The BFFoundation (BFF), in collaboration with founding accomplice Walmart and presenting accomplice Coca-Cola, has right now introduced the complete lineup for the 2025 Bentonville Movie Competition (BFF), launching subsequent month. As ever, the pageant stays dedicated to constructing a slate round inclusion and genuine illustration.
This 12 months’s pageant will showcase 28 function competitors movies, together with 9 world premieres, plus the newly-launched Homegrown Competitors highlighting highly effective tales from filmmakers based mostly in or filming in Arkansas. Of this 12 months’s competitors slate, 66 p.c of the movies are from creators figuring out as feminine or gender non-conforming; 51 p.c determine as BIPOC, Asian, or Pacific Islander; 29 p.c determine as LGBTQIA+; 18 p.c are filmmakers over the age of fifty; and 12 p.c determine as an individual with a incapacity.
The pageant, which was based by Geena Davis and backed by Wal-Mart, celebrated its tenth anniversary final 12 months, a interval that’s been marked by profound development, each for the pageant and the charming Arkansas city it calls its residence. This 12 months’s pageant will roll out June 16 – 22.
The pageant will open with Kate Beecroft’s Sundance hit “East of Wall,” which was “impressed by the actual lives of Tabatha and Porshia Zimiga, and with a forged of predominantly non-professional actors enjoying themselves.” Beecroft and the Zimigas will probably be in attendance for a moderated dialog to observe the movie. Sony Footage Classics will launch the movie later this summer season.
Different standouts within the lineup embody the Danielle Deadwyler-starring “40 Acres,” Katie Aselton’s “Magic Hour,” Courtney Stephens and Callie Hernandez’s “Invention,” and Kim A. Snyder’s well timed documentary “The Librarians.” “Our movie picks, thoughtfully curated by Inventive Director Drea Clark, embody the spirit and mission of the Bentonville Movie Competition,” stated Wendy Guerrero in an official assertion. “What connects them is a shared power: the power to inform tales that resonate deeply and meaningfully.”
Moreover, the pageant will honor Lucy Liu with the Rising to the Problem Award at BFF’s annual Competition Award Ceremony on Saturday, June 21. The award “acknowledges artists who champion storytelling that breaks obstacles and broadens illustration.” Liu can even attend the screening of her newest movie, “Rosemead,” which she stars in and produced.
And, on Tuesday, June 17, beloved climate anchor and producer Al Roker will be part of the pageant for sneak peek and dialogue of his new animated sequence, “Climate Hunters.” Created by Al Roker Leisure, the present “blends schooling and leisure, serving to children perceive the science of climate via enjoyable, accessible storytelling.”
The next initiatives are confirmed for the 2025 Bentonville Movie Competition competitors, with all synopses offered by the pageant.
OPENING FILM
East of Wall, USA
(Director/Author/Producer Kate Beecroft; Producers, Shannon Moss, Melanie Ramsayer, Lila Yacoub) An genuine portrait of feminine resilience within the “New West” impressed and performed by the ladies and ladies who reside it. Set within the Badlands of South Dakota, Tabatha, a younger, rebellious rancher, who rescues and resells horses, should make onerous choices to take care of her fractured household, monetary uncertainty, and unresolved grief, all whereas offering refuge for a gaggle of wayward neighborhood teenagers. Solid: Tabatha Zimiga, Porshia Zimiga, Scoot McNairy, Jennifer Ehle
SPOTLIGHT FILMS
40 Acres, USA
After a sequence of plagues and wars leaves society in ruins, the Freemans are surviving —even thriving — on a farm in the course of nowhere… as long as they repel the occasional raiding celebration. Former soldier Hailey and her accomplice Galen fled the collapse together with their youngsters, coaching them to combat (and, sure, kill). However now Hailey’s eldest Emanuel is a younger man, and when he meets a younger girl within the forest past the fence, his want for human contact may place the entire household in jeopardy. Solid: Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Greyeyes, Kataem O’Connor, Milcania Diaz-Rojas
She Runs the World, USA
(Administrators/Producers, Perri Peltz and Matthew O’Neill; Producer, Lisa Binns) An impassioned take a look at the advocacy of Allyson Felix, probably the most embellished monitor and discipline athlete of all time. On the peak of her profession, she confronted a life-threatening being pregnant—and a 70% pay minimize from her sponsor, exposing a sports activities business with out maternal protections. However Allyson turned adversity into motion, redefining what it means to be a champion and sparking a motion far past the monitor. Felix’s rejection of the established order and her subsequent protection of feminine athletes, notably moms, shifted the tradition of sports activities as a complete.
