Arkansas Filmmakers

Feature Films:

Libertad

Directed by Hilary Lex, Ashley Hayes (Bentonville, AR)

Runtime: 16:53

In the heart of the most gender-unequal country in Latin America, Christa Castillo turns to the mountain bike to help Guatemalan women find healing and freedom...including her own.

This short documentary film chronicles the story of World Ride’s program in Guatemala through the eyes of Christa, their first ride leader in the country. World Ride is a registered 501c3 nonprofit that works to empower women globally through mountain biking.

"When you open a door, the universe does the same and starts to conspire to create something for you." -Christa Castillo

Kids from Westfork

Directed by Dalton Hays (Westfork, AR)

Runtime: 3:39

A celebration of the people and community of West Fork, Arkansas, -  past, present and future.

Morning Room

Directed by Lexie Mosby (Siloam Springs, AR)

Runtime 9:33

Dealing with sexual assault, Christian sexual repression and purity culture, Morning Room follows Lou as she confronts her boyfriend, Damon, after discovering he has been molesting her in her sleep.

I Can’t Do This Anymore

Directed by Laina Adelle Ludwig (Siloam Springs, AR)

Runtime 11:23

A father and daughter each individually dealing with the loss of a loved one.

Mom.ent of Peace

Directed by Raelyn Munneke (Fayetteville, AR)

Runtime 8:18

Meet Audrey, Carla, Melissa and Laura. Each have unique interests: Audrey’s a writer, Carla’s an avid scuba-diver, Melissa’s a veterinarian and Laura manages recruiting at a top company. Each is also a mom.

From newborn to pre-teens, these moms are bustling through a constant chaos of needs and wants, not of their own. So, they each slip inside their private bathroom with the hope of escaping.

Just when they begin to get settled, the doorknob jiggles, sibling fights break out, the baby cries, the dog wants attention, and a dinosaur decides mom needs a story.

Despite attempts to send the little intruders away, each mom finally relents and accepts that this moment is for motherhood.

Runtime for first half - 48:66

Intermission

Angle of Attack

Directed by Russell Leigh Sharman (Fayetteville, AR)

Runtime 12:00

Dallas just got a new smoking tat burned on his back and he’s ready to show it off. But not before his best friend Austin drags him and his beer-swilling buddies to an open-mic poetry jam at a posh wine bar. Is the poetry any good? Does that really smoke? What awkward angles do friends have to navigate when telling each other the truth, straight up?

Different Not Less

Directed by Alexandra Duran (Rogers, AR)

Runtime 3:57

Different Not Less explores the personal and authentic view of Alexandra's (the filmmaker) acceptance of her late autism diagnosis as a 17-year-old (voiced through a journal entry).

J.O.E.

Directed by Bailey Vo (Bentonville, AR)

Runtime: 13:36

J.O.E. is an emotional and hopeful drama/coming-of-age short film that wants to share the message that sometimes not everything is as it seems and also that it’s okay to reach out for help if you are struggling mentally.

This film focuses primarily on men’s mental health through a character that most people wouldn’t associate with having mental health issues. We want to break the stigma surrounding men getting help when it comes to dealing with mental struggles and shed light on toxic masculinity. Joe, the main character, is the picture-perfect guy who seems to have everything going for him. He’s popular, tall, handsome, has a beautiful girlfriend, and is the star of the football team. However, Joe keeps finding himself again and again back in the counselor’s office talking to his therapist Mr. Rainor. As their conversation continues, we begin to see what life is really like for Joe through a series of events that unfold throughout the film and his journey to understanding his complicated relationship with toxic masculinity, friendship, sexuality and mental health.

Madness Within 

Directed by Tyler Horne, Levi Horne (West Fork, AR)

Runtime: 13:22

An occultist doctor suspects something sinister is wrong with his new patient.

Joan and the Rolling Stone 

Directed by Ethan Edwards (Greenbriar, AR)

Runtime: 8:00

A young woman finds answers to her own grief when she embarks on a journey with a talking bowling ball.

Runtime second half 50:15

Total Runtime - 98:81 + Intermission