Held from June 10-16 in Bentonville, Ark., the festival promotes voices from women, non-binary, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and people with disabilities in entertainment. “Suze,” by Linsey Stewart and Dane Clark, won Best Narrative Feature, while “Daughters,” directed by Natalie Rae and Angela Patton, won Best Documentary Feature.
The Bentonville Film Foundation, along with Walmart and Coca-Cola, has announced the winners of its narrative, documentary, short film, and episodic categories from this year’s festival.
The See It, Be It Award went to Phoebe-Rae Taylor for her role in “Out of My Mind.” This award recognizes individuals who open doors for underrepresented groups and impact the entertainment industry with empowering content.
Festival chair Geena Davis said, “Our 10th anniversary was special to us. I’m grateful to all the filmmakers for their incredible work and the energy they brought to the festival. It’s exciting to see the growth of diverse storytelling. From starting a festival in a town with no movie theaters to becoming one of the fastest-growing film festivals in the country, the support of the Bentonville community has been invaluable.”
Full List of Winners:
Narrative Feature
Jury: Sejin Croninger, Amber Sealey, Lisa Ann Walter
Best Narrative Feature: “Suze,” Canada (Directors/Writers: Linsey Stewart, Dane Clark)
Jury Statement: “Suze” captivated us with its tender, funny, and charming portrayal of a modern-day odd couple. Michaela Watkins and Charlie Gillespie delivered heartfelt and delightful performances, showcasing the power of compassion and unlikely friendships.
Honorable Mention: “Tokyo Cowboy,” U.S.A. (Director: Marc Marriott; Writers: Dave Boyle, Ayako Fujitani)
Special Jury Recognition: “Boca Chica,” Dominican Republic (Director: Gabriella Athena Moses; Writers: Mariana Rondón, Marité Ugás)
Documentary Feature
Jury: Shrihari Sathe, Kristal Sotomayor, Diane Quon
Best Documentary Feature: “Daughters,” U.S.A. (Directors: Natalie Rae, Angela Patton)
Jury Statement: “Daughters” highlights the love between incarcerated individuals and their families, showcasing deeply moving stories and intimate characters.
Special Mention: “Unseen,” U.S.A. (Director: Set Hernandez)
Jury Statement: “Unseen” offers unique storytelling that explores resilience through an intimate director-protagonist relationship. (Diane Quon recused herself during deliberations for this film.)
Special Mention: “We Are Guardians,” Brazil (Directors: Chelsea Greene, Rob Grobman, Edivan Guajajara)
Jury Statement: “We Are Guardians” features rich cinematography, highlighting Indigenous land protectors who strive to save their family and our planet.
Best Short Film: “Shimmer,” U.S.A. (Director: Alice Gu)
Jury Statement: “Shimmer” tells the story of a talented surgeon who is also a championship drag queen. This heartfelt film celebrates acceptance and authenticity, aligning perfectly with the festival’s mission.
Honorable Mention: “The Ballad of Tita and The Machines,” U.S.A. (Director: Miguel Angel Caballero)
Jury Statement: Special mention for addressing a timely topic with insight and humor.
Animated Short
Jury: Carlos Aguilar, Claire Taylor, Kris Wimberly
Best Animated Short: “Slow Light,” Poland/Portugal (Directors: Katarzyna Kijek, Przemysław Adamski)
Jury Statement: “Slow Light” uses unique animation to connect audiences with its protagonist’s complex world, championing accessibility through film and art.
Honorable Mention for Creative Innovation: “Wander to Wonder,” Belgium (Director: Nina Gantz)
Adventure Short
Jury: Ify Nwadiwe, Sarah Minnie, Elias Plagianos
Best Adventure Short: “Speed of Sound,” U.S.A. (Director: Jade Ang Jackman)
Jury Statement: “Speed of Sound” is visually poetic and inspiring, capturing the protagonist’s bravery and dedication to her sport.
Episodic
Jury: Carlos Aguilar, Claire Taylor, Kris Wimberly
Best Episodic: “What About Me” (Director: William Lott; Creator: Josh Nadler)
Jury Statement: “What About Me” offers a relatable family dynamic with a few twists, featuring dynamic characters ideal for an episodic format.
‘Suze’ and ‘Daughters’ Shine as Top Winners