FORT SMITH, Ark. — The Fort Smith International Film Festival will highlight the work of River Valley filmmaker Pastor Julio Gómez with a free screening of his films Warrior 18 and Labor Day on Thursday, August 20, at 6:30 p.m. at The Bakery District. Admission is free and open to the public.
“Throughout the year, the River Valley Film Society showcases local and regional talent as part of our mission to grow the area’s creative economy,” said Dr. Brandon Chase Goldsmith, Executive Director of the Fort Smith International Film Festival. “This will be a special evening that will come with a message in Pastor Gómez fashion. He is a bright, shining light in our community who brings hope and joy even in the most difficult situations.”
The evening will feature two very different stories from Gómez, beginning with the suspenseful crime drama Labor Day and concluding with the powerful true story Warrior 18.
Labor Day
Labor Day is a suspenseful crime drama about desperation, sacrifice, and how far people are willing to go when they believe they have no other choice. Mark and Jerry are two men facing very different problems, but desperation leads them to the same solution: rob a local bank. Driven by fear, love, and desperation, the two men put everything on the line in a robbery where nothing goes according to plan.
Trailer: https://youtu.be/7O6_OeIJNHQ?
Warrior 18
Warrior 18 tells the true and heartbreaking story of Jordan Erz, a young woman whose life was tragically lost in a car accident involving drinking and driving. Through Jordan’s story, the short film explores how one decision can have irreversible consequences and leave a lasting impact on family, friends, and an entire community. Warrior 18 delivers a message to young people and families about making responsible choices and understanding that drinking and driving can change many lives forever.
“I made Warrior 18 because I want Jordan’s story to reach young people and families and help them understand the real consequences of drinking and driving,” said Julio Gómez, writer and filmmaker. “If her story can make even one young person stop, think, and make a different choice, then her message can help save a life.”
The August 20 screening is part of the River Valley Film Society’s year-round efforts to provide community film programming while creating opportunities for audiences to discover filmmakers and stories from the River Valley.
One night. Two Films. Free Admission.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
6:30 p.m.
The Bakery District
Fort Smith, Arkansas Admission: FREE
Media Contact:
Pastor Julio Gómez
479-831-3655
pastorjuliogomez73@gmail.com
Brandon Goldsmith
brandon@fortsmithfilm.com