The Screens of Gold return to the South Arkansas Arts Center during the 2025 El Dorado Film Festival next month. This year promises to be huge with movies, music, parties and more at SAAC from February 26th to March 2nd. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online or at the SAAC box office. You can see the full schedule here.

Opening night is a can’t miss event! Two-time Emmy nominee Amos Cochran performs at 6 p.m. His work blends art and music for a truly unique experience. Following the performance, a reception will take place in the gallery. At  8 p.m., EDFF is hosting a special 40th-anniversary screening of the horror classic Fright Night, featuring star and El Dorado native William Ragsdale! William will hang out for a Q+A afterwards to reflect on making the film and his career.

"The El Dorado Film Festival isn't just for film buffs – it's five days of pure entertainment that will light up our town,” said Executive Director Alexander Jeffery. “From Emmy-nominated live music to Hollywood stars who grew up right here in South Arkansas, this is more than movies – it's a chance to see El Dorado transform into a cultural hotspot with unforgettable parties, performances, and premieres that you won't want to miss."

‍Other highly anticipated feature films include:

- Break Up Season – A dramatic comedy starring Chandler Riggs (The Walking Dead) and Samantha Isler (Molly’s Game), directed by H. Nelson Tracey.

- Anxiety Club – A documentary by Wendy Lobel exploring anxiety through the perspectives of comedians like Marc Maron and Aparna Nancherla.

- The Fetch – A supernatural horror film inspired by Irish folklore, starring Aleksa Palladino (Boardwalk Empire) and Robert Longstreet (Midnight Mass).

- Max Dagan – A gripping drama starring Michael Madsen (Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2), Rob Morrow (Billions), and Zachary Gordon (Diary of a Wimpy Kid).

Spotlight on Short Films

Short films will screen throughout the festival, with special programming blocks including:

- Arkansas Shorts Block – Featuring local filmmakers such as Smackover native Javion Lee (“Show Pub Queen”), Jen Gerber (“Generational”), and Madison Roy (“Stitches”).

- Louisiana Film Prize Top Five Block – Includes “Three Sessions,” directed by El Dorado native Erica Michelle Singleton.

- Southern Made Film Block – Highlights include “The Stage,” directed by Junction City native Jeremy Enis, and “Fast,” directed by Smackover native Clayton Henderson.

Additional short films include “Canary,” “The Captives,” “The Chain,” and “Pasture Prime,” which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

‍Workshops & Industry Insights

EDFF offers a range of workshops led by industry professionals:

- No Bullsh*t Financing and Distribution – Producer Benjamin Wiessner (SXSW Grand Jury Prize winner Thunder Road) shares insights on securing funding and distribution.

- Creating Independent TV – A panel with Nicholas Logan (Dark Winds), Bridget Regan (The Rookie), and Brittany Fallow (The Fetch).

- Storytelling With Sound – Featuring expert sound designer Beso Kacharava (Euphoria), filmmaker J.C. Doler (The Fetch), and composer Amos Cochran (Mystery League).

‍Festival Awards & Recognition

EDFF will present cash awards in several categories, including Best of Fest ($1,500), Best Narrative Feature ($500), and Best Arkansas Short ($500), among others. Awards aren’t just for filmmakers–one lucky audience member will win the Pam Callaway Spirit of the Fest Award which comes with a special trophy and $1,000 cash prize!

The El Dorado Film Festival continues to be a premier destination for filmmakers and film lovers alike. With an exciting lineup of films, workshops, and special events, this year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable experience. Secure your tickets now and be part of the cinematic celebration!

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