The Bentonville Film Festival has announced its 2016 schedule of events. Taking place on May 3-8 in Bentonville, Arkansas, the festival will feature approximately 35 films in competition, and expand its platform with the addition of a short film competition, three community events and a new Diversity and Inclusion Summit to be held for senior level decision makers from multiple industries. The Bentonville Film Festival, which was founded by Oscar-winning actress Geena Davis, remains the only festival to offer winning films guaranteed distribution. For the second year, the winning films in three categories will receive full distribution from Walmart, VUDU and AMC Theaters.
“The inaugural event came together very quickly, which did not allow us to execute on many of the great ideas to enhance the commercial viability of the platform,” said Davis. “This year will showcase some amazing and powerful initiatives to champion women and diverse voices in media. BFF is an inclusive event and we would like to invite everyone to come and screen a film, attend a panel discussion or special event or just enjoy the free events in and around Bentonville Square during the week.”
For the first time, the festival is working with VUDU, Walmart’s digital entertainment service, to offer a virtual festival pass to those who cannot attend the festival in person. Through this pass, festival attendees will be able to access select movies from the festival. The pass will be available for $19.99 during the festival.
Walmart and Coca-Cola are the major sponsors of the Bentonville Film Festival and both share its mission to champion diversity and inclusion. Specifically, the festival offers an avenue to identify compelling films from women and diverse filmmakers.
“AMC Theatres remains committed to staying relevant to its guests and communities through providing diverse content,” said AMC spokesperson Nikkole Denson-Randolph. “Sponsoring BFF is an exciting opportunity to align with the festival’s championing of women and diverse voices in media.”
Bentonville Film Festival www.bentonvillefilmfestival.com