ALUMNI PROGRAMS
BFFoundation has a history of taking real action with content creators, talent, influencers, advertisers, and content distributors, who have participated in the annual Bentonville Film Festival. We work with corporate and studio partners year-round to support independent filmmakers’ next projects and careers. Our partners engage with the 10K+ diverse and talented alumni who have come through BFF since 2015.
BENTONVILLE, ARKANSAS – JUNE 25: (L-R) President of the Bentonville Film Festival Wendy Guerrero, Carolyn Robbins, Sofia Garza-Barba and Lauren Spear pose for a photo during the Bentonville Film Festival Awards Ceremony at the Bentonville Film Festival on June 25, 2022 in Bentonville, Arkansas. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images for Bentonville Film Festival)
BFF M&M’S® For All Funkind Grant
In 2022, Mars Wrigley announced a mentorship opportunity through the Bentonville Film Festival (BFF) to support an up-and-coming, underrepresented filmmaker and content creator. Through a multi-year partnership with Bentonville Film Festival, Mars Wrigley is dedicated to creating more inclusive entertainment and better moments by helping supporting a wide range of underrepresented storytellers, including BIPOC, people with a disability and people from the LGBTQIA+ communities. With this grant and mentorship, Mars Wrigley – with one of our largest global brands – M&M’S is working to help diverse content creators overcome barriers with funding and hands-on experience to create a world where the next generation of fans and creators feels they belong. The grant is part of a movement M&M’S to remind people everywhere that despite our differences, we all belong to a community of humans that have one simple and powerful thing in common: fun.
2022 Grant Recipient: Sofia Garza-Barba
The 2022 BFF M&M’s For All Funkind Grant was awarded to Sofia Garza-Barba, who’s film, Yo Soy Vampiro (I’m A Vampire), screened as part of the 2021 Bentonville Film Festival Competition Shorts program. The mentorship includes a $20,000 grant for her next short film, which will premiere at the 2023 Festival, plus the opportunity to work with the M&M’S® team on a project for the iconic brand, focused on championing fun to help everyone feel included.