Key Facts
The 12th annual Bentonville Film Festival (BFF) concluded on June 21, 2026, with an awards gala on June 20. The festival, presented by Walmart and Coca-Cola, honored diverse storytellers across multiple categories.
Top Winners
Walter Thompson-Hernández's 'If I Go Will They Miss Me' received the Best Narrative award, while Judd Ehrlich's 'Jane Elliott Against the World' won Best Documentary. Geena Davis, BFF chair, congratulated winners via video, noting she was filming 'The Kellys' with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Other Award Highlights
- Special Jury Mention (Directorial Vision): 'The Musical' by Gisella Bonilla
- Special Jury Mention (Lead Performances): 'BRB' by Kate Cobb
- Special Jury Mention (Documentary): 'Summer 2000: The X-Cetra Story' by Ayden Mayeri
- Best Homegrown Film: 'Baby/Girls' by Jackie Jesko and Alyse Walsh
- Special Jury Mention (Homegrown): 'Filthy' by Lisa Cole
- Best Episodic: 'Too Romantic' by Talia Light Rake
- Best Short Film: 'Find the Boy' by Pauline Goasmat
- Special Jury Mention (Short Film): 'Paper Daughter' by Cami Kwan and 'She Chose War' by Sarah Moshman
Festival Highlights
The festival opened with Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick's thriller 'Family Movie' and closed with a screening of the first episode of 'Little House on the Prairie.' Showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine received the Rising to the Challenge Award.
Impact and Mission
The Bentonville Film Foundation, in partnership with the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, champions underrepresented voices. Its mission includes supporting female, non-binary, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, API, and disabled creators through research, education, and distribution.
FAQ
Which films won the top awards at the 2026 Bentonville Film Festival?
Walter Thompson-Hernández's 'If I Go Will They Miss Me' won Best Narrative, and Judd Ehrlich's 'Jane Elliott Against the World' won Best Documentary.
Who presented the awards at the Bentonville Film Festival?
Geena Davis, chair of the festival, appeared via video alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger to congratulate winners.
What is the mission of the Bentonville Film Foundation?
The foundation promotes underrepresented voices in entertainment, focusing on female, non-binary, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, API, and disabled storytellers.