The 12th annual Bentonville Film Festival concluded Monday after handing out awards in multiple categories Saturday night in Northwest Arkansas. If I Go Will They Miss Me took the Best Narrative Award while Jane Elliott Against the World earned Best Documentary.
If I Go Will They Miss Me, directed by Walter Thompson-Hernández, won the top narrative prize. The drama stars Danielle Brooks, J. Alphonse Nicholson and Bodhi Dell and follows a boy who sees ghostly figures of other boys while grappling with his father’s distance.
Jane Elliott Against the World, directed by Judd Ehrlich, received the Best Documentary Award. The film examines the life of the Iowa teacher known for her blue eyes/brown eyes exercise on racism.
Special jury mentions went to The Musical for directorial vision, BRB for lead performances and Summer 2000: The X-Cetra Story in the documentary category. Additional honors included Best Episodic for Too Romantic and Best Short Film for Find The Boy, France.
Festival chair Geena Davis said the awards reflect the passion of storytellers whose work will broaden perspectives. Walmart and Coca-Cola served as founding partner and presenting sponsor.
