2025 Bentonville Film Festival to Open with Kate Beecroft’s Sundance Hit ‘East of Wall’

The BFFoundation (BFF), in collaboration with founding partner Walmart and presenting partner Coca-Cola, has today announced the full lineup for the 2025 Bentonville Film Festival (BFF), launching next month. As ever, the festival remains committed to building a slate around inclusion and authentic representation.

This year’s festival will showcase 28 feature competition films, including 9 world premieres, plus the newly-launched Homegrown Competition highlighting powerful stories from filmmakers based in or filming in Arkansas. Of this year’s competition slate, 66 percent of the films are from creators identifying as female or gender non-conforming; 51 percent identify as BIPOC, Asian, or Pacific Islander; 29 percent identify as LGBTQIA+; 18 percent are filmmakers over the age of 50; and 12 percent identify as a person with a disability.

The festival, which was founded by Geena Davis and backed by Wal-Mart, celebrated its tenth anniversary last year, a period that’s been marked by profound growth, both for the festival and the charming Arkansas town it calls its home. This year’s festival will roll out June 16 – 22.

The festival will open with Kate Beecroft’s Sundance hit “East of Wall,” which was “inspired by the real lives of Tabatha and Porshia Zimiga, and with a cast of predominantly non-professional actors playing themselves.” Beecroft and the Zimigas will be in attendance for a moderated conversation to follow the film. Sony Pictures Classics will release the film later this summer.

Other standouts in the lineup include the Danielle Deadwyler-starring “40 Acres,” Katie Aselton’s “Magic Hour,” Courtney Stephens and Callie Hernandez’s “Invention,” and Kim A. Snyder’s timely documentary “The Librarians.” “Our film selections, thoughtfully curated by Artistic Director Drea Clark, embody the spirit and mission of the Bentonville Film Festival,” said Wendy Guerrero in an official statement. “What connects them is a shared strength: the ability to tell stories that resonate deeply and meaningfully.”

Additionally, the festival will honor Lucy Liu with the Rising to the Challenge Award at BFF’s annual Festival Award Ceremony on Saturday, June 21. The award “recognizes artists who champion storytelling that breaks barriers and broadens representation.” Liu will also attend the screening of her latest film, “Rosemead,” which she stars in and produced.

And, on Tuesday, June 17, beloved weather anchor and producer Al Roker will join the festival for sneak peek and discussion of his new animated series, “Weather Hunters.” Created by Al Roker Entertainment, the show “blends education and entertainment, helping kids understand the science of weather through fun, accessible storytelling.”

The following projects are confirmed for the 2025 Bentonville Film Festival competition, with all synopses provided by the festival.

OPENING FILM

East of Wall, USA

(Director/Writer/Producer Kate Beecroft; Producers, Shannon Moss, Melanie Ramsayer, Lila Yacoub) An authentic portrait of female resilience in the “New West” inspired and played by the women and girls who live it. Set in the Badlands of South Dakota, Tabatha, a young, rebellious rancher, who rescues and resells horses, must make hard decisions to deal with her fractured family, financial uncertainty, and unresolved grief, all while providing refuge for a group of wayward neighborhood teens. Cast: Tabatha Zimiga, Porshia Zimiga, Scoot McNairy, Jennifer Ehle

SPOTLIGHT FILMS

40 Acres, USA

After a series of plagues and wars leaves society in ruins, the Freemans are surviving —even thriving — on a farm in the middle of nowhere… so long as they repel the occasional raiding party. Former soldier Hailey and her partner Galen fled the collapse along with their children, training them to fight (and, yes, kill). But now Hailey’s eldest Emanuel is a young man, and when he meets a young woman in the forest beyond the fence, his need for human contact could place the whole family in jeopardy. Cast: Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Greyeyes, Kataem O’Connor, Milcania Diaz-Rojas

She Runs the World, USA

(Directors/Producers, Perri Peltz and Matthew O’Neill; Producer, Lisa Binns) An impassioned look at the advocacy of Allyson Felix, the most decorated track and field athlete of all time. At the peak of her career, she faced a life-threatening pregnancy—and a 70% pay cut from her sponsor, exposing a sports industry without maternal protections. But Allyson turned adversity into action, redefining what it means to be a champion and sparking a movement far beyond the track. Felix’s rejection of the status quo and her subsequent defense of female athletes, particularly mothers, shifted the culture of sports as a whole.

