‘Rosemead,' starring Lucy Liu, takes top prize at Bentonville Film Festival
Also a producer on the film, Liu was additionally honored with the Rising to the Challenge Award, a prize "given to a select few artists in the history of Bentonville Film Festival and honoring those who represent the true impact of supporting independent film both in front of and behind the camera."
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Cofounded by Academy Award winner Geena Davis, the Arkansas-based fest also handed out Best Documentary, which went to The Librarians, Kim A. Snyder's examination of library workers facing censorship in Texas.
Best Homegrown, an award reserved for filmmakers hailing from Arkansas, was won by Sovereign. Directed by Christian Swegal, the film — inspired by true events — tells the story of a father and son with anti-governmental leanings and stars Nick Offerman, Jacob Tremblay, and Dennis Quaid.
Here's the full list of the winners from the 11th annual Bentonville Film Festival.
Best Narrative: Rosemead (Director: Eric Lin; Writer, Marilyn Fu; producers: Mynette Louie, Andrew Corkin, Lucy Liu) Jury Statement: 'Rosemead' captures the terrifying realities of motherhood in our contemporary era. When culture, society, and healthcare break down, how can a mother protect her own child? With a powerhouse performance from the often underused Lucy Liu, you understand every choice she makes. Director Eric Lin sparks real world conversations about the society we're living in through an intimate, unflinching film based on true events in the San Gabriel Valley. The very essence of what great cinema can do.
Special Jury Mention for Directorial Vision: Color Book (Director-writer: David Fortune; producers: Kiah Clingman, Kristen Uno, Autumn Bailey-Ford) Jury Statement: David Fortune's Color Book makes daring choices through form and subject matter. In a stripped down tale of a father just trying to get his son to a baseball game, the film unearths profound themes about the world we live in with a consistent command of beautiful visuals, performances, and crisp storytelling. Fortune's vision speaks through a confident hand like he's done this many times before.
Special Jury Mention for Ensemble Cast: Adult Children (Director-producer: Rich Newey; writer-producer: Annika Marks; producers: Angie Gaffney, Thomas Sadoski) Jury Statement: In these times, the world needs to laugh, and Adult Children dispenses the chuckles effortlessly through its superb ensemble playing a maladjusted family colliding back together. The film speaks to a generational stuntedness that makes us realize that we're all faking it as grown ups.
Best Documentary: The Librarians (Director-producer: Kim A. Snyder; Producers, Janique L. Robillard, Maria Cuomo Cole, Jana Edelbaum) Jury Statement: This extraordinary film is powerful, timely and needed. It enrages and saddens, with not a second missed. The storytelling does not discriminate in its coverage, making its points thoroughly, in a scary, chilling and necessary exploration. These librarians are heroes.
Special Jury Mention (Documentary): Heightened Scruity (Director-producer: Sam Feder; Producers, Amy Scholder, Paula Mendoza) Jury Statement: Heightened Scruity is a film that humanizes an issue that's become increasingly political, making it a story about people. A quintessential example of journalistic storytelling, the Jury found it uplifting, heart centered, factual, human and necessary. It beautifully contextualizes the war on trans people and the undue stress and scrutiny they face just to be themselves.
Best Homegrown: Sovereign (Director-writer: Christian Swegal; producer, Nick Moceri) Jury Statement: Under the visionary direction of Christian Swegal, this bold story is elevated by a cast whose performances bring depth and authenticity to every scene. Sovereign bravely opens a window into a side of American culture that is often difficult to discuss. The film invites viewers to confront complex realities with honesty and compassion, sparking important conversations that linger long after the credits roll.
Special Jury Mention (Homegrown): Beyond the Ashes: An Adaptive Trail Story (Directors-producers: Brock Wagner, Tim Johnson; producers: Jason Williams, Uriah Nazario, Bianca Montoya, Brian Carlson, John Hunter) Jury Statement: For its powerful storytelling that uplifts under-recognized voices and celebrates resilience. The film also shines a light on Northwest Arkansas as a growing hub for inclusion and accessibility.
Best Episodic: Born 2 Lose (Director: Carlos Cardona) Jury Statement: This pilot excels in capturing intimate moments with authenticity and nuance, showcasing exceptional filmmaking craft. It creates a world that is dramatic, compelling, and rock and roll to the core—a universe we want to see more of. 'Born 2 Lose' is clearly just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable journey for this talented team. We eagerly look forward to what's next, both on screen and behind the camera.
Best Short Film: "Lovin' Her" (Director, day) Jury Statement: A haunting short with deeply felt performances that achieved excellence in interweaving singular moments into a narrative that stayed with us all after the film was over.
Special Jury Mention: "View From the Floor" (Directors, Megan Griffiths, Mindie Lind)
Special Jury Mention: "Tender Thoughts" (Director, Anndi Jinelle Liggett)
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