The Bentonville Film Foundation, in collaboration with founding partner, Walmart, and presenting sponsor, Coca-Cola, announced that Cassandra Freeman, Tika Sumpter and Michaela Watkins will take part in the iconic “Geena & Friends” program presented by the festival, taking place on June 14th at the Thaden Theater in Bentonville, AR.
The program, led by Academy Award winning actress Geena Davis and moderated by “The Hollywood Reporter’s” contributing editor Stacey Wilson Hunt, takes a unique spin on traditional comedic narratives by reimagining them with an all-female or gender non-conforming cast. The result is an evening filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a deep dive into the power of storytelling. This year’s cast includes Cassandra Freeman (“Bel-Air”), Tika Sumpter (“Sonic the Hedgehog”) and Michaela Watkins (“Thanks for Sharing”).
“I am thrilled to lead this program that reimagines all-male film narratives with an all-female/gender non-conforming cast, leading to great humor” said festival chair Geena Davis. “It's an incredible opportunity to showcase the power of storytelling through laughter and camaraderie. Working alongside such talented individuals as Cassandra Freeman, Tika Sumpter, and Michaela Watkins is truly inspiring. I look forward to sharing this unique and transformative experience with everyone."
In addition, the festival has announced the below additional events and spotlight screenings to take place throughout the duration of the festival:
Geena & Friends
· Friday, June 14 at 6:00 p.m.
· Thaden Theater
Two-time Academy Award Winning Actor Geena Davis along with an all-star group of equally brilliant actors will re-imagine memorable dialogue from all-male movie scenes through an all-female/gender non-conforming lens. A fun and poignant way to explore how refreshing it can be to expand our vision of who can be cast in roles originally written for men.
· Cast: Geena Davis, Cassandra Freeman, Tika Sumpter, Michaela Watkins.
Making an Impact: Breaking Barriers & Challenging Biases (Presented by Paramount)
· Wednesday, June 12 at 10:00 a.m.
· Fermentation Hall at The Momentary
Paramount’s Impact Series focuses on supporting gender equity in the workplace by hosting thoughtful conversations with leaders to discuss lessons learned along the way in their career journey. During this discussion, a powerhouse panel of female leaders will share their own personal experiences and dissect how industries are leveling the playing field for all women, from the board room to the writer’s room, on camera and on store shelves.
· Moderator: Pam Kaufman, President and CEO of International Markets, Global Consumer Products & Experiences, Paramount Global
· Panelists: Julie Barber, EVP, Walmart General Merchandise; Erica Grundish, VP, PepsiCo Sam’s Club; Dawn Norvell, Global Head of Retail Lab, NielsenIQ
Spotlight Screenings
“Continue” (U.S.A.)
· Thursday, June 13 at 3:15 p.m.
· Skylight Cinemas
A girl suffering from depression is forced to get her life together when she is taken involuntarily to a mental institution after trying to follow in her father's footsteps but failing in her suicide attempt. She finds unlikely friends, unwavering love, and a life she never imagined possible. All to find out some decisions can't be undone. You only get one life.
· Director/Writer: Nadine Crocker
· Cast: Nadine Crocker, Shiloh Fernandez, Lio Tipton, Anthony Caravella, Emily Deschanel
“Unsung Hero” (U.S.A.)
· Thursday, June 13 at 1:00 p.m.
· Skylight Cinemas
David Smallbone (Joel Smallbone) and his wife Helen (Daisy Betts) move from Down Under to the States, with nothing more than their seven children, suitcases, and their love of music. They ultimately realize the musical prowess in their children, who would go on to become two of the most successful acts in inspirational music history: five-time Grammy Award®-winning artists for King + Country and Rebecca St. James.
· Directors/Writers: Joel Smallbone, Richard L. Ramsey; Story by Richard L. Ramsey
· Cast: Daisy Betts, Joel Smallbone, Kirrilee Berger, Jonathan Jackson, Lucas Black, Candace Cameron Bure, Terry O'Quinn
“White Bird” (U.S.A.) EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK
· Wednesday, June 12 at 6:30 p.m.
· Skylight Cinemas
When Julian (Bryce Gheisar) is visited by his grandmother (Helen Mirren) after struggling with adjusting to his new school, he is transformed by her remarkable story of compassion and bravery of her attempts to escape Nazi-occupied France during WWII. From director Marc Forster and based on R.J. Palacio’s graphic novel, White Bird reminds us to be brave and choose kind.
· Director: Marc Forster; Writer: Mark Bomback
· Cast: Ariella Glaser, Orlando Schwerdt, Bryce Gheisar, Gillian Anderson, Helen Mirren
COMPETITION FILM JURORS
· Carlos Aguilar (Film Journalist)
· Betsy Bozdech (Editorial Director, Common Sense Media)
· Sejin Croninger (EVP Worldwide Acquisitions, Paramount Pictures)
· Sarah Minnie (Head of Artist Development and Production, OTV)
· Ify Nwadiwe (Actor, Comedian, Writer)
· Elias Plagianos (Writer, Director, Producer)
· Diane Quon (Producer, “Minding the Gap”)
· Shrihari Sathe (Producer, “The Cow Who Sang a Song Into the Future”)
· Amber Sealey (Director, “Out of My Mind”)
· Jatin Setia (Executive Director, Twin Cities Film Festival)
· Kristal Sotomayor (Filmmaker, Festival Programmer)
· Erich C. Smith (Agent, TCA Jed Root)
· Claire Taylor (Director of Programming, SeriesFest)
· Lisa Ann Walter (Actor, Producer, Comic)
· Kris Wimberley (Co-Founder and Head of Creative, Studio Smokescreen)
The annual Bentonville Film Festival is a globally recognized platform amplifying female, non-binary, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and people with disabilities’ voices in entertainment. Festival passes are on sale now. For more information, visit bentonvillefilm.org.
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