Latest news with #BentonvilleFilmFestival
Perth Now
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Brenda Song blocked from movie role by Disney
Brenda Song has claimed Disney blocked her from starring in Gran Torino because of a sexual assault scene. The 37-year-old actress shot to fame as hotel heiress London Tipton in the Disney Channel's The Suite Life of Zack and Cody and went on to star in a number of the network's own movies before moving away from child stardom to more adult roles. However, despite her success, Brenda revealed her transition wasn't made easy and she faced difficulties such as missing out on a role she wanted in Clint Eastwood's 2008 drama Gran Torino. Accepting Variety's Virtuoso Award at the Bentonville Film Festival in Arkansas, she recalled: "The character had an intended sexual assault scene, so Disney nixed it. And I was very upset but I was like, 'Okay, I guess it didn't work out.'' Brenda also had to fight for her role as Christy in The Social Network, which also featured a sexually-explicit scene, going to then-COO of Disney Branded Television Gary Marsh to plead her case. She recalled: 'I was just like, 'I am an actor. When you hired me, I was not a hotel heiress. If I have ever done anything in my personal life to ever draw bad attention to your company, I understand. But this is the last season of the show, and this is the opportunity of a lifetime.' "And I was so fortunate, they were so supportive. They allowed me to do this film that truly changed my life.' Brenda - who has sons Dakota, four, and Carson, two, with fiance Macaulay Culkin - was grateful to break into acting at a young age because it was "really hard" for Asian-American women to find success. She said: "That was the tricky thing growing up, being an Asian-American actress in Hollywood. 'Like if you weren't Jackie Chan or Jet Li — I'm not an Asian man — it was really hard. But I was fortunate to have actors like Ming-Na Wen, Michelle Yeoh and Lucy Liu, who really inspired me.' Of working with Ming-Na when she was eight years old, she added: 'I'm so grateful because she was so encouraging, so kind and just so supportive.'
Express Tribune
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Brenda Song reveals Disney tried to stop her from filming ‘The Social Network'
Brenda Song is opening up about the challenges she faced transitioning from child star to serious actress, revealing that Disney once prevented her from pursuing key film roles. Speaking at the 2025 Bentonville Film Festival, where she received Variety's Virtuoso Award, Song reflected on her career and the lasting legacy of her Disney Channel role as London Tipton on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. Despite her comedic success, Song said she wasn't allowed to audition for Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino due to a sexual assault scene involving her character. Later, when she was offered a role in David Fincher's The Social Network, Disney again hesitated. Song took her case directly to then-president of Disney Branded TV, Gary Marsh. 'I told him, 'I am an actor. This is the opportunity of a lifetime,'' she recalled. Ultimately, Disney approved the role—a turning point that changed her career. Song also shared stories from her early years in Hollywood, including stealing wardrobe items from the Suite Life set and taking home a massive portrait of her character, which now resides in the home she shares with partner Macaulay Culkin. Reflecting on representation, Song noted that she lacked Asian-American female role models growing up but credited Ming-Na Wen and Michelle Yeoh as inspirations. Now a mother and veteran actor, Song is proud of how far she's come. 'It was hard being an Asian-American actress in Hollywood. But I was lucky to have support,' she said. The Bentonville event also featured Song performing with Geena Davis and Culkin in gender-swapped scenes from The Producers and Stranger Things.
