Fort Smith International Film Festival Returns August 7–9 with Its Most Immersive Year Yet
160 Films • Music • Pottery • VIP Events • After Dark Screenings
FORT SMITH, AR (August 2025) – The Fort Smith International Film Festival celebrates its fifth year by stepping boldly into new creative territory, combining cinema with music, pottery, live art, and hands-on workshops from August 7–9, transforming downtown Fort Smith into a celebration of global storytelling and local creativity.
With 160 films representing over 30 countries and 17 Indigenous nations and tribes, this year’s festival explores new ways to connect culture, craft, and community across multiple mediums.
“We asked ourselves: what if a film festival wasn’t just something you watched, but something you felt?” said Brandon Chase Goldsmith, Executive Director. “This year, we’ve brought together filmmakers, musicians, artists, and storytellers to create an environment where people can engage with creativity in every form whether it’s a film, a song, a piece of pottery, or a personal story shared over coffee.”
Cinematic Highlights
• Original Language Spotlight
The Arrangement (in Navajo) and Siren of the Wood (in Cherokee) bring Indigenous languages to the screen in powerful, poetic form.
Friday, August 8 | Fort Smith Convention Center
• Global + Regional Films
From bold international premieres to Arkansas-made documentaries, every block is curated with diversity, heart, and relevance.
• After Dark Screenings (Adults Only)
When the sun sets, the stories get bold.
• Thursday, Aug 8 – 10:15 PM: Live-action short films
• Friday, Aug 9 – 10:30 PM: Adult-themed animation
Bakery District Collection Room | Free & 18+
Pottery in Motion: Film + Clay + Community
• Pottery Workshop
Friday, Aug 8 | 3:45–5:00 PM
Bakery District Collection Room
Try one of the pottery wheels in this hands-on experience. No ticket needed.
• Film Pairings
• Black Gold of Oaxaca – 2:15 PM
• Ozark Wabi – 5:30 PM
Stories that celebrate traditional clay artisans from Mexico to the Ozarks.
“Art and filmmaking is so crucial to the human experience, especially in these current times where so many of these voices and skills are being replaced," Tori Buie, Director of Operations, “and it means the world to me to be able to share these experiences with others, and hopefully inspire others to join us on this journey."
Music Comes Alive
• Live Blues Performance at Digs
Saturday, Aug 9 | 4:00–5:30 PM
Featuring the Fort Smith Riverfront Blues Society at the Bakery District
• Music Documentaries
• Randy Crouch: Survival of the Fiddlist – 6:00 PM
• I Stand Alone: The Sully Erna Story – 2:00 PM
• Late-night music videos Friday at Hero’s Friday
More Festival Features
• VIP Lounge & Rooftop Party
Access exclusive networking events, meet & greets, and the best views in town
• Professional Headshots at the Festival
$25 for 2 polished portraits
Aug 8 at Noon | Aug 9 at 10 AM
“Film is a medium that can introduce new ideas and old traditions to audiences that would not have that exposure otherwise,” said Buie. “With our 5th anniversary of this festival, we are excited to include folks who can bring these experiences to our local community as well!”
Passes Now Available
• Festival Pass: $15 (25% pre-sale discount)
• VIP Pass: $40 (20% pre-sale discount)
Buy tickets and view the full schedule at: www.FortSmithFilm.com
About the Festival
The Fort Smith International Film Festival, produced by the River Valley Film Society, champions creativity, diversity, and regional culture through film and the arts. Founded in 2021, the festival has grown into a premier destination for independent filmmakers and audiences across Arkansas, Oklahoma, and the world.
