Fort Smith International Film Festival Returns Showcasing 160 Films!

The Fort Smith International Film Festival & MidAmerica Film Market marks its 5th year, showcasing 160 films from local, regional, national, and international filmmakers. Hosted at the Fort Smith Convention Center and other venues like The Bakery District, Fort Smith Museum of History, Club Kinkead's and Hero’s Bar, the festival celebrates diverse cinematic storytelling.

Highlights include a Special pre-event screening of In the Footsteps of Darby on August 6, and Best of the River Valley Red Carpet Event on Thursday, August 7 (Free). Indigenous films by 17 tribal nations, and free off-site screenings.

Tickets range from $10–$50 at FortSmithFilm.com, with early bird discounts available until June 31.

This year’s poster by local artist Laura Wattles revealed! See Below...

Local designer Laura Wattles returns this year as the poster artist for the festival. Describing her creative process, Wattles said:

“After volunteering design services for last year’s film festival, I was extremely pleased that Brandon gave me the opportunity to design this year’s poster. He gave me a bit of direction—include the optical effect that happens when a film camera is pointed at a television screen, called a video feedback loop. That was my launching point. So, I started with the TV. And for the light of the screen to show up, I felt like a nighttime scene was called for, which determined my color scheme. I decided I wanted to create an illustration and look that gave the feel of indie band posters, since this is an indie film festival. I set the TV in an outdoor scene, on a tree stump, after dark, and added some elements of interest morel mushrooms, a film reel, and a mockingbird (the Arkansas state bird, of course). I hope the illustration, and the festival are huge hits this year!”

Don’t miss this cinematic celebration!

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Proud Sponsors of the Fort Smith International Film Festival