HOMEGROWN COMPETITION

Films created by filmmakers from Arkansas and/or filmed in Arkansas.

Abigail Before Beatrice, USA – World Premiere

(Director/Writer/Producer, Cassie Keet; Producers, Benjamin Dunn, Mindy Van Kuren) An isolated woman is confronted by her past when a fellow former cult member reaches out with news that their leader has been released from prison early. Cast: Olivia Taylor Dudley, Riley Dandy, Shayn Herndon, Jordan Lane Shappell, Molly Jackson

Beyond the Ashes: An Adaptive Trail Story, USA – World Premiere

(Directors/Producers, Brock Wagner, Tim Johnson; Producers, Jason Williams, Uriah Nazario, Bianca Montoya, Brian Carlson, John Hunter) A documentary exploration of the Trailblazers, a trail development organization, and the transformative experiences of adaptive riders as they navigate the challenging terrain while breaking barriers in the world of mountain biking.

Sovereign, USA

(Director/Writer, Christian Swegal; Producer, Nick Moceri) A father and son who identify as Sovereign Citizens, a group of anti-government extremists, find themselves in a standoff with a chief of police that sets off a manhunt. Cast: 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/Writer, Jared Cliff LaReau; Producers, Chris Tucci, David Pons) An unexpected friendship develops between two young men from vastly different backgrounds who have set their sights on winning a local bodybuilding competition. Cast: LaEric Moore, Zachary Van Zandt, Susan Gordon, John Castle, Stevie Cavalier

HOMEGROWN SHORTS BLOCK

This selection of films, taking part in the Short Film Competition, are created by local filmmakers and filmed in Arkansas, and will screen together.

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

Adult Children, USA – World Premiere

(Director/Producer, Rich Newey; Writer/Producer, Annika Marks; Producers, Angie Gaffney, Thomas Sadoski) When a crisis strikes, Morgan, a sheltered 17-year-old, is provided with the rare opportunity to spend time with her three significantly older half-siblings. She hopes they’ll be able to shed some light on what it means to be an adult, only to be disappointed when she discovers they’re all faking it. Cast: Ella Rubin, Betsy Brandt, Aya Cash, Thomas Sadoski, Mimi Rogers

Bird in Hand, USA

(Director/Writer, Melody C. Roscher; Producers, Craig Shilowich, Alexander Schepsman, Danielle Massie, Sam Bisbee, Cody Ryder, Saba Zerehi) Bird Rowe is searching for a wedding venue in her hometown, navigating a tumultuous relationship with her mother, and hiding a secret agenda. Cast: Alisha Wainwright, Christine Lahti, James Le Gros, K. Todd Freeman, Annabelle Dexter-Jones

Color Book, USA

(Director/Writer, David Fortune; Producers, Kiah Clingman, Kristen Uno, Autumn Bailey-Ford) Following his wife’s recent passing, single father Lucky finds himself navigating the challenges of raising his exuberant son Mason, who has Down syndrome. Seeking solace, Lucky and Mason embark on a journey across Metro Atlanta to attend their first baseball game together. Cast: Will Catlett, Jeremiah Daniels, Brandee Evans, Terry J. Vaughn

Cotton Candy Bubble Gum, USA

(Director/Writer/Producer, J Pinder; Producer, Cole Dabney) Carter, a 21-year-old mama’s boy still living at home, must complete a seemingly impossible list of tasks by the end of the day or find a new place to live. If Carter can conquer this wildly chaotic day, he might be ready for the real world after all. Cast: Nick Darnell, Morgan Jay, R. Marcus Taylor, Jada Paige, Jack Stone, Mildred Marie Langford

