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.”
4:45 - Short Blocks 5 | Harmonies of Resilience– (62:57) – Short DOCS 1
This film block celebrates the resilience and transformative power of passion and community. From the dedication of a band teacher shaping young lives through music to a community coming together to tackle maternal health challenges and a son striving to surpass his father's racing legacy, these films highlight the indomitable spirit of individuals and groups facing formidable challenges. As we immerse ourselves in these stories of determination, we are reminded of the profound impact that shared passions and collective action can have in overcoming obstacles and fostering positive change.
Always Keep the Music – 6:20 – Directed by Heather Collins
“A day in the life of Little Rock band teacher and director, Mr. Nehemiah Paul: This short doc explores the importance of band and music in the life of Mr. Paul, as well as the lives of the students he teaches in a public middle school.”
The Arkansas Maternal Health Community Hackathon – 11:10 – Directed by Ringo Jones
“The Arkansas Maternal Health Community Hackathon was a free, one-day event open to the public that aims to start conversations, build connections and develop community-led solutions to address the maternal health crisis in Arkansas.”
Racer’s Nature: Trial By Fire – 28:41 – Directed by Ben Harrison
“Intense and captivating documentary that follows a son's relentless journey to surpass his father's legendary track record. Through exhilarating races, personal sacrifices, and emotional struggles, we witness the unyielding pursuit of greatness and the complex dynamics of family ties. Brace yourself for a high-octane exploration of ambition, rivalry, and the pursuit of breaking boundaries in the world of motorsports.”
13-minute intermission
6:00 – Short Blocks 6 | Threads of Connection – (51:39)
This film block weaves together narratives that explore the profound impact of human connections, both unexpected and cherished. From a poignant tale of love and memory in the face of dementia to the playful escapades of siblings seeking sweets, and the unlikely bond between a grandfather and his granddaughter, these films delve into the ways in which relationships shape our lives. As we witness characters forging new connections and rediscovering the importance of companionship, we are reminded of the transformative power of human empathy and understanding in a world often marked by loneliness and isolation.
Goodbye, Baby – 8:48 - Directed by Kristine Artymowski
“A woman in her seventies who is getting dementia thinks her dead husband has come back as a tortoise.”
Sugar Crash – 9:48 – Directed by John Huggins
“Two brothers are determined to elude the watchful eye of their grandmother and get to a box of candy.”
Two of a Kind – 9:56 - Directed by Skylar Nelsen
“In "Two of a Kind", we follow Clark and George, a grandfather-granddaughter duo, as they bond over playing poker, being the black sheep of their families, and scamming George's poker buddies: a rowdy group of Vietnam War vets.”
In A world Full of Loneliness – 23:07 – Directed by Jules Taylor
“A story about the universal power of connection to lift up even the most desolate soul. When Mrs. Kenit, relegated to a life of routine and isolation witnesses an act of violence, it causes her to react and her life changes in just one night.”
9 min intermission
7:00 - Comedy Block | Unexpected Turns (47:29 min)
This film block explores the unexpected twists and turns that life often presents, from eerie encounters with the past to chaotic babysitting adventures and the hidden motivations behind childhood activities. As we follow characters navigating through moving days, after-school moments, and surreal dating app meet-ups, we are reminded of the unpredictable nature of human interactions and the curious paths they can lead us down. These films delve into the humor, horror, and heartwarming moments that arise when our lives take unexpected turns, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit in the face of the unknown.
An Unfortunate Encounter – 1:26 – Directed by Victor Keas
“A college student is greeted with a horror from his past!”
Watate – 6:01 – Directed by Aidan Kolokithaas
“An uncle reluctantly agrees to babysit his niece for a night and things quickly spiral out of control.”
Off-Sides – 9:41 – Directed by Kaitlyn Brown
“A camera crew follows an elementary aged soccer team to discover the true reasons as to why they play soccer.”
Moving Day – 11:00 – Directed by Molly Wheat
“When Sarah helps Este move into her new apartment, the building manager interrupts to do some urgent repairs.”
After School – 8:51 – Directed by Lexi Mosby
Clownfish – 10:30 - Directed by Clayton Henderson
“Frank and Elle decide to meet in real life after connecting on a dating app… That’s when things get weird!”
13 Minute Intermission
8:00 - Thriller/Horror | Shadows of the Unknown (64 min)
This chilling collection of films invites audiences into the realms of the mysterious and the macabre. From eerie family legacies and loveless marriages to supernatural encounters and sinister book clubs, each film delves into the darker aspects of human existence. As characters confront unsettling secrets, unearthly entities, and terrifying consequences, these stories delve into the depths of fear and the unknown. Prepare to be captivated and unsettled as you journey through these tales of suspense, horror, and the supernatural.
Unsettled – 6:26 - Directed by Jarrod Paul Beck
“In the quietude of their childhood home, two estranged siblings grapple with the legacy of their late father. A conventional familial task of settling the estate takes an unsettling turn when the siblings must confront a dark, mysterious secret that tore their family apart.”
Gluttony – 13:33 - Directed by Christina Waterman
“A darkly funny film about the horrors of a loveless marriage in which a housewife decides to find another avenue for pleasure.”
A Little Dead – 13:14 - Directed by Ben Richardson
“Hailey and her brother Kevin visit their grandpa’s farm for the weekend. They discover that the caretaker has vanished, and Grandpa has a new nightly ritual of sharing a drink with his deceased wife and another unseen entity.”
The Book Club – 13:37 – Directed by Johnnie Brannon
“A woman is invited to be a part of a book club.... but it soon becomes clear that the women in this club are more than they appear to be."
The Tickle Monster – 17:17 – Directed by Brett Helms
“The film follows Max, a troubled kid who steals a book from a mystical shop. Upon reading it at home, he unwittingly unleashes The Tickle Monster, a creature bent on causing chaos, by tickling people...to death!”
11 minute intermission
9:15 - WTF (61:26 min)
Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of bizarre and bewildering stories in this eclectic film block. From a musical comedy murder thriller to a guilt-ridden quest, a disastrous self-tape audition, a satirical dark comedy about marriage, and a heartfelt journey of reconciliation, these films will leave you questioning reality and saying, "WTF?" Each story takes unexpected turns, blending humor, suspense, and raw emotion to deliver a cinematic experience like no other. Strap in for a wild ride through the unexpected and the inexplicable in this collection of WTF moments.
Peeping Todd – 13:15 – Directed by Josh Munds
“After being confronted about his incessant peeping, Todd decides to eliminate anyone who stands between him and his view of the lovely Claire. A surprise musical comedy murder thriller.”
Where is it? – 5:29 – Directed by Brady C. Ness
“Paul is confronted by his brother, Herm - forcing him to answer the guilt-ridden question, "Where is it?"
Self-Tape – 5:54 – Directed by Eric White & Terrell Case
“An actor shares his self-tape for an audition and things go downhill from there.”
American Heterosexual Story – 11:39 – Directed by Victor Keas
“A marriage will crumble as a wife gets her long overdue revenge in this satirical dark comedy!”
I Went home for Valentine’s – 24:59 – Directed by Claire Moon
“After a decade-long estrangement following his coming out, a man documents his road trip home to reunite with his family, hoping to find what he is missing in his life.”
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