HOMEGROWN COMPETITION
Movies created by filmmakers from Arkansas and/or filmed in Arkansas.
Abigail Earlier than Beatrice, USA – World Premiere
(Director/Author/Producer, Cassie Keet; Producers, Benjamin Dunn, Mindy Van Kuren) An remoted girl is confronted by her previous when a fellow former cult member reaches out with information that their chief has been launched from jail early. Solid: Olivia Taylor Dudley, Riley Dandy, Shayn Herndon, Jordan Lane Shappell, Molly Jackson
Past the Ashes: An Adaptive Path Story, USA – World Premiere
(Administrators/Producers, Brock Wagner, Tim Johnson; Producers, Jason Williams, Uriah Nazario, Bianca Montoya, Brian Carlson, John Hunter) A documentary exploration of the Trailblazers, a path improvement group, and the transformative experiences of adaptive riders as they navigate the difficult terrain whereas breaking obstacles on the planet of mountain biking.
Sovereign, USA
(Director/Author, Christian Swegal; Producer, Nick Moceri) A father and son who determine as Sovereign Residents, a gaggle of anti-government extremists, discover themselves in a standoff with a chief of police that units off a manhunt. Solid: 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/Author, Jared Cliff LaReau; Producers, Chris Tucci, David Pons) An surprising friendship develops between two younger males from vastly completely different backgrounds who’ve set their sights on successful an area bodybuilding competitors. Solid: LaEric Moore, Zachary Van Zandt, Susan Gordon, John Fort, Stevie Cavalier
HOMEGROWN SHORTS BLOCK
This collection of movies, collaborating within the Brief Movie Competitors, are created by native filmmakers and filmed in Arkansas, and can display collectively.
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
Grownup Youngsters, USA – World Premiere
(Director/Producer, Wealthy Newey; Author/Producer, Annika Marks; Producers, Angie Gaffney, Thomas Sadoski) When a disaster strikes, Morgan, a sheltered 17-year-old, is supplied with the uncommon alternative to spend time along with her three considerably older half-siblings. She hopes they’ll be capable of shed some mild on what it means to be an grownup, solely to be disenchanted when she discovers they’re all faking it. Solid: Ella Rubin, Betsy Brandt, Aya Money, Thomas Sadoski, Mimi Rogers
Hen in Hand, USA
(Director/Author, Melody C. Roscher; Producers, Craig Shilowich, Alexander Schepsman, Danielle Massie, Sam Bisbee, Cody Ryder, Saba Zerehi) Hen Rowe is looking for a marriage venue in her hometown, navigating a tumultuous relationship along with her mom, and hiding a secret agenda – to attach along with her organic father, whom she has by no means met. Solid: Alisha Wainwright, Christine Lahti, James Le Gros, Okay. Todd Freeman, Annabelle Dexter-Jones
Coloration E book, USA
(Director/Author, David Fortune; Producers, Kiah Clingman, Kristen Uno, Autumn Bailey-Ford) Following his spouse’s current passing, single father Fortunate finds himself navigating the challenges of elevating his exuberant son Mason, who has Down syndrome. Searching for solace, Fortunate and Mason embark on a journey throughout Metro Atlanta to attend their first baseball sport collectively. Solid: Will Catlett, Jeremiah Daniels, Brandee Evans, Terry J. Vaughn
Cotton Sweet Bubble Gum, USA
(Director/Author/Producer, J Pinder; Producer, Cole Dabney) Carter, a 21-year-old mama’s boy nonetheless residing at residence, should full a seemingly unimaginable record of duties by the tip of the day or discover a new place to reside. If Carter can conquer this wildly chaotic day, he is perhaps prepared for the actual world in any case. Solid: Nick Darnell, Morgan Jay, R. Marcus Taylor, Jada Paige, Jack Stone, Mildred Marie Langford
Dope Queens, USA – World Premiere