Axios
24-06-2025
- Climate
- Axios
Al Roker discusses new animated weather show at Bentonville Film Festival
Longtime weathercaster Al Roker (yes, from NBC's "Today" show) was at the Bentonville Film Festival this week promoting his new animated series designed to teach kids about weather, offering up a sneak peek to an audience on Tuesday. Why it matters: " Weather Hunters," which premieres on PBS on Sept. 8, will explore the wonder of weather and the science behind it, Roker told Axios on Monday. Once you understand how something works, you're less afraid of it, he said. The big picture: The Bentonville Film Festival, founded by actor Geena Davis, draws celebrities and film and TV industry professionals to NWA. The festival is in its 11th year, emphasizing the elevation of underrepresented groups in front of and behind the camera. "I think the programming for the Bentonville Film Fest is something that's trusted," Roker said. "People come to expect a certain quality and caliber, so I was thrilled when we were asked to do this." Zoom in: The show is about a fictional family, Al and Dot Hunter and their three children, who are weather hunters. The family moves into Al Hunter's grandfather's house after his grandfather passes away. The fictional grandfather was a weatherman after coming home from World War II and serving as a meteorologist for the real-life Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American pilots in the war. "There was a cadre of meteorologists who forecast for the Tuskegee Airmen because they couldn't get enough white meteorologists to forecast for them, so they had a number of Black forecasters," Roker said. What they're saying: "I play Al Hunter, a TV weatherman," Roker said. "He happens to be bald and African American and better-looking than me, but he wears glasses." The show will explore everyday phenomena like dew and fog plus atypical weather like pink snow. How it happened: Roker wanted to combine his fascination with weather and love of animation to create a show that educates and entertains kids as well as their parents and caregivers, he told Axios. He had the idea nearly 20 years ago, when his children were the same ages as the fictional children in the series.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Rosemead,' starring Lucy Liu, takes top prize at Bentonville Film Festival
Rosemead, starring Lucy Liu as a terminally ill woman desperate to protect her son, took home the Best Narrative Award at the 11th annual Bentonville Film Festival. Also a producer on the film, Liu was additionally honored with the Rising to the Challenge Award, a prize "given to a select few artists in the history of Bentonville Film Festival and honoring those who represent the true impact of supporting independent film both in front of and behind the camera." More from GoldDerby Tony Talk: Our extremely early 2026 awards predictions for 'Ragtime,' 'Waiting for Godot,' Kristin Chenoweth, and all the buzzy new shows 'The Last of Us': How the 'Lord of the Rings' VFX team (and marshmallows) made the Battle of Jackson 'Batman Forever' and 'Batman Begins' share an anniversary week - and a surprising Oscar connection Cofounded by Academy Award winner Geena Davis, the Arkansas-based fest also handed out Best Documentary, which went to The Librarians, Kim A. Snyder's examination of library workers facing censorship in Texas. Best Homegrown, an award reserved for filmmakers hailing from Arkansas, was won by Sovereign. Directed by Christian Swegal, the film — inspired by true events — tells the story of a father and son with anti-governmental leanings and stars Nick Offerman, Jacob Tremblay, and Dennis Quaid. Here's the full list of the winners from the 11th annual Bentonville Film Festival. Best Narrative: Rosemead (Director: Eric Lin; Writer, Marilyn Fu; producers: Mynette Louie, Andrew Corkin, Lucy Liu) Jury Statement: 'Rosemead' captures the terrifying realities of motherhood in our contemporary era. When culture, society, and healthcare break down, how can a mother protect her own child? With a powerhouse performance from the often underused Lucy Liu, you understand every choice she makes. Director Eric Lin sparks real world conversations about the society we're living in through an intimate, unflinching film based on true events in the San Gabriel Valley. The very essence of what great cinema can do. Special Jury Mention for Directorial Vision: Color Book (Director-writer: David Fortune; producers: Kiah Clingman, Kristen Uno, Autumn Bailey-Ford) Jury Statement: David Fortune's Color Book makes daring choices through form and subject matter. In a stripped down tale of a father just trying to get his son to a baseball