ACS is debuting its first-ever Short Film Pitch Contest at Filmland 2025, offering emerging Arkansas filmmakers a shot at bringing their creative visions to life. Selected contestants will have two minutes to pitch their short film concepts to a panel of industry professionals. The stakes? A generous film equipment grant from Film Gear Rentals to produce their project, plus a guaranteed premiere screening at Filmland 2026. This dynamic competition spotlights Arkansas's growing film community while providing crucial resources to talented local storytellers. Contestants must have prior filmmaking experience and commit to shooting their projects within the state, ensuring these stories are authentically Arkansan from concept to completion.

Filmland: Arkansas will take place during Filmland once again. Submissions are open now through June 1st via FilmFreeway for short films and features. Selected filmmakers will be notified by July 1st. Filmland: Arkansas is non-competitive but the audience has the opportunity to support their favorite local filmmakers! Each professional category features an Audience Award, chosen by those in attendance. The winners of the Professional Shorts and Feature categories are eligible for a Panavision New Filmmaker Grant of $15,000 and $60,000 respectively to be put towards film equipment for their next project.

Submissions are for films made in Arkansas, filmmakers from Arkansas who made a film elsewhere, and Arkansas-based producers, directors, and writers. Films may also be considered if an Arkansas native plays the lead or key role such as an Actor, Production Designer, Costume Designer, Sound Designer, Composer, Editor, Cinematographer, Animator, Visual Effects, Makeup and Hair or First Assistant Director. The Arkansas filmmaker(s) must be available to participate in a conversation about the film if accepted. ACS members receive 50% off submission fees.