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.”
10AM – Feature Film (54:06)
Adopting Greyhounds – Directed by David Goodman
A portrait of the Greyhound Adoption organization located in West Memphis, Arkansas during the final year of Greyhound racing in the Mid-South.
15 Minute intermission
11:10 - Short Blocks 10 | Dreamscapes & Adventures - (48:51)
Embark on a journey through fantastical realms and heartwarming tales in this enchanting film block. From a stop-motion mystery in a hotel to a reflection on technology's impact on society, and a werewolf's quest for self-love to a raindrop's heroic journey to save the earth, these films explore the wonders of imagination and the power of resilience. Concluding with a fan tribute to the iconic Indiana Jones series, this collection celebrates the magic of storytelling and the boundless adventures that await us all. Join us as we explore the depths of creativity and the joys of fantastical storytelling in "Dreamscapes & Adventures."
Germicide – 1:44 – Directed by Thomas Long
“A hotel cleaner investigates a mysterious noise from a disused room. A stop motion short with mixed media puppetry and claymation techniques.”
C’est La Vie – 5:14 – Directed by Tiffany Zhang
“Film exploring a world where technology is ever so prevalent, and it's fallacies.”
A Portrait of Night – 7:00 - Directed by Arthur Sernel
“Lone were-wolf Cedric wants to create a painting to impress the goddess of the moon but finds that he must learn to love himself first before he loves her.”
Drought – 5:48 - Directed by Zoe Marie Brown
“One raindrop embarks on a journey to save the drought on earth.”
Indiana Jones and The Treasure of Aztecs – 29:05 - Directed by Kevin Croxton
“Indiana Jones and the Treasure of the Aztecs is an Indiana Jones fan film created by the Oliver Springs Music Club (Formally the Parkview Music Club). Set in 1958, Indiana Jones takes up an unfinished quest from his late father-in-law, Abner Ravenwood, which turns into a race against time to find a powerful Aztec treasure before the Soviets do. The film is a tribute to the Indiana Jones Franchaise, and has a cameo from Actress Karen Allen, reprising her role as Marion from the Indiana Jones films.”
15 Minute intermission
12:15 - Short Blocks 11 | Voices of Change– (48:20)
This film block shines a light on individuals who defy convention and dedicate themselves to creating positive change in their communities. From a Mayan teacher's fight against poverty and malnutrition to a corporate professional turned bread baker on a mission, and a scholarly exploration of regional accents shaping cultural identity, these films showcase the power of individual action to inspire broader social transformation. Join us on a journey of resilience, innovation, and compassion as we celebrate those who dare to make a difference in "Voices of Change."
Arnoldo’s World – 6:44 – Evan Tanner, Ellen Lippman Finn
“A Mayan school teacher, Arnoldo Televario Coché, breaks through centuries of fatalistic complexity to help fellow indigenous families as they face food scarcity, extreme poverty and child malnutrition.”
Rockin Baker – Ringo Jones – 15:30
“Daymara Baker walks away from a senior position at a multinational brand to bake bread and change the world.
Arkansas Accent Project – Ben Corbett – 26:06
“What sounds and sayings define the various people of the state of Arkansas and what these people may have in common? This creative scholarship draws upon interviews collected from the five major Arkansan regions: the Ozarks, the Arkansas River Valley, the Ouachitas, the Coastal Plain, and the Delta. Through interviews of various Native Arkansans, this study will illuminate the various accents of this state and the people who claim Arkansas as their home. In doing so, the study expands our understanding of who our people are and how their speech makes the Arkansas accent unique among Southern accents.”
12 Minute Intermission
1:15 - Short Blocks 12 | Reflections of Reality – (47:23)
This film block delves into the complexities of identity, privilege, and the human experience. From a poet confronting her own privilege to a shocking revelation in a relationship marred by suspicion, and the struggles of cultural identity in a predominantly white community to a man confronted by his past, these films offer poignant reflections on life's challenges. As characters navigate personal and societal expectations, they are forced to confront uncomfortable truths and make difficult choices. Join us on a journey of self-discovery, introspection, and the quest for understanding in "Reflections of Reality."
Mani Mani Baby – 7:44 – Directed by Stacy Pendergrast
“A "woke" poet attempts to rescue a Vietnamese manicurist but instead must face her white privilege.”
Screamer – 6:16 – Directed by Debra Fuller
“Amid suspicions of spousal abuse, a shocking discovery is revealed.”
Happy Love – 17:55 – Directed by Baily Vo
“PHÚC YÊU is a coming-of-age drama/comedy short film that follows a Vietnamese American girl named Linh and her struggle between not feeling American enough and also not Vietnamese enough while living in a predominantly white community with her Vietnamese immigrant father.
Rest Not Assured – 15:28 – Directed by Gabriel Henk
“When a man comes back home after a long day of work, his plans to go to bed are interrupted by a series of events that ultimately reflect his past.”
