BENTONVILLE (KFSM) – Actress and Bentonville Film Festival founder Geena Davis joined co-founder Trevor Drinkwater and Walmart’s Director of Global Diversity and Inclusion Mike Wallace on Thursday (March 10) to kickoff preparations for the second annual festival in May.
The trio said they were thrilled to partner up this year to once again celebrate and promote diversity in film.
“We had more time this year to get ready,” Davis said.
In 2015, the festival focused on women and diversity. This year, festival organizers plan to expand that theme.
“Being able to include women, and people of color, and to have that done at this festival is incredible,” Wallace said.
Davis said they reorganized the festival for 2016 to keep most of the events on the Bentonville Square.
“You will be able to walk to the panels and the films being shown,” Davis said.
“All these events are where people can bring their family and have a great time,” Drinkwater added.
In 2015, the festival attracted celebrities like Robert DeNiro, Nick Cannon, and Rosie O’Donnell. Drinkwater said they plan to bring in more celebrities this year, but didn't give any hints as to who that list includes.
“We already have a list of 40 celebrities who have said they are coming in for the festival," Drinkwater said. "At the same level or even higher than the level we had last year.”
The festival will take place May 3 through May 7.
The winner of the Bentonville Film Festival is guaranteed distribution of their movie at Walmart stores around the world.