentonville’s remarkable cultural and natural surroundings.”
Of the news, Davis said, “BFF is effecting real change in how women
and diverse filmmakers can get their stories in front of audiences, with the
support of the world’s largest entertainment and media companies, brands and
retailers.”
The Festival’s Advisory Board features a diverse assortment of entertainment industry leaders and artists, including Angela Bassett, Betsy
Beers, Viola Davis, Bruce Dern, Samuel L. Jackson, Eva Longoria, Julianne
Moore, Natalie Portman, Shonda Rhimes, Nina Tassler, Shailene Woodley, Nick
Cannon, Soledad O’Brien and Rosie O’Donnell.
The Bentonville Film Foundation is also set to launch a national series of year-round events “to promote women and minority filmmakers, artists, directors and producers,” all taking place at various AMC Theatres around the country.
Film submissions for the 2016 BFF will open on October
1, 2015. All films accepted into the competition will be announced in March of 2016.
READ MORE: Here’s Why Geena Davis Started a Film Festival Focused Not on Women, But Diversity
