Each May, Bentonville, Arkansas, transforms from a quiet city into a canvas of stories, voices, and cinematic adventure during the Bentonville Film Festival. Founded to champion inclusive storytelling and diverse voices, this festival challenges the convention of film culture while inviting visitors to actively engage with transformative narratives woven across Bentonville’s venues. The festival’s heart beats in the Crystal Bridges Museum and downtown’s historic theaters, a practical footprint that guides attendees through concentrated doses of film, conversation, and community connection.

Getting there means gearing up for more than just movie screenings. The event runs for roughly five days, with a program packed tightly with premieres, panel discussions, and networking opportunities—perfect for cinephiles and industry professionals alike. Beyond the screen, expect to navigate a lively, walkable downtown where food trucks, pop-up galleries, and outdoor spaces punctuate your schedule, providing both breathers and chances to connect.

Film selections here refuse to be passive experiences. Each screening is paired with discussions, Q&As, and workshops designed to illuminate the production process or dissect the cultural impact of the stories. The festival actively promotes access and equality in the film industry with a program that’s 50% female and 45% nonwhite filmmakers—statistics that speak clearly about Bentonville’s commitment to reshaping the cinematic landscape.

For visitors, timing is key. Arrive early to register and review schedules—many sessions fill fast and seats are limited. Comfortable walking shoes are essential when hopping between venues, which are typically within a few blocks of each other but connected through outdoor walks that pulse with the city’s Maytime pulse. Stay hydrated: May can swing from brisk mornings to warm afternoons, so layering is advised.

Meals in Bentonville reflect the festival’s spirit—fresh, locally sourced, and bold. From quaint cafes offering hearty breakfasts to vibrant food trucks serving global flavors, fueling your festival adventure is seamless. Nearby parks and the Walton Arts Center offer quiet spots for reflection or informal meetups away from festival bustle.

The environment here shows a city firmly grounded in its cultural roots, supported by a sustainable approach to event hosting. Crystal Bridges, with its glass walls opening up to native woodlands, serves as a reminder that Bentonville values art within nature, encouraging visitors to respect both during their stay.

Whether you’re here to discover groundbreaking independent films, network with filmmakers, or simply soak in a community energized by storytelling, the Bentonville Film Festival is a purposeful reminder that cinema can be an adventure—a journey faith in human experience, creativity, and connectivity. Preparation pays: plan your sessions, engage with the local culture, and explore the city’s outdoor nooks between screenings to experience Bentonville’s story beyond the screen.