The Fort Smith International Film Festival has long been a celebration of storytelling, culture, and community, and this year’s lineup is no exception. Among the standout features is Welcome to the Neighborhood , a compelling new film from writer-director Jeff LeForce that mixes suspense, humor, and heart in a truly original way. We had a chance to sit down with LeForce and talk about his film. Check out his interview below. Click Below to Watch Video You can find out more about his film is on Instagram @welcometotheneighborhoodok Proud Media Sponsor for the Fort Smith International Film Festival

Local musician and filmmaker Gene Reid made waves at this year’s Fort Smith International Film Festival with the screening of his thought-provoking music video Shooter in the School . Check out his interview below.

Dr Hasaan Rasheed at Fort Smith International Film Festival The Fort Smith International Film Festival once again proved to be a hub for creativity, inspiration, and community connection, and one of the most memorable moments came from an engaging conversation with actor and storyteller Dr. Hasaan Rasheed. Known for his dynamic presence both on screen and in the arts community, Dr. Rasheed shared candid insights into his journey into acting and offered heartfelt guidance for those hoping to follow in his footsteps. Check out his interview below. Click Below To Watch Dr. Rasheed’s talk at the festival resonated deeply with attendees. His blend of realism, encouragement, and practical advice provided a roadmap for navigating the often unpredictable path of an acting career. His passion for the craft and for uplifting others left a lasting impression on the audience. You may know him from these: The Beat, War from the Archives, Black Panther, Preacher's Kid, Friday Night Lights and The Immortal Man. As the Fort Smith Film Festival continues to spotlight diverse voices in the film industry, moments like this remind us why the arts matter: they connect, inspire, and challenge us to dream bigger. You can keep up with Dr Hasaan Rasheed on Social @hasaanshines Proud Media Sponsor of the Fort Smith International Film Festival

In the heart of Northwest Arkansas, the Fayetteville Film Fest has grown into a premier destination for filmmakers, artists, and cinephiles. We had a chance to set down a speak with Film Fest organizer and fellow Filmmaker Billy Chase Goforth about the advantages of attending Fort Smith International Film Festival, Advice for filmmakers and the 16th Annual the Fayetteville Film Fest. Click Below To Watch You can find out more about the Fayetteville Film Festival by clicking here . Proud Media Sponsors of the Fort Smith International Film Festival

At this year’s Fort Smith International Film Festival, audiences were treated to an eclectic mix of stories from around the world. Among them, one stood out for its emotional depth, cinematic beauty, and musical soul: Return to Elenore , a short film and music video hybrid created by Australian filmmaker and musician Peter Renzullo. We sat down with a Rep for Renzullo to discuss his creative process, the story behind the film, and how it felt to bring his work to an Arkansas audience thousands of miles from home. Click Below To Watch Interview Proud Media Sponsors of the Fort Smith International Film Festival

The Fort Smith International Film Festival will welcomed an inspiring voice in documentary filmmaking this year, Gregory Fish, whose latest work Life of Trees is as much a celebration of nature as it is of human stewardship. The film follows a dedicated property owner who has made it her mission to give life to new trees. Check out his interview below. You can find out more by going to greatwondersproduction.org Proud Media Sponsors Of The Fort Smith International Film Festival

The Fort Smith International Film Festival rolled out its red carpet this year to welcome a beloved face from many childhoods, actress Tami Erin, best known for her role as the spirited, freckle-faced heroine in The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking  (1988). Now, Erin’s infectious charm and zest for storytelling are as vibrant as ever, captivating festival-goers during her appearance. She participated in a panel discussion on the evolving landscape of independent cinema, sharing insights with emerging filmmakers about building authentic connections with audiences. We had the chance to sit down with Tami Erin in a quiet corner of the festival and talk about about the filming of Pippi Longstocking and what she is currently working on. Check it out below. Click Below To Watch The Interview with Tami Erin As the Fort Smith International Film Festival continues to grow in reputation, moments like Tami Erin’s visit remind us why these cultural gatherings matter, they bridge generations, inspire new creators, and keep the spirit of imagination alive. You can find out more about Tami Erin here. Proud Media Sponsors Of The Fort Smith International Film Festival

Excited conversations filled the air at this year’s Fort Smith International Film Festival. Amid the crowd of creative voices, one stood out, not just for his charisma, but for his remarkable impact on theater and film in Arkansas and beyond: Mark Landon Smith. We had the privilege of sitting down with Mark between screenings, and if there’s one thing you learn quickly about him, it’s that he’s a storyteller in every sense of the word, whether on stage, behind the casting table, or in front of a camera. Click Below To Watch Interview with Mark Landon Smith Mark Landon Smith is a multi-talented figure in the performing arts, playwright, actor, casting director, producer, and theater company leader. With decades of experience, he is deeply embedded in both the regional theater scene (particularly in Arkansas) and independent film production. His work encompasses published plays, stage and screen acting, casting for diverse projects, and directing theater companies and workshops. You can find out more about his casting agency by going to actorscastingagency.com or to find out more about him go to marklandonsmith.com . Proud Media Sponsor of the Fort Smith International Film Festival