game, the film unearths profound themes about the world we live in with a consistent command of beautiful visuals, performances, and crisp storytelling. Fortune's vision speaks through a confident hand like he's done this many times before. Special Jury Mention for Ensemble Cast: Adult Children (Director-producer: Rich Newey; writer-producer: Annika Marks; producers: Angie Gaffney, Thomas Sadoski) Jury Statement: In these times, the world needs to laugh, and Adult Children dispenses the chuckles effortlessly through its superb ensemble playing a maladjusted family colliding back together. The film speaks to a generational stuntedness that makes us realize that we're all faking it as grown ups. Best Documentary: The Librarians (Director-producer: Kim A. Snyder; Producers, Janique L. Robillard, Maria Cuomo Cole, Jana Edelbaum) Jury Statement: This extraordinary film is powerful, timely and needed. It enrages and saddens, with not a second missed. The storytelling does not discriminate in its coverage, making its points thoroughly, in a scary, chilling and necessary exploration. These librarians are heroes. Special Jury Mention (Documentary): Heightened Scruity (Director-producer: Sam Feder; Producers, Amy Scholder, Paula Mendoza) Jury Statement: Heightened Scruity is a film that humanizes an issue that's become increasingly political, making it a story about people. A quintessential example of journalistic storytelling, the Jury found it uplifting, heart centered, factual, human and necessary. It beautifully contextualizes the war on trans people and the undue stress and scrutiny they face just to be themselves. Best Homegrown: Sovereign (Director-writer: Christian Swegal; producer, Nick Moceri) Jury Statement: Under the visionary direction of Christian Swegal, this bold story is elevated by a cast whose performances bring depth and authenticity to every scene. Sovereign bravely opens a window into a side of American culture that is often difficult to discuss. The film invites viewers to confront complex realities with honesty and compassion, sparking important conversations that linger long after the credits roll. Special Jury Mention (Homegrown): Beyond the Ashes: An Adaptive Trail Story (Directors-producers: Brock Wagner, Tim Johnson; producers: Jason Williams, Uriah Nazario, Bianca Montoya, Brian Carlson, John Hunter) Jury Statement: For its powerful storytelling that uplifts under-recognized voices and celebrates resilience. The film also shines a light on Northwest Arkansas as a growing hub for inclusion and accessibility. Best Episodic: Born 2 Lose (Director: Carlos Cardona) Jury Statement: This pilot excels in capturing intimate moments with authenticity and nuance, showcasing exceptional filmmaking craft. It creates a world that is dramatic, compelling, and rock and roll to the core—a universe we want to see more of. 'Born 2 Lose' is clearly just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable journey for this talented team. We eagerly look forward to what's next, both on screen and behind the camera. Best Short Film: "Lovin' Her" (Director, day) Jury Statement: A haunting short with deeply felt performances that achieved excellence in interweaving singular moments into a narrative that stayed with us all after the film was over. Special Jury Mention: "View From the Floor" (Directors, Megan Griffiths, Mindie Lind) Special Jury Mention: "Tender Thoughts" (Director, Anndi Jinelle Liggett) Best of GoldDerby Tom Cruise movies: 17 greatest films ranked worst to best 'It was wonderful to be on that ride': Christian Slater talks his beloved roles, from cult classics ('Heathers,' 'True Romance') to TV hits ('Mr. Robot,' 'Dexter: Original Sin') 'It almost killed me': Horror maestro Mike Flanagan looks back at career-making hits from 'Gerald's Game' to 'Hill House' to 'Life of Chuck' Click here to read the full article.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bentonville Film Festival: ‘Rosemead,' ‘The Librarians,' ‘Sovereign' Win Awards, Lucy Liu Receives Rising to The Challenge Honor