(Director/Author, Grafton Doyle; Producer, Julio Lopez Velasquez, John Reyes Doyle) Impressed by true occasions in San Francisco’s infamous Tenderloin district, three buddies should hustle via one gritty, glamorous, adrenaline-fueled night time. With solely hours to scrape collectively sufficient money to cowl hire, they dive right into a world of intercourse work, medication, and hazard. As tensions rise, a fiery love triangle assessments their loyalties. Solid: Hint Lysette, Pierson Fode, Alexandra Gray
Espina, Panama, USA
(Director/Author/Producer, Daniel Poler; Producers, Frida Torresblanco, Ari Tan) Bitter after shedding his job, Jonathan recruits a down-on-her-luck actress and a cynical playboy to assist in his journey from Mexico to Panama earlier than spinal surgical procedure. Because the trio ventures into Panama’s wild aspect, it turns into unclear if Jonathan’s journey is for diversion— or to avenge a long-held grudge. Solid: 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 Mind; Producers, Becky Korman, Lily Korman, Shai Korman, Andra Gordon) A struggling musician takes a last-resort job from her overachiever greatest good friend: supervising misfits at their childhood Jewish summer season camp. As its survival hangs within the steadiness, the clashing buddies and campers should overcome their variations to avoid wasting the camp. Solid: Jackie Tohn, Sarah Podemski, Aya Money, Judah Lewis, Nina Bloomgarden, Jake Ryan, Seth Inexperienced, Jonathan Silverman, Steve Guttenberg
For Worse, USA
(Director/Author/Producer, Amy Landecker; Producers, Bradley Whitford, Valerie Stadler, Jenice Bergere, James Portolese) A newly divorced sober mother goes to a marriage with a a lot youthful date, and behaves like a drunk 25 12 months outdated bridesmaid to attempt to sustain. Solid: Amy Landecker, Bradley Whitford, Nico Hiraga, Gaby Hoffman, Kiersey Clemons, Missi Pyle, Ken Marino
Invention, USA
(Director/Author/Producer, Courtney Stephens; Co-Creator/Author/Producer, Callie Hernandez) Within the aftermath of a conspiracy-minded father’s sudden demise, his daughter inherits his patent for an experimental therapeutic gadget. Solid: Callie Hernandez, Sahm McGlynn, Lucy Kaminsky, Tony Torn, James N. Kienitz Wilkins
Magic Hour, USA
(Director/Author, Katie Aselton; Author, Mark Duplass; Producer, Emily A. Neumann) Erin and Charlie escape to the desert to navigate an surprising and difficult new section of their relationship. Solid: Daveed Diggs, Katie Aselton, Brad Garrett, Susan Sullivan
O Horizon, USA
(Director/Author, Madeleine Rotzler; Producers, Audrey Tommassini Cross, Mark Gill, Joe Cross) Abby, a superb younger neuroscientist, spends her days working with a monkey and mourning the current lack of her father. When she finds a technique to converse with him via a brand new know-how, she begins to query every part. Solid: Maria Bakalova, David Strathairn, Alysia Reiner, Adam Pally, Aimee Mann
Rosemead, USA
(Director, Eric Lin; Author, Marilyn Fu; Producers, Mynette Louie, Andrew Corkin, Lucy Liu) In a race in opposition to time, an ailing girl is affected by the invention of her teenage son’s violent obsessions and should go to nice lengths to guard him, and presumably others. Impressed by true occasions. Solid: 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 in opposition to anti-trans legal guidelines intertwine with exposing media narratives impacting public notion of transgender rights.
In Waves and Struggle, USA
(Administrators/Producers, Jon Shenk, Bonni Cohen; Producer, Jessica Anthony) Extremely embellished Navy SEAL Marcus Capone struggles with PTSD after getting back from Afghanistan. His spouse finds hope in psychedelic remedy. They embark on offering entry to this remedy for different veterans battling psychological well being points.
The Librarians, USA
(Director/Producer, Kim A. Snyder; Producers, Janique L. Robillard, Maria Cuomo Cole, Jana Edelbaum) As an unprecedented wave of ebook banning largely addressing race and LGBT points is sparked in Texas, Florida, and past, librarians underneath siege be part of forces as unlikely defenders preventing for mental freedom on the entrance traces of democracy.
