Geena Davis on Bentonville Fest: ‘We’re About Gender and Diversity in Every Sense’

Bentonville Film Festival is marking its fifth anniversary as a space that highlights the work of filmmakers from underrepresented communities. Co-founded by Oscar-winner Geena Davis, the festival isn’t just interested in spotlighting these artists. It wants to get their films out into the wider world. To that end, it guarantees distribution for its top prize-winners courtesy of AMC Theatres, Lifetime TV and streamer Vudu. At a time when major studios are being faulted for failing to be more inclusive, this Arkansas-based festival is committed to boosting the number of women and people of color in film production. Last year, 87% of the films that screened at Bentonville received some form of release. To mark the fest’s half decade, Variety caught up with Davis. Read More…