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The Arkansas Cinema Society (ACS) and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) are pleased to announce the return of Filmland August 12-16, 2026. Much like previous years, Filmland will showcase captivating independent films and riveting filmmaker conversations that you can’t see anywhere else.
“Filmland is a very special time for us each year - much like filmmaking itself, it’s about connection.,” said Executive Director and Co-Founder Kathryn F. Tucker. “It’s a moment when our film community comes together to share and celebrate the films they created. Through screenings, workshops, happy hours, and special guest filmmaker appearances, we connect our audience with films made in Arkansas and by Arkansas filmmakers, while also welcoming seasoned filmmakers to our great state. It’s a chance to celebrate how our growing film community and audience continue to inspire one another. We hope people mark their calendars and join us next August at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts!”
Past Filmland showings include Sing Sing, The Bikeriders, Nomadland, Free Solo, The Eyes of Tammy Faye and more, appearing fresh off of their premieres at festivals like Sundance, Telluride, Toronto and Venice. Over the last few years, Filmland has been honored to host directors Richard Linklater, David Lowery, Jay Duplass and Michael Shannon; producers Evan Hayes, Kim Reynolds & Brian Kavanaugh-Jones; and actors Colman Domingo, Margot Robbie, Jessica Chastain, and Oscar winner and ACS board member Mary Steenburgen.
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!
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 attend Filmland if accepted. While premiere status for a film is not required, it will be weighted when determining the final lineup. ACS members receive 50 percent off submission fees. Please contact us for a code.
Ready to Pitch? After a successful debut last summer, the Filmland: Arkansas Short Film Pitch Contest returns in 2026, offering Arkansas filmmakers a shot at bringing their short film to life. This year’s prize is bigger than before!
How it works: Selected contestants will have two minutes to pitch their short-film concepts to a panel of industry professionals. The Pitch Contest takes place during Filmland 2026, August 12th - 16th, at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock, AR. The specific date and time will be announced closer to this year’s festival.
What’s at stake: A generous Lighting and Grip Equipment Grant from Film Gear Rentals to produce their project, and a guaranteed premiere screening at Filmland 2027. Plus, this year’s winner will receive an additional $5,000 Cash Prize to help bring their pitch to life.
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. Applications are now open. Submissions are due by July 31, 2026.
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.
The Arkansas Cinema Society's Filmland is an annual event that celebrates cinema with a focus on nurturing and inspiring filmmakers in Arkansas. It aims to expose Arkansans to filmmakers and their art by hosting a variety of activities including screenings, workshops, and panel discussions featuring both local and international filmmakers.
Filmland 2024 welcomed the extraordinary Colman Domingo for a special sneak preview of SING SING, giving audiences a powerful glimpse into his latest work. As the recipient of the inaugural Southern Storytellers Award, Colman captivated attendees during an intimate Q+A, sharing stories from set and the narratives that continue to shape his career.
During a deeply personal event, Diane Ladd and Laura Dern shared touching stories and heartfelt reflections from their joint book, Honey, Baby, Mine, revealing the profound bond between mother and daughter. This intimate gathering not only brought attendees closer to these celebrated actresses but also illuminated the emotional depth and personal connections possible at ACS events.
Guests enjoyed a first look at the season finale of Palm Royale, complete with a pre-screening cocktail hour and a post-show Q&A with Josh Lucas and Jayme Lemons. This exclusive event highlighted the unique opportunities ACS offers for direct engagement with film industry professionals and ongoing support for cinematic arts.
As a small arts non-profit, we are not able to offer refunds. However, you are welcome to get in touch with us to put your unused ticket purchase toward a future event.
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