The Arkansas Cinema Society and its premiere event Filmland were created to build a film community in Arkansas where film lovers can watch films, share ideas, connect with each other and nurture the new and existing film talent within our state through increased exposure to filmmakers and their art.

Filmland returns this October to downtown Little Rock, furthering ACS's mission to promote local filmmakers with Filmland: Arkansas. Information and details on how to submit to Filmland: Arkansas can be found in the short film and feature film categories.

Over the first few years, Filmland has been honored to host Academy Award nominated actor Adam Driver, five-time Oscar nominated Director Richard Linklater, Director David Lowery, Producers Fred Berger and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Actor and Director Joel Edgerton, David and Christina Arquette, WIll Forte and Ted Danson and Oscar winner and ACS board member Mary Steenburgen. Last year's films featured the Southern Premiere of Nomadland with director Chloé Zhao and One Night in Miami with Kemp Powers. Screenings also feature Q&A's moderated by ACS Founder and Director Jeff Nichols and every night wraps with a party for filmmakers and attendees.

Filmland 2021 will take place this Fall. Events and other details will be announced once special guests and screenings are finalized.

Awards & Prizes

ACS Filmland is a non-competitive, curated event but there will be an audience award for the Filmland: Arkansas program.

Rules & Terms

Submissions are for Arkansas filmmakers who either made their film in Arkansas or for an Arkansas Filmmaker who is an Arkansas producer, director, or writer of a film. Films may also be considered if an Arkansas native was the lead or key role as an Actor, Supporting Actor, Production Designer, Costume Designer, Sound Designer, Composer, Editor, Cinematographer, Animator, Visual Effects, Makeup and Hair or First Assistant Director. The Arkansas filmmaker(s) must be available to attend the screening for a conversation after the film.
5 Reviews
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  • Clayton Henderson

    What a fantastic weekend! The festival directors did a great job moving things and adapting with AR’s ever changing weather. Communication was top notch keeping festival goers informed of venue changes. Thank you for the opportunity to screen my sons film, One Of These Days, as Student Audience Choice. Already looking forward to the next event!

    October 2021
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  • Chad Hill

    A great opportunity for Arkansas filmmakers and connecting with other local talent. Thankful to be a part of it. ACS handled the pivot to a virtual format extremely well too, including a very fun and novel Drive-In component.

    October 2020
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  • Connor Allen Smith

    Arkansas film is on the up & up :,]
    Great folks!

    October 2020
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  • Obed Lamy

    My experience at FilmLand2020 will remain forever memorable not only because it was the first time my film has ever been screened at a festival but also for the great care provided by the staff to make the experience the best it could be! Thank you, again, for giving young filmmakers like me access to your platform!

    October 2020
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  • Matthew Magdefrau

    Very proud to be involved with a game changing group to the Arkansas Film Industry, I look forward to many more years of ACS as a filmmaker and spectator.

    September 2018
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