Dope Queens, USA – World Premiere

(Director/Writer, Grafton Doyle; Producer, Julio Lopez Velasquez, John Reyes Doyle) Inspired by true events in San Francisco’s notorious Tenderloin district, three friends must hustle through one gritty, glamorous, adrenaline-fueled night. With only hours to scrape together enough cash to cover rent, they dive into a world of sex work, drugs, and danger. As tensions rise, a fiery love triangle tests their loyalties. Cast: Trace Lysette, Pierson Fode, Alexandra Grey

Espina, Panama, USA

(Director/Writer/Producer, Daniel Poler; Producers, Frida Torresblanco, Ari Tan) Bitter after losing his job, Jonathan recruits a down-on-her-luck actress and a cynical playboy to aid in his journey from Mexico to Panama before spinal surgery. As the trio ventures into Panama’s wild side, it becomes unclear if Jonathan’s trip is for diversion— or to avenge a long-held grudge. Cast: 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 Brain; Producers, Becky Korman, Lily Korman, Shai Korman, Andra Gordon) A struggling musician takes a last-resort job from her overachiever best friend: supervising misfits at their childhood Jewish summer camp. As its survival hangs in the balance, the clashing friends and campers must overcome their differences to save the camp. Cast: Jackie Tohn, Sarah Podemski, Aya Cash, Judah Lewis, Nina Bloomgarden, Jake Ryan, Seth Green, Jonathan Silverman, Steve Guttenberg

For Worse, USA

(Director/Writer/Producer, Amy Landecker; Producers, Bradley Whitford, Valerie Stadler, Jenice Bergere, James Portolese) A newly divorced sober mom goes to a wedding with a much younger date, and behaves like a drunk 25 year old bridesmaid to try and keep up. Cast: Amy Landecker, Bradley Whitford, Nico Hiraga, Gaby Hoffman, Kiersey Clemons, Missi Pyle, Ken Marino

Invention, USA

(Director/Writer/Producer, Courtney Stephens; Co-Creator/Writer/Producer, Callie Hernandez) In the aftermath of a conspiracy-minded father’s sudden death, his daughter inherits his patent for an experimental healing device. Cast: Callie Hernandez, Sahm McGlynn, Lucy Kaminsky, Tony Torn, James N. Kienitz Wilkins

Magic Hour, USA

(Director/Writer, Katie Aselton; Writer, Mark Duplass; Producer, Emily A. Neumann) Erin and Charlie escape to the desert to navigate an unexpected and challenging new phase of their relationship. Cast: Daveed Diggs, Katie Aselton, Brad Garrett, Susan Sullivan

O Horizon, USA

(Director/Writer, Madeleine Rotzler; Producers, Audrey Tommassini Cross, Mark Gill, Joe Cross) Abby, a brilliant young neuroscientist, spends her days working with a monkey and mourning the recent loss of her father. When she finds a way to speak with him through a new technology, she begins to question everything. Cast: Maria Bakalova, David Strathairn, Alysia Reiner, Adam Pally, Aimee Mann

Rosemead, USA

(Director, Eric Lin; Writer, Marilyn Fu; Producers, Mynette Louie, Andrew Corkin, Lucy Liu) In a race against time, an ailing woman is stricken by the discovery of her teenage son’s violent obsessions and must go to great lengths to protect him, and possibly others. Inspired by true events. Cast: 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 against anti-trans laws intertwine with exposing media narratives impacting public perception of transgender rights.

In Waves and War, USA

(Directors/Producers, Jon Shenk, Bonni Cohen; Producer, Jessica Anthony) Highly decorated Navy SEAL Marcus Capone struggles with PTSD after returning from Afghanistan. His wife finds hope in psychedelic therapy. They embark on providing access to this treatment for other veterans battling mental health issues.

The Librarians, USA

(Director/Producer, Kim A. Snyder; Producers, Janique L. Robillard, Maria Cuomo Cole, Jana Edelbaum) As an unprecedented wave of book banning largely addressing race and LGBT issues is sparked in Texas, Florida, and beyond, librarians under siege join forces as unlikely defenders fighting for intellectual freedom on the front lines of democracy.

