THANK YOU FOR JOINING US FOR THE
2023 BENTONVILLE FILM FESTIVAL
2023 BENTONVILLE FILM FESTIVAL
The 9th annual festival kicked off on June 13 – 18, 2023 with on-demand streaming through June 25. We showcased over 75+ films and welcomed over 200 guests to our beautiful Northwest Arkansas region.
Two new film categories, adventure and animation, were added to the festival’s lineup. Teachers and students of Thaden School in Bentonville had a strong hand in developing the adventure category.
The Bentonville Film Festival continued our free outdoor screenings with the Under The Open Sky: Geena Davis Outdoor Theater, as well as our popular festival village.
We were happy to add our newest festival experience, the Filmmakers’ Tailgate, that took place June 15-17 for guests of all ages to enjoy a favorite film and free food from big-name brands, such as Guy Fieri, Cinnabon and a Netflix sneak peek food sampling.
This year’s events also coincided with Juneteenth. BFF was excited to welcome Black- and women-owned businesses into our events on June 17, along with “screening and highlighting Black storytellers.”
Demographics of the filmmakers of Bentonville Film Festival 2023:
More than 75% of the competition program is comprised of women or gender non-conforming content creators; 60% are BIPOC, Asian, or Pacific Islander industry professionals; 55% are part of the LGBTQIA+ community; 15% of creators are over 50 years old; and more than 30% of the program is comprised of creators with disabilities.
Additionally, more than 65% of onscreen leads are women/gender non-conforming; BIPOC actors make up 60% of leading roles; 40% are part of the LGBTQ+ community; and 25% represent talent with disabilities.
See you in 2024 for the 10th Annual Bentonville Film Festival!!
Welcome to Bentonville!
Our towns are the heart of America. Some say that they’re gone, moved on, or simply faded away. But there’s a new American town on the map. It’s a town with a big heart and even bigger ambition. A town where modern progress meets rich history, where the arts meet innovation, and where companies meet communities. A town you can explore with all of your senses: from fresh air in the Ozarks, to fresh cuisine on your plate. That town is Bentonville, Arkansas. A town to visit, to see, to breathe, and to discover: “Now this is a great town.” Visit Bentonville — a new American town.
I just wanted to drop you a note of sincere thanks for your hospitality to me and my team while we were in Bentonville representing Brownsville Bred. It was always a dream to be a part of the festival and I am really honored to have been included with my work. The festival and the work are very much aligned.”
Elaine Del valle (brownsville bred, 2022)
