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The Arkansas Cinema Society (ACS) and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) are pleased to announce the return of Filmland August 12-16, 2026. Much like previous years, Filmland will showcase captivating independent films and riveting filmmaker conversations that you can’t see anywhere else.
“ACS is excited to once again bring some of the top films from festivals like Sundance, Telluride, Tribeca and more to Arkansas,” said Executive Director and Co-Founder Kathryn F. Tucker. “Filmland is a very special time for us when we have a chance to connect with our audience and create an experience for them that can’t be found elsewhere through our screenings, workshops, happy hours and special guest filmmaker appearances. We hope people mark their calendar and join us next August at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.”
Past Filmland showings include Sing Sing, The Bikeriders, Nomadland, Free Solo, The Eyes of Tammy Faye and more, appearing fresh off of their premieres at festivals like Sundance, Telluride, Toronto and Venice. Over the last few years, Filmland has been honored to host directors Richard Linklater, David Lowery, Jay Duplass and Michael Shannon; producers Evan Hayes, Kim Reynolds & Brian Kavanaugh-Jones; and actors Colman Domingo, Margot Robbie, Jessica Chastain, and Oscar winner and ACS board member Mary Steenburgen.
Filmland: Arkansas will take place during Filmland once again. Submissions are open now through June 1st via FilmFreeway for short films and features. Selected filmmakers will be notified by July 1st. Filmland: Arkansas is non-competitive but the audience has the opportunity to support their favorite local filmmakers!
Submissions are for films made in Arkansas, filmmakers from Arkansas who made a film elsewhere, and Arkansas-based producers, directors, and writers. Films may also be considered if an Arkansas native plays the lead or key role such as an Actor, Production Designer, Costume Designer, Sound Designer, Composer, Editor, Cinematographer, Animator, Visual Effects, Makeup and Hair or First Assistant Director. The Arkansas filmmaker(s) must be available to attend Filmland if accepted. While premiere status for a film is not required, it will be weighted when determining the final lineup. ACS members receive 50 percent off submission fees. Please contact us for a code.
After a successful debut last summer, the Filmland: Arkansas Short Film Pitch Contest returns, offering emerging Arkansas filmmakers a shot at bringing their creative visions to life. Selected contestants will have two minutes to pitch their short film concepts to a panel of industry professionals. The stakes? A generous film equipment grant from Film Gear Rentals to produce their project, plus a guaranteed premiere screening at Filmland 2026. This dynamic competition spotlights Arkansas's growing film community while providing crucial resources to talented local storytellers. Contestants must have prior filmmaking experience and commit to shooting their projects within the state, ensuring these stories are authentically Arkansan from concept to completion. Applications will open in early March so stay tuned for more information.
Filmland returns as the Arkansas Cinema Society brings the hottest films and upcoming fall releases with Arkansas ties to the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock this August 13–17, 2025. The annual celebration of cinema will spotlight rising talent with Variety’s newly announced “10 Storytellers to Watch” list, continue to attract acclaimed voices in film, and showcase the diverse voices of the Natural State.
This year’s opening night (Wednesday, August 13th) will feature a special sneak preview of Americana, with Emmy and Golden Globe winner Paul Walter Hauser (The Fantastic Four: FIrst Steps, Cobra Kai, The Naked Gun) and University of Arkansas graduate writer/director Tony Tost (Poker Face, Longmire) in attendance. Other films include Tow, directed by Stephanie Laing (Your Friends & Neighbors, Palm Royale, Veep, Physical) and The Threesome (shot in Little Rock), directed by Chad Hartigan (Morris From America, Little Fish)—both followed by filmmaker Q+As.
More program announcements, full schedule, and tickets on sale still to come!
Members and Sponsors receive advance access to purchase tickets. Become an ACS Member today!
The 2025 edition of Variety's Storytellers to Watch list will be hosted by the Arkansas Cinema Society during Filmland August 13-17th at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock. As the entertainment industry’s publication of record, Variety seeks to highlight creatives who are making waves across a spectrum of disciplines. Like similar lists for actors, animators, screenwriters and directors, Variety’s Storytellers to Watch continues their tradition of spotlighting visionaries in the entertainment industry. This list focuses on podcasters, graphic novelists, playwrights, musical theater creators, singer-songwriters and novelists — storytellers working in old media and new who have found exciting new ways to grab audiences and create a profound connection.
LEARN MOREArkansas is filled with talented filmmakers and The Arkansas Cinema Society’s Filmland: Arkansas 2025 program will bring their works to the big screen during Filmland, August 13-17th, in the Performing Arts Theater at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. The selections were chosen by a committee of filmmakers and film lovers. A Filmland: Arkansas Showcase featuring even more films by Arkansas filmmakers will follow later this year.
Learn MoreACS is debuting its first-ever Short Film Pitch Contest at Filmland 2025, offering emerging Arkansas filmmakers a shot at bringing their creative visions to life. Selected contestants will have two minutes to pitch their short film concepts to a panel of industry professionals. The stakes? A generous film equipment grant from Film Gear Rentals to produce their project, plus a guaranteed premiere screening at Filmland 2026. This dynamic competition spotlights Arkansas's growing film community while providing crucial resources to talented local storytellers. Contestants must have prior filmmaking experience and commit to shooting their projects within the state, ensuring these stories are authentically Arkansan from concept to completion.
APPLY NOWFilmland: Arkansas will take place during Filmland once again. Submissions are open now through June 1st via FilmFreeway for short films and features. Selected filmmakers will be notified by July 1st. Filmland: Arkansas is non-competitive but the audience has the opportunity to support their favorite local filmmakers! Each professional category features an Audience Award, chosen by those in attendance. The winners of the Professional Shorts and Feature categories are eligible for a Panavision New Filmmaker Grant of $15,000 and $60,000 respectively to be put towards film equipment for their next project.
Submissions are for films made in Arkansas, filmmakers from Arkansas who made a film elsewhere, and Arkansas-based producers, directors, and writers. Films may also be considered if an Arkansas native plays the lead or key role such as an Actor, Production Designer, Costume Designer, Sound Designer, Composer, Editor, Cinematographer, Animator, Visual Effects, Makeup and Hair or First Assistant Director. The Arkansas filmmaker(s) must be available to participate in a conversation about the film if accepted. ACS members receive 50% off submission fees.
The Arkansas Cinema Society's Filmland is an annual event that celebrates cinema with a focus on nurturing and inspiring filmmakers in Arkansas. It aims to expose Arkansans to filmmakers and their art by hosting a variety of activities including screenings, workshops, and panel discussions featuring both local and international filmmakers.
Filmland 2024 welcomed the extraordinary Colman Domingo for a special sneak preview of SING SING, giving audiences a powerful glimpse into his latest work. As the recipient of the inaugural Southern Storytellers Award, Colman captivated attendees during an intimate Q+A, sharing stories from set and the narratives that continue to shape his career.
During a deeply personal event, Diane Ladd and Laura Dern shared touching stories and heartfelt reflections from their joint book, Honey, Baby, Mine, revealing the profound bond between mother and daughter. This intimate gathering not only brought attendees closer to these celebrated actresses but also illuminated the emotional depth and personal connections possible at ACS events.
Guests enjoyed a first look at the season finale of Palm Royale, complete with a pre-screening cocktail hour and a post-show Q&A with Josh Lucas and Jayme Lemons. This exclusive event highlighted the unique opportunities ACS offers for direct engagement with film industry professionals and ongoing support for cinematic arts.
As a small arts non-profit, we are not able to offer refunds. However, you are welcome to get in touch with us to put your unused ticket purchase toward a future event.
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