Filmland 2025 lit up the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts this August. From August 13–17, Little Rock became the center of cinema. Every night buzzed with screenings, Q+As, happy hours, and after-parties. Filmmakers shared their stories. Audiences packed the house. It was unforgettable.
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DAY 1 – Wednesday, August 13th
The Baltimorons opened Filmland with joy and heart. What better way to kick off our annual celebration of cinema than with filmmaker Jay Duplass’s long-awaited return to the director’s chair. Our audience  welcomed him back with open arms. His holiday comedy, already a festival favorite with five Audience Awards, had the crowd laughing one moment and misty-eyed the next as Cliff and Didi’s unlikely Christmas Eve connection unfolded. After the credits rolled, Variety’s Peter Debruge joined Jay for a lively Q+A that felt as warm and genuine as the film itself—an unforgettable start to the festival.

The evening grew even richer with Americana. Part-time Arkansan Tony Tost’s bold feature turned the familiar western conventions inside out, weaving music, myth, and grit into something wholly original mixed with wry humor and touching moments of human connection. Filmland audiences enjoyed an exclusive sneak peek before its nationwide release, reveling in a star-studded cast led by Paul Walter Hauser, Sydney Sweeney and Halsey. When Tony and Peter took the stage, their Q+A brought wit and film wisdom that left the audience buzzing late into the night.
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DAY 2 – Thursday, August 14th
The Threesome lit up the screen with laughter, tenderness, and a true hometown spirit. Shot right here in Little Rock, the screening was the first chance for the local cast and crew to see their work come alive on the big screen. The audience was caught off guard—in the best way—by the mix of sharp humor and heartfelt emotion woven into Chad Hartigan’s story. Beyond the performances, the film itself became a love letter to the city, showcasing Little Rock’s streets, neighborhoods, and character for audiences to celebrate. Afterward, Hartigan joined ACS Executive Director Kathryn Tucker for a lively Q+A that turned into a heartfelt reunion for everyone who helped bring the film home.

DAY 3 – Friday, August 15th

Twinless delivered one of the biggest surprises of the festival. Audiences expected laughs—and they got plenty—but what truly stunned them was the film’s inventive style and the deep emotion at its core. James Sweeney’s sharp direction blended wit and vulnerability into something unforgettable. Already named to Variety’s Directors to Watch list, James proved why he’s one of the most exciting voices in independent film today. His Q+A with Peter only fueled the buzz, leaving the crowd convinced that James is destined for even bigger things on the horizon.
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DAY 4 – Saturday, August 16th
Tow struck a powerful chord with the audience. Rose Byrne shined in the true story of Amanda Ogle, a woman who refused to back down against an unfair system. It was a feel-good story of grit and persistence, and the crowd left inspired by her determination to fight and win.

Before the evening’s feature, the spotlight belonged to the next generation. Filmland audiences cheered for the short films created in ACS’s Spring Break Teen Filmmaking Lab and the Filmmaking Lab for Teen Girls. These young storytellers wowed the crowd with their creativity and passion, proving that the future of film is already burning bright in Arkansas. It felt great to see them all gathered together to watch it on the big screen.

The evening’s feature I Wish You All the Best delivered on its promise as a groundbreaking work of queer cinema. 13 Reasons Why star Tommy Dorfman’s debut feature pulsed with honesty, heart, and vision, cementing her as a bold new voice in filmmaking. Audiences were moved not only by the story of self-discovery and resilience but also by the promise of what Tommy represents for LGBTQ+ creatives in Hollywood. It was a night that celebrated both the filmmakers of tomorrow and the trailblazers of today.

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DAY 5 – Sunday, August 17th

The final day soared. The afternoon featured the Variety Storytellers to Watch List panel. Industry visionaries shared how they are reshaping storytelling across mediums, from podcasts to musicals to novels. The energy in the room was electric. We were ecstatic to host [PEOPLE’S NAMES HERE] and listen to their riveting conversation with Peter.

Filmland closed with a bang. Kate Beecroft’s gripping tale East of Wall captivated the packed house. Fresh from Sundance, this moving story of resilience and rebellion earned every ounce of its acclaim. Kate joined ACS co-founder Jeff Nichols on stage for a thoughtful and inspiring Q+A to end the festival on the perfect note.