The 2025 Fort Smith International Film Festival dazzled movie lovers, filmmakers, and community members this past weekend with a celebration of global storytelling, local talent, and cultural diversity. Hosted in the heart of historic downtown Fort Smith, the multi-day event featured screenings, panels, live music, and unforgettable networking moments that brought together a dynamic range of voices from across Arkansas and beyond. From compelling narratives to visually stunning animations, the festival presented a curated mix of films that touched on important theme, from neurodiversity and identity to indigenous heritage and social justice. With attendees hailing from across the U.S. and around the world, this year’s festival solidified its growing reputation as a regional hub for independent cinema. 🏆 Fort Smith International Film Festival Award Winners 2025 🎞️ Top Awards Best Overall Film : Surviving the Spectrum Best Overall Short Film : The Pretty 🌍 Regional & Cultural Excellence Fort Smith Proud : Club Kinkeads Best of River Valley : Dunklin Best Arkansas Film : The Mirror Best MidAmerica Film : Just the Janitor 🌐 International & Cultural Diversity Best International Short Film : Amplified Best People of Color Film : Colbert: All Students Can Learn Best Indigenous Film : Keepers of the Coastline Best LGBTQ Short Film : The Ball 🎥 Genre & Format Winners Best Feature Documentary : Susan Best Short Documentary : Surviving the Spectrum Best College Short Film : Submerged Best Animation : In Half Best Music Video : Blood on Your Lips Best Episodic : Space Station Village Best Narrative Feature : Delta County Best Thriller Film : Palate Cleanser Best Alumni Film : Drowned Land 🌟 Fort Smith International Film Festival 2025 Top Screeners These dedicated individuals helped review hundreds of submissions to make the festival a success: Ronald Nichols Melissa Woodall Rain Story Marilyn Knapp Patrick Conrad Lisa Jan-Bohne’Clay Crissie McBride 🏅 Special Recognition: Brandon Goldsmith Honored During the awards ceremony, Dr. Brandon Chase Goldsmith, founder and director of the Fort Smith International Film Festival, was honored for his visionary leadership and continued impact on the arts community. He was presented with a Special Recognition Award in appreciation of his dedication to building a platform where local and international stories can flourish side by side. Goldsmith’s efforts have not only grown the festival year over year, but have also empowered emerging talent from across the River Valley and beyond. His work has helped solidify Fort Smith as a rising creative hub in the Mid-South—and this year’s turnout proved just how far the festival’s influence now reaches. Congratulations to all those who submitted their work! Fort Smith International Film Festival Gallery Proud Media Sponsors of the Fort Smith River Valley Film Festival

We sat down with Jason Pitts at the Fort Smith International Film Festival to discuss the inspiration behind the film, its rapid rise in the indie horror scene, and the passion that drives his work. Click Below To Watch Interview with Jasion Pitts With a filmography steeped in indie horror, director and co-writer Jason Pitts returns with a bone-chilling tale of family, fear, and a demonic cult that refuses to stay in the shadows. The film follows Chloe, a young woman desperate to find her missing mother, Kathy. Together with her best friend Ava and stepfather Ken, she uncovers clues that lead them into the heart of a sinister ritual, and into the clutches of an evil that may not let them escape. The Forest Through the Trees  has quickly become a standout in the festival circuit, earning accolades in categories ranging from directing and cinematography to musical score and acting. Audiences from New York to Madrid have been left breathless by its relentless tension and terrifying turns. Including being a local finalist of the Fort Smith International Film Festival. After making a chilling impression across the global film festival circuit, the award-winning horror sensation The Forest Through the Trees  is now creeping into homes everywhere, thanks to its latest streaming release via New Jersey-based distributor, BayView Entertainment, Inc and is located on Amazon Prime. Proud Media Sponsor Of The Fort Smith International Film Festival

Do you believe in the paranormal? Are you intrigued by stories of unexplained encounters, haunted places, and the chilling mysteries that lie just beyond our understanding? Then you won’t want to miss this spine-tingling opportunity to meet renowned paranormal investigator and bestselling author Jason Walker in Sallisaw! 📅 Meet Paranormal Author Jason Walker Friday, August 15, 2025 🕛 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM 📍 Stanley Tubbs Memorial Library 📍 101 E Cherokee Ave., Sallisaw, OK Jason Walker, author of the chilling true story “The Gates of Hell and the Demons That Protect It: The 2003 Incident,”  will be signing books, meeting fans, and sharing insights into his real-life encounters with the supernatural. Known for his compelling storytelling and investigative work in some of the country’s most haunted locations, Jason’s books have captivated readers who dare to explore the darker side of reality. Whether you're a longtime fan or just curious about the unknown, this is the perfect chance to connect with one of the most talked-about voices in modern paranormal literature.

This past Saturday, August 2nd, marked a truly special day for our community as we celebrated the 13th annual 40/29 and Arkansas CW Backpack Giveaway. Held at the Pleasant Crossing Walmart Supercenter in Rogers, this event was a resounding success, providing 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to children in our community. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this event possible! From sponsors to volunteers and local vendors, your generosity played an instrumental role in making a positive difference in the lives of these children. We want to extend a special thank you to our incredible sponsors: Bic, Walmart, Crayola, Whataburger, Sports Clips, The Scott Family Amazeum, Takis, Norcom, Andy's Frozen Custard, Walmart Pharmacy & Vision Center, Unilever's Popsicle Truck, JC Penney and Rogers Fire Department E6 for donating or being on-site to lend a helping hand. Your commitment to giving back to our community means the world to us and to the many families who benefited from this event. This annual giveaway wouldn’t be what it is without the unwavering support, dedication, and teamwork of everyone involved. Your contributions ensure the continued success of this meaningful initiative, leaving a lasting and positive impact on countless young lives. Thank you for believing in our mission to support and uplift the children of our community. Here’s to another fantastic year of partnership and making a difference, see you next year! Click below to watch video Backpack Giveaway Gallery Thank you, sponsors!