Love is in the air as Winter turns to Spring. To celebrate, the Arkansas Cinema Society (ACS) will present a special screening of Tippi & Barb, a poignant documentary about love, resilience, and the fight for equality, on Sunday, February 16th at 2:30 p.m. at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. Doors open 30 minutes before the show. Admission is $10 and tickets can be purchased online.

All parties—director Brad Burleson, executive producer Kathy Webb and film subjects Barb Mariani and Tippi McCullough—will reunite on stage for a Q+A session moderated by Senator Clarke Tucker. Following the on-stage chat, our celebration and conversation will continue during a Happy Hour in the Atrium, featuring specialty-themed cocktails and mocktails!

‍Logline: After 13 years of love and devotion, Tippi, a cherished teacher, and Barb, a prominent lawyer, find their bond tested like never before when a single phone call on their wedding day ignites a battle against workplace discrimination. As they challenge deeply ingrained biases, their personal fight for justice transforms into a nationwide crusade for LGBTQIA+ rights.

ACS Founding Board Member Kathy Webb is an executive producer on the project and film subject Tippi McCullough is a current board member. Along with the personal connections, ACS Executive Director Kathryn Tucker wanted to screen this film because Tippi & Barb is a testament to the power of personal stories advancing the rights of marginalized communities.

"I’m beyond excited for our community to experience this incredible film. It’s a powerful and deeply moving story about love, resilience, and the fight for equality. Tippi and Barb’s journey not only sheds light on the struggles against workplace discrimination but also reminds us of the courage it takes to stand up for what’s right. This is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll."

Burleson said, “Tippi and Barb's story is a powerful testament to the power of love and resilience in the face of adversity. It's a story that needs to be told, and I'm honored to help tell it. I hope Tippi & Barb will spark dialogue and promote understanding, but more than that, I hope it will inspire action.”

‍About Tippi McCullough
Tippi McCullough is a trailblazing politician and former educator, known for her fearless advocacy of LGBTQIA+ rights. A lifelong Arkansan and passionate teacher, Tippi's career took an unexpected turn when she was fired from a Catholic high school for marrying her long-term partner, Barbara Mariani. Rather than retreat, Tippi embraced activism, eventually running for public office. She now serves as a state representative and was the first openly gay Minority Leader of the Arkansas House of Representatives. Tippi has dedicated her political career to ensuring that all Arkansans, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, are treated with dignity and respect.

‍About Barbara Mariani
Barbara Mariani is a highly respected prosecuting attorney whose work has touched countless lives both in and outside of the courtroom. Known for her intellect and community service, Barb has served as a volunteer coach and mentor while also balancing a successful legal career. Her unwavering support for her wife, Tippi McCullough, during their battle with workplace discrimination has made her a symbol of strength and grace. Together, Barb and Tippi have traveled across the country advocating for equal rights and raising awareness about the injustices still faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.

‍About Brad Burleson
Brad Burleson, a tenth-generation Arkansan, is a filmmaker, producer, and community leader from Hot Springs, Arkansas. As the Producer and Director of Awesome at Content Titan, a Little Rock-based production company, Brad has honed his storytelling craft through diverse projects, from commercials to digital content. Tippi & Barb marks his directorial debut in documentary filmmaking. A product of the Inception to Projection program, Brad brings a fresh, creative perspective to his work, driven by a deep connection to his Arkansas roots, a genuine love of people, and a passion for authentic storytelling.