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WORKSHOPS

Filmland 2025 wasn’t just about watching movies—it was about learning how they get made. Our workshops gave attendees practical insights straight from the pros, thanks to our sponsor the Windgate Foundation.

It’s not every day you get to sit down to hear an acclaimed indie filmmaker like Jay Duplass talk shop. Jay offered a raw and inspiring look at “How to Make Movies in the Apocalypse,” sharing lessons from years of failure, resilience, and rediscovery. The Threesome director Chad Hartigan broke down the realities of “Indie Film in 2025,” giving filmmakers a clear-eyed view of how to get projects off the ground in today’s shifting industry. Writer/director Josh Munds and producer Melissa Munds – the creators of Peeping Todd – walked audiences through “Making the Musical,” proving that even the most ambitious ideas can be achieved on an indie budget with creativity and teamwork. Actor and influencer Clayton Farris’ session on “Content Creation: Building an Audience with Authenticity” showed how staying true to yourself can be the key to building lasting engagement online. Finally, ACS’ own Jeff Nichols sat down with his longtime production designer Chad Keith to  share how thoughtful design shapes storytelling and builds the world of a film during “The Art of Production Design.”

It’s always a real treat to bring these conversations to our audience as a way to learn and inspire. Stay tuned for more filmmaking workshops throughout the year.

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FILMLAND: ARKANSAS + THE PITCH CONTEST

Filmland: Arkansas remains one of the most beloved traditions and once again proved why it’s the heart of the week. Across two blocks of Pro Shorts and one block of Student Shorts, audiences were blown away by the sheer range of voices and visions emerging from our state. This year’s slate also featured two Arkansas-connected features: the darkly hilarious musical Peeping Todd and the gritty, thought-provoking documentary Mississippi River Styx. Each film underscored the depth of creativity thriving in and around our state.

For ACS, Filmland: Arkansas is more than just screenings—it’s a chance to welcome filmmakers into our community. We love hosting them, hearing their stories, and watching the relationships and collaborations that grow out of these connections. Year after year, these bonds help nurture a vibrant and supportive film culture in Arkansas.

We were also thrilled to once again partner with Panavision, who returned to award their New Filmmaker Grants to the Pro Shorts and Feature Audience Award winners. We had the privilege to screen two films from previous winners – Cassie Keet and Damon McKinnis – who utilized the grants they won at Filmland. Cassie, who won in 2023 for Scream Therapy, showcased her new feature Abigail Before Beatrice, which she shot in central Arkansas last summer utilizing Arkansas crew and resources. Damon, who won in 2022 for “The Show,” returned with his haunting short “Last House.” Both films wowed audiences on Sunday, proving once again how vital the Panavision partnership is in helping Arkansas filmmakers take their work to the next level.

Our inaugural Pitch Contest with our friends at Film Gear Rentals was a delight. We knew Arkansas had talent, and now we know they can bring the sizzle. We’d have funded them all if we could. In the end, our judges chose one lucky short film that will receive a $5,000 equipment grant from FGR.

At the beginning of the Variety Storytellers to Watch panel, we announced this year’s Filmland: Arkansas Audience Award winners and the winner of our inaugural Pitch Contest. The winners are:

Favorite Student Short: “Raccoon Soup” - directed by Janie Gentry

Favorite Pro Short: “The Game Camera” - directed by Emily Railsback

Favorite Feature: Filmland 2025 lit up the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts this August. From August 13–17, Little Rock became the center of cinema. Every night buzzed with screenings, Q+As, happy hours, and after-parties. Filmmakers shared their stories. Audiences packed the house. It was unforgettable. - directed by Josh Munds

Yancey Prosser Award for Favorite Actor - Megan Wilcox as “Lori” in “Raccoon Soup”

Pitch Contest - “Anniversary Roulette” - Andrew Jenner

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Filmland 2025 was more than a festival. It was a celebration of art, connection, and community. Thank you to every filmmaker, every sponsor, and every audience member who made it unforgettable. See you in 2026!

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