Retro Spex: The Best of the Made in Arkansas Film Festival...so far!

Join the Made in Arkansas Film Festival for a monthly night of screenings in the CALS Ron Robinson Theater. This month, we're thrilled to present an evening celebrating the best of the Made in Arkansas Film Fest...so far!

Doors will open at 6:00pm and films start promptly at 7:00pm.

Leo - 18:30

Chris Millham - 2022 Best Student Short Film Winner

Leo is a Hispanic folk country singer, who struggles to perform his art and maintain stability in his relationship without the presence of alcohol.

Absent - 14:54

Damon McGinnis - 2021 Best Arkansas Short Winner

A lonely high school student is plagued with nightmares following the mysterious disappearance of his best friend.

Rise - 3:13

Aaron Szabo - 2021 Best Microshort Winner

A man who has given up reaches his limit, but after given a second chance rises to his full potential.

My Dear Aunt Sally - 9:59

Tom Procida - 2023 Best Regional Film Winner

A grade-schooler with crippling anxiety, 8 year old Luke reluctantly spends time with his free spirited Aunt Sally. In the midst of arcades, ketchup stains and axe throwing, he learns the powerful lessons of taking risks, making mistakes and dealing with adversity. Like Sally says, “It’s what you do after the bird shits on you that counts.”

The Invitation - 11:26

Lara Hill - 2020 Best Regional Winner

Pastor Paul is trying to save Ambrose's soul. It's not going well.

Lowlifes - 20:29

Daniel Wingfield - 2023 Best Short Film Winner

In 1993, the murder rate in Little Rock, Arkansas was one of the highest in the nation, surpassing that of New York and Los Angeles. LOWLIFES is a personal story from this era which explores why a young kid would be drawn to gang life, and why it continues to be a force in our communities today.

Intermission

Call of the Clownhorn - 18:59

Mike Stutz - 2023 Best Actor and Actress Winner

They say if you're feeling lost, reach out to those around you. But what if they don't reach back? Shot in and around Fayetteville, Arkansas and inspired by a true story, this dark comedy explores the boundaries of friendship, love and clown horns.

Salad Days - 8:55

Eric White & Terrell Case - 2020 Best Arkansas Short Winner

In a detached and isolated time, two men become more connected than they ever wanted to be or, um, I don't know but it's prolly a tumor. GET OUTTA MY HEAD!!!

Shattered Dreams - 9:14

TJ Teeter/Bryan Stafford - 2021 Audience Winner

A young artist is transformed into her child self and plunged into the world of her creations when overwhelmed by the isolation and stress of the outside world.

Blood on the Risers - 19:25

Caleb Fanning - 2021 Best of Fest Winner

It is 1945 and many men & women have returned home from service during World War II. However, for some, the war is not over. This is where we find Charlie Evans, a paratrooper who jumped into Normandy on D-Day. After three years of being gone, he comes home to his wife, Afton, who has no idea about the burdens and trauma that Charles is bringing home with him. The film tells the story of his struggle to reconcile the trauma of war and his peaceful life at home.

Intermission

Q&A with filmmakers