Fort Smith Film Festival draws record 597 submissions from 70+ nations
George "Clay" Mitchell- The Fort Smith International Film Festival received a record 597 film submissions from more than 70 countries.
- Volunteer screeners play a crucial role, watching nearly 600 films to curate the festival lineup.
- The festival's growing reputation is attracting diverse films, including more than 100 feature-length submissions.
- The official film selections will be revealed on May 31, with tickets available starting June 5.
The Fort Smith International Film Festival and its companion event, the MidAmerica Film Market, have shattered records this year, receiving an unprecedented 597 film submissions from more than 70 countries, nations and tribes.
Organizers say the overwhelming global response reflects the River Valley’s growing recognition as a destination for filmmakers and creative storytellers.
While the public will experience the festival in August, the selection process begins months in advance. Submissions opened in January, launching a lengthy review period managed by Director of Operations Tori Buie and a team of volunteer screeners who are the first to view every entry.
“Our team of screeners this year has gone above and beyond,” Buie said. “Their dedication is breathtaking. We have screeners who have watched hundreds of movies for us.”
At least three reviewers watched each of the nearly 600 submitted films, amounting to approximately 2,000 total viewings. The diverse lineup includes shorts, features, documentaries, experimental films and works in indigenous languages with subtitles.
“I love screening the movies, especially the randomness of it,” said volunteer screener Melissa Woodall. “It’s always a surprise what the next movie will be—always something fresh and new.”
Ron Nichols, another longtime screener, echoed that sentiment: “I highly recommend screening films because it is fun, and you get a sneak peek at up-and-coming writers', directors' and producers’ works of art.”
Executive Director Dr. Brandon Chase Goldsmith noted that the 2025 festival already is shaping to reflect emerging global themes.
“Each year the festival builds itself,” Goldsmith said. “Categories emerge in reaction to what filmmakers are sharing with us. This year, we’ve seen works highlighting accessibility and inclusion—not just in their subject matter, but in how audiences experience them.”
For the first time, the festival received more than 100 feature-length submissions—a milestone Goldsmith sees as evidence of the festival’s growth.
“I believe this is a sign our festival is maturing,” he said.
With films arriving from remote corners of the world, Goldsmith admits the festival has been an education in geography and art.
“We’ve received films from countries I had to look up on the map—Andorra, Guernsey, Liechtenstein,” he said. “It’s humbling to realize that filmmakers in these places now know where Fort Smith, Arkansas, is.”
Although submissions are now closed, the screening process is still ongoing. “So far I’ve watched 369 movies,” Goldsmith said. “I don’t see a film until at least three people have already screened it.”
The official festival lineup will be announced on May 31, and tickets will go on sale June 5. The 5th annual Fort Smith International Film Festival will occur August 7-10, 2025.