The Made in Arkansas Film Festival returns to CALS Ron Robinson Theater for its sixth year on May 17-19, 2024. The film festival showcases the work of Arkansas filmmakers working here and all over the country. “Made in Arkansas is about cultivating Arkansas filmmakers. Our festival screens more Arkansas filmmakers than any other festival in the state,” said Festival Director Johnnie Brannon. “We provide an opportunity for filmmakers to meet each other, view each other’s work, and build networks that hopefully lead to even more Arkansas-made films.”
Brannon credits Made in Arkansas’s partnership with the Central Arkansas Library System as a huge factor in the festival’s success. “The screen and sound quality in the Ron Robinson Theater are second to none. As a filmmaker, there are few things as exciting as sitting with an audience and watching your film up on the big screen. We love working with CALS to showcase the incredible work being done by filmmakers, actors, and creatives across the state.”
10:00AM – Feature Doc (48:23)
Healer: Dr. Joycelyn Elders Story – Directed by Candace Bellamy
“From Sharecropper's daughter to the first African American Surgeon General of the United States, Healer is a documentary about the life of Dr. Joycelyn Elders.”
12 minute intermission
11:00 - Short Block 2 | Journeys of Reflection – (53:32)
This collection of films invites audiences to embark on journeys of introspection and self-discovery. From fulfilling final wishes that lead to unexpected adventures to confronting past traumas and fractured relationships, these stories delve into the depths of the human experience. Through poignant narratives and heartfelt performances, each film explores the transformative power of reflection, reminding us that sometimes, it is in confronting our past that we find the path to our true selves.
Take it slow – 10:44 – Directed by Jason Pitts
“Rebecca's grandmother's final wish sends her on an adventure of self discovery.”
The Forms of Things Unknown – 9:58 - Dylan Pojar – Weatherly
Starstuff Dream – 6:00 – Directed by Lanie Carlson
“A Mother, who is no longer mothering, must now be the star in her one precious life.”
Say Hello – 26:50 – Directed by Lainee Stiver
“When Carley and her fiancé, Marcus begin planning their wedding, Carley’s estranged, drug addicted mother comes to visit. This unexpected visit causes Carley to begin reliving her past, threatening any chance of reconciliation as well as her sanity.
12 Minute Intermission
12:15 - Short Block 3 | Breaking Boundaries – (47:59)
This film block showcases characters who defy societal expectations and challenge the status quo in pursuit of their true selves. From redefining personal identity through the lens of social media to breaking free from the confines of a suffocating work environment, these films explore the courage and resilience required to forge one's own path. As we witness characters pushing against the constraints of their circumstances, we are reminded of the transformative power of self-discovery and the importance of embracing individuality in a world that often seeks to define us.
Snowflake – 13:45 – Directed by Carter Bowden
“After being told she was ordinary, a woman risks everything to create the person she always wanted to be with social media.”
Cubicle – 6:12 – Directed by Alex Blair
“After another late night at the office, a young, overworked employee tries to leave the building, but can’t escape its grasp.”
All Units – 28:02 – Mike Day
“A married couple find themselves at odds over their roles at the latest protest.”
12 Minute Intermission
1:15 - Panel – Behind the Curtain: The Art and Science of Casting
An exclusive look into the world of casting with industry experts. Join us as casting directors share their insights and experiences, discussing everything from their typical process when receiving a new project to their strategies for finding the right talent. Discover how they approach character breakdowns, balance creative visions with practical considerations, and navigate the evolving landscape of casting, including the impact of technology and the rise of streaming platforms. Gain valuable advice for actors looking to make a lasting impression during auditions and learn about the future of casting in an era of international collaborations and changing trends. Don't miss this opportunity to go behind the scenes and explore the fascinating world of casting.
15 minute intermission
2:30 – FEATURE – (48:00)
Uneven Ground: The Melissa Witt Story – Directed by LaDonna Humphrey
“Determined to find answers, LaDonna Humphrey and her team spent eight years on a journey like no other. Never before seen case files, interviewing witnesses, potential suspects, and working alongside retired detectives to find justice.”
12 minute intermission
3:30 – Short Block 4 | Shadows of Choice – (63:39)
This film block delves into the complexities of moral dilemmas, personal vendettas, and the consequences of choice. From the intense confrontation between a police officer and his criminal brother to the high-stakes world of military operations and the gritty quest for revenge by a young mutant, these films explore the blurred lines between right and wrong, duty and desire. As characters grapple with their decisions, facing betrayal, confinement, and the haunting specter of their pasts, audiences are drawn into a world where every action has a price, and every choice casts a shadow that lingers long after the screen fades to black.
Bang! – 5:33 – Directed by Wesley Rolfe
“A police offer confronts his criminal brother about his recent crimes. He must decide to let him go, arrest him, or kill him before his brother strikes.”
Operation: Thanatos – 11:03 – Directed by Hayden Morris & Tyler Shen
“A joint military operation targeting a drug lord reveals a darker truth - he's a key player in global arms dealing. Teams Reaper-7 and Alpha-1 lead a race against time to dismantle the arms network, facing firefights, betrayal, and the looming threat of weapons in the wrong hands. "Operation: Thanatos" is a pulse-pounding short film exploring the lethal convergence of drug cartels and international arms trade.”
Mori – 10:24 – Directed by Torin Hight
“Mori, a young mutant with psychic abilities, spent much of her early life enslaved by a mysterious organization. Years after her escape, Mori now has tracked down the scientist that tormented her all that time, and she's out for revenge. A Sci-Fi film with a splash of horror, Mori aims to be a larger than life tale of bloody vengeance, with the personal struggle of a wronged woman trying to move on from her past, even if she has to kill it”
Here and nowhere – 12:00 – Directed by Brendan Burks
“A young girl is trapped inside her home by her father and seeks freedom once a new neighbor moves in.
Trade Your Time – 22:56 – Directed by Michael Murray
“A modern entrepreneur steeped in crypto-hustle culture is on the run from a polite employee of a metaphysical company dealing in death for using a clock that allows him to see into the future.”
12 Minute intermission
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