13 Minute Intermission
2:15 – Panel 2
15 minute intermission
3:30 – Short Block 13 | Visions of the Self – (42:56)
This collection of experimental films offers a profound exploration of identity, emotion, and personal discovery. From a man grappling with his inner turmoil to a provocative examination of gender and sexuality, and a heartfelt dance film reflecting on sisterhood and memory, to a mysterious narrative of a woman awaiting instructions, these films push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. Each film invites viewers to delve deep into the human experience, challenging perceptions and offering unique perspectives on the complexities of the self. Join us on a journey of introspection and discovery in "Visions of the Self."
A Man or A Monster – 2:51 – Directed by Hudson Clearly
“A man struggles dealing with the inexpressible emotions in his life.”
Girl Bug – 5:37 – Directed by Lenora Rowe (CONTAINS NUDITY)
“Exploring the individual relationship with gender, sexuality, and femininity, Gilr Bug explores ideas of self-perception and how we interact with our sense of self. The aim is to explore the uncomfortable feeling of being othered as it relates to growing into your own from the perspective of growing up queer in the American South.”
Love Letter to my sister – 15:35 – Directed by Robin Neveu Brown
“This is the debut dance film from Rock Moves Contemporary Dance, Central Arkansas' first and only professional contemporary dance company. It was filmed in the historic and haunting St. Joseph Center in North Little Rock, AR. Love Letter invites the viewer to wander through the hallways of their childhood while holding the weight of the present, seeing their sisters in a new light.”
Ananoia – 18:53 - Directed by Bruce Hutchinson
“A woman staying in a hotel awaits daily instructions.”
15 Minute Intermission
4:30 – Short Block 14 | Unseen Worlds – (46:46)
This documentary block delves into the unseen worlds of individuals who find joy, community, and transformation in unexpected places. From a cowboy's deep connection with his horses to minority mountain bikers thriving in the heartland and the transformation of a basketball arena into a monster truck spectacle, these films illuminate the human spirit's resilience and adaptability. Through the lens of hard work, sportsmanship, and community, these documentaries showcase the power of passion to transcend barriers and bring people together in remarkable ways. Join us as we explore these stories of dedication, diversity, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment in "Unseen Worlds."
Cowboy – 1:14 – Directed by Paul Huenefeld
“Not many people understand the joy and peace that comes from hard work. Cowboy's daily care of his horses bring him that peace.”
Monstrosity: From Dunks to Trucks – 26:46 – Colby Thompson
“Get ready for Monstrosity: From Dunks to Trucks takes a behind the scenes look at First National Bank Arena, as they prepare to transform the home of the Red Wolves Basketball Team into a location capable of handling the Monster Truck Nitro Tour.”
Together: The Minority Mountain Bikers in The Heartland – 15:32 – Garrett Hubbard
“Together: The Minority Mountain Bikers in the Heartland is an uplifting film about people of color thriving in an underrepresented sport and doing so in an unlikely place, Arkansas. The abundance of urban accessible mountain bike trails in NW Arkansas made the location for the group’s largest annual gathering a logical choice, but numerous participants from around the country arrive with apprehension about a state that was once part of the confederacy and both resisted and fought for school integration in the 1950’s. This is their story of reconciling expectations, riding bikes, connecting, and growing together.”
14 - Minute Intermission
5:30 -Short Blocks 15 | Fragments of Life – (65:57)
This collection of dramas delves deep into the human experience, exploring themes of loss, reconciliation, heartbreak, and moral dilemmas. From the turmoil of a family secret revealed at a funeral to the quest for meaning in a mysterious note, and the emotional journey of overcoming heartbreak and inner demons, these films offer a poignant glimpse into the complexities of life's trials. As characters navigate through grief, moral quandaries, and personal turmoil, they are forced to confront their deepest fears and desires. Join us on a journey of introspection, resilience, and the search for meaning in "Fragments of Life."
Treachery – 7:51 – Directed by Pauline Angelina
“At his father's funeral, Lucas overheard his sister's and her fiancé's conversation. The peaceful mourning moment turns into a chaos... only to reveal a sad truth.”
Mono No Aware – Directed by CJ Mirch – 14:42
“Upon finding a note within her new home, Grace seeks out to find the meaning behind the writing with her estranged sister.”
Heart Break – 6:58 – Directed by John Sullivan
“A young man deals with his first heartbreak.”
Greed – 11:38 - Directed by Paula Blanco Perez
“Alice questions her morals after confronting an uninvited woman in her backyard.”
Standing On the Edge – 11:47 – Directed by Garrett Brenneman
“A woman on the edge of losing everything faces her darkest night.”
Carry on – 8:55 – Directed by Janie Gentry
“A recent widow has to decide between returning to life as normal or taking over the small ranch her husband left behind.”
That One Little Thing – 18:48 – Directed by Emmanuel Joel Rodriguez
“Greg, an emotionally broken man struggles to battle his inner demons some decide to take a more physical approach and make it challenging for Greg to overcome it.”
15 minute intermission
7PM – Awards Ceremony
Add To Calendar
Share 