Maintenance Artist, USA

(Director/Producer, Toby Perl Freilich; Producer, Judith Mizrachy) Trailblazing artist Mierle Laderman Ukeles, the NYC Sanitation Department’s original artist-in-residence, believes that routine maintenance – from changing diapers to picking up city trash to caring for the earth – could be works of art.

Natchez, USA

(Director, Suzannah Herbert; Producer, Darcy McKinnon) In a rural Southern town dependent on a Lost Cause tourism industry, a reckoning is at hand as planter scions, carpetbaggers, activists and historians navigate their city’s past and debate the debts they owe to the descendants of enslavement.

No Baby on Board, USA – World Premiere

(Director/Producer, Julia Kots) One woman’s humorous, partially-animated search to donate her eggs uncovers the multi-faceted reasons 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 realize his dream of becoming a collegiate athlete as the memory of his great grandfather’s escape from an Indian boarding school begins to connect past, present, and future.

Seeds, USA

(Director, Brittany Shyne; Producers, Danielle Varga, Sabrina Schmidt Gordon) An exploration of Black generational farmers in the American South reveals the fragility of legacy and the significance of owning land.

Speak., USA

(Director/Producer, Jennifer Tiexiera; Co-Director/Producer, Guy Mossman; Producer, Pamela Louise Griner)Ambitious teen orators hone their craft, vying for glory in a prestigious global speech contest. Through dedication and artistry, they prepare to showcase their talents on the ultimate stage.

Stop the Insanity: Finding Susan Powter, USA – World Premiere

(Director, Zeberiah Newman; Producers, Celia Aniskovich, Chad Hines, Michiel Thomas) Exploring the meteoric rise and subsequent fall of 90s pop culture icon and wellness guru Susan Powter, while asking what it will take to bring Susan back to audiences and whether her message, “Stop The Insanity,” is still as relevant and powerful today. Cast: Susan Powter, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ross Mathews

Street Smart: Lessons from a TV Icon, USA – World Premiere

(Director, Ernie Bustamante; Producers, Steve Canals, Maor Azran) A look into the life of Sonia Manzano, the trailblazing actress who made history as the first Latina on TV in a regular role as “Maria” from Sesame Street, from her roots in the South Bronx, to the original off-Broadway production of Godspell, to a celebrated career as an author and a TV creator.

Suburban Fury, USA

(Director, Robinson Devor; Producers, Jason Reid, Zachariah Sebastian) An examination of the 1975 assassination attempt on US President Gerald Ford by Sara Jane Moore, a conservative, middle-aged, single mother.

EPISODICS COMPETITION

Born 2 Lose, USA (Director, Carlos Cardona)

Chasers, USA (Director, Erin Brown Thomas)

The Great American Electric Road Trip, USA (Director, Sophia Tyler Shrand) – World Premiere

Neo-Dome, USA (Director, Bonnie Discepolo)

SHORT FILM COMPETITION

1001cuts, USA (Director, Sarah Temkin) 

Brand New, USA (Directors, Quincy Ledbetter, Denzel Whitaker) 

Broken Flight, USA (Directors, 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)

Forward is a Pace, USA (Director, Robin Oroso)

The Fundamentals, USA (Director, Kyle Yazzie) – Homegrown

Get Lost, USA (Director, Victoria Pedretti) – World Premiere

The Inconvenience Store, USA (Director, Ifeanyi Ezieme) – World Premiere

In The Fold, USA (Director, Manuel Del Valle)

In The Jungle, USA (Director, Ky Dickens) – World Premiere

Level Up, USA (Director, Gabrielle Roberts) – World Premiere

Lovin’ Her, USA (Director, day) 

Newbies, USA (Directors, 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 Stupid Man, USA (Director, Amy Frear) 

Tender Thoughts, USA (Director, Anndi Jinelle Liggett) 

Thin Places, USA (Director, Brit Hensel) 

Tiger, USA (Director, Loren Waters) 

View from the Floor, USA (Directors, Megan Griffiths, Mindie Lind) 

We Should Eat, USA (Director, Shaina Feinberg)

Witness, USA (Directors, Radha Mehta, Saif Jaan)