2026 BENTONVILLE FILM FESTIVAL SUBMISSIONS NOW OPEN!
BFF celebrates the power of storytelling by championing underrepresented voices—amplifying fresh perspectives from Bentonville, Arkansas to audiences around the world. Each year, both in-person and online, the Bentonville Film Festival shines a spotlight on films that inspire change, ignite conversations, and reflect the vibrant diversity of our world.
Now entering its 12th year, the Bentonville Film Festival—founded and chaired by Academy Award® winner Geena Davis, in partnership with founding sponsor Walmart and presenting sponsor Coca-Cola—continues to shape the future of inclusive filmmaking. The 2026 festival will take place June 15–21 in Bentonville, welcoming creators and audiences to a week of cinematic discovery.
In 2025, over 30,000 attendees gathered for an unforgettable celebration of film and community—enjoying competition and spotlight screenings, outdoor family movies under the stars, thought-provoking panels, private filmmaker events, and dynamic community programs across Northwest Arkansas.
Films submitted for the 2026 Bentonville Film Festival must either be festival premieres or have screened only at festivals during 2025–2026, allowing us to highlight the next wave of inclusive storytelling and creative talent—whether from new or returning filmmakers.
November 21, 2025 – Early Deadline
January 30, 2026 – Regular Deadline
March 6, 2026 – Late Deadline
March 20, 2026 – Final Deadline
May 13, 2026 – Notification Date
BENTONVILLE FILM FESTIVAL 2026
The 12th Annual Bentonville Film Festival (BFF) will roll into town June 15–21, 2026, bringing a full week of inspiring films, family fun, and those unmistakable summer vibes. Movie lovers can once again gather under the stars at the Geena Davis Outdoor Theater for outdoor screenings, while kids dive into creativity at the expanded Walmart Toy Corner, packed with games, crafts, character visits, and hands-on activities. BFF 2026 will showcase a diverse lineup of competition films, exciting premieres, and the return of our Homegrown section highlighting local talent. With director Q&As, panels, and countless opportunities to connect, BFF 2026 promises to be more than a festival—it will be a celebration of creativity, community, and pure movie magic.
🎞️ A Reel Good Black Friday Deal! 🍿
Take 25% OFF all Bentonville Film Festival passes from Wednesday, November 26 – Thursday, December 4.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the show.
Get your passes HERE
Cannot be combined with other discounts.
Thanks for being part of the BFF spirit—see you in 2026 for even more movie magic!
OUR 2025 SPONSORS
About BFFoundation
BFFoundation is a non-profit organization focused on promoting underrepresented voices of diverse storytellers. We amplify storytellers who identify as female, non-binary, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and people with disabilities in entertainment and media. We do this through research, education, and supporting the production and distribution of inclusive content. BFFoundation is focused on working with its partners to foster inclusivity in media and entertainment to be a positive influence in the community at large. BFFoundation produces the annual Bentonville Film Festival (BFF), led by Academy Award winner, Geena Davis.
About the Bentonville Film Festival
Chaired by Academy Award® winner Geena Davis, the Bentonville Film Festival is an annual event produced by the BFFoundation (501c3) that champions inclusion in all media in partnership with the founding partner, Walmart, and presenting partner, Coca-Cola. The Bentonville Film Festival is held annually in Bentonville, Arkansas and online.