Upkeep Artist, USA
(Director/Producer, Toby Perl Freilich; Producer, Judith Mizrachy) Trailblazing artist Mierle Laderman Ukeles, the NYC Sanitation Division’s authentic artist-in-residence, believes that routine upkeep – from altering diapers to choosing up metropolis trash to caring for the earth – may very well be artistic endeavors.
Natchez, USA
(Director, Suzannah Herbert; Producer, Darcy McKinnon) In a rural Southern city depending on a Misplaced Trigger tourism business, a reckoning is at hand as planter scions, carpetbaggers, activists and historians navigate their metropolis’s previous and debate the money owed they owe to the descendants of enslavement.
No Child on Board, USA – World Premiere
(Director/Producer, Julia Kots) One girl’s humorous, partially-animated search to donate her eggs uncovers the multi-faceted causes 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 comprehend his dream of turning into a collegiate athlete because the reminiscence of his nice grandfather’s escape from an Indian boarding faculty begins to attach previous, current, and future.
Seeds, USA
(Director, Brittany Shyne; Producers, Danielle Varga, Sabrina Schmidt Gordon) An exploration of Black generational farmers within the American South reveals the fragility of legacy and the importance of proudly owning land.
Communicate., USA
(Director/Producer, Jennifer Tiexiera; Co-Director/Producer, Man Mossman; Producer, Pamela Louise Griner)Bold teen orators hone their craft, vying for glory in a prestigious international speech contest. By dedication and artistry, they put together to showcase their abilities on the last word stage.
Cease the Madness: Discovering Susan Powter, USA – World Premiere
(Director, Zeberiah Newman; Producers, Celia Aniskovich, Chad Hines, Michiel Thomas) Exploring the meteoric rise and subsequent fall of 90s popular culture icon and wellness guru Susan Powter, whereas asking what it can take to convey Susan again to audiences and whether or not her message, “Cease The Madness,” continues to be as related and highly effective right now. Solid: Susan Powter, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ross Mathews
Avenue Sensible: Classes from a TV Icon, USA – World Premiere
(Director, Ernie Bustamente; Producers, Steve Canals, Maor Azran) A glance into the lifetime of Sonia Manzano, the trailblazing actress who made historical past as the primary Latina on TV in a daily position as “Maria” from Sesame Avenue, from her roots within the South Bronx, to the unique off-Broadway manufacturing of Godspell, to a celebrated profession as an creator and a TV creator. Solid: 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 try on US President Gerald Ford by Sara Jane Moore, a conservative, middle-aged, single mom.
EPISODICS COMPETITION
Born 2 Lose, USA (Director, Carlos Cardona)
Chasers, USA (Director, Erin Brown Thomas)
The Nice American Electrical Highway Journey, USA (Director, Sophia Tyler Shrand) – World Premiere
Neo-Dome, USA (Director, Bonnie Discepolo)
SHORT FILM COMPETITION
1001cuts, USA (Director, Sarah Temkin)
Model New, USA (Administrators, Quincy Ledbetter, Denzel Whitaker)
Damaged Flight, USA (Administrators, 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)
Ahead is a Tempo, USA (Director, Robin Oroso)
The Fundamentals, USA (Director, Kyle Yazzie) – Homegrown
Get Misplaced, USA (Director, Victoria Pedretti) – World Premiere
The Inconvenience Retailer, USA (Director, Ifeanyi Ezieme) – World Premiere
In The Fold, USA (Director, Manuel Del Valle)
In The Jungle, USA (Director, Ky Dickens) – World Premiere
Stage Up, USA (Director, Gabrielle Roberts) – World Premiere
Lovin’ Her, USA (Director, day)
Newbies, USA (Administrators, 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 Silly Man, USA (Director, Amy Frear)
Tender Ideas, USA (Director, Anndi Jinelle Liggett)
Skinny Locations, USA (Director, Brit Hensel)
Tiger, USA (Director, Loren Waters)
View from the Ground, USA (Administrators, Megan Griffiths, Mindie Lind)
We Ought to Eat, USA (Director, Shaina Feinberg)
Witness, USA (Administrators, Radha Mehta, Saif Jaan)