It's shaping up as an award-winning summer for actress-producer Lucy Liu. On Saturday night Liu received the Rising to the Challenge Award at the Bentonville Film Festival in Arkansas, an honor that 'recognizes artists who champion storytelling that breaks barriers and broadens representation.' More from Deadline Geena Davis Praises 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' For Diverse Casting, Sees More Opportunity For Progress In Hollywood - Bentonville Film Festival Bentonville Film Festival Forecast: Award-Winning Films, 100% Chance Of Al Roker Sighting, World Premieres, Oscar Contenders And An Olympic Champion 'Rosemead' Review: Lucy Liu Scores As A Suburban Mom Forced To Confront The Unthinkable - Tribeca Festival It wasn't her only award of the night. Her new drama Rosemead, directed by Eric Lin, won Best Narrative at the 11th edition of the festival chaired by Geena Davis. Liu produced the film and stars as 'Irene,' a Chinese immigrant who simultaneously faces a personal health crisis and the alarming descent of her son into schizophrenia. 'Rosemead captures the terrifying realities of motherhood in our contemporary era,' wrote the jury, comprised of filmmaker Marie Jamora (guest artistic director of AFI's Directing Workshop for Women) and filmmaker Bomani J. Story (The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster). 'When culture, society, and healthcare break down, how can a mother protect her own child? With a powerhouse performance from the often underused Lucy Liu, you understand every choice she makes. Director Eric Lin sparks real world conversations about the society we're living in through an intimate, unflinching film based on true events in the San Gabriel Valley. The very essence of what great cinema can do.' Scroll for the full list of awards. Speaking with Deadline just before the ceremony began, Liu called the Rising to the Challenge Award 'very meaningful because it's something that's about diversity and about bringing stories to the forefront. Knowing that this particular story [Rosemead] is all about that is exactly connected and so it's aligned in the best way possible.' The film premiered earlier this month at Tribeca Festival. Deadline's Damon Wise praised Lin and screenwriter Marilyn Fu, writing in his review that they afford Liu 'the headspace she needs to deliver a performance of quiet power, selling us on the desperation that drives Irene to the limits of her always practical-minded sanity.' In August, Liu will receive the Career Achievement Award at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, where Rosemead will hold its international premiere. At Saturday night's Bentonville Film Festival Awards ceremony, The Librarians won Best Documentary. The film directed by Kim A Snyder and executive produced by Sarah Jessica Parker examines attempts by librarians in Florida and Texas and elsewhere to combat book banning efforts, while simultaneously facing unhinged attacks from right wing zealots accusing them of grooming children. 'This extraordinary film is powerful, timely and needed,' wrote the jury comprised of director-producer Kathryn Everett (founder of 5D Studios), James Faust (artistic director, Dallas International Film Festival), and producer-actor Pallavi Sastry (co-director of programming, iSAFF). 'It enrages and saddens, with not a second missed. The storytelling does not discriminate in its coverage, making its points thoroughly, in a scary, chilling and necessary exploration. These librarians are heroes.' The inaugural Homegrown Award went to Sovereign, a drama directed by Christian Swegal and produced by Nick Moceri that was partly filmed in nearby Fayetteville. 'Under the visionary direction of Christian Swegal, this bold story is elevated by a cast whose performances bring depth and authenticity to every scene,' wrote jurors Joshua Dahlman (program director of shorts & MN features, Twin Cities Film Festival); producer Nicole Shipley (co-founder and CEO of Safe Space Pictures Foundation), and Claire Taylor (chief program officer, SeriesFest). 'Sovereign bravely opens a window into a side of American culture that is often difficult to discuss. The film invites viewers to confront complex realities with honesty and compassion, sparking important conversations that linger long after the credits roll.' In a statement, BFF chair Geena Davis said, 'These awards reflect the passion and drive of storytellers, whose work will continue to broaden perspectives and engage audiences throughout the year. We congratulate our BFF award winners and we're so thankful to every filmmaker here for their contributions to the success of this year's BFF!' This is the full list of winners and special jury mentions: Best Narrative Jury: Marie Jamora (Director; Guest Artistic Director of AFI's Directing Workshop for Women), Bomani J. Story (Director, The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster) Best Narrative: (Director, Eric Lin; Writer, Marilyn Fu; Producers, Mynette Louie, Andrew Corkin, Lucy Liu) Jury Statement: 'Rosemead' captures the terrifying realities of motherhood in our contemporary era. When culture, society, and healthcare break down, how can a mother protect her own child? With a powerhouse performance from the often underused Lucy Liu, you understand every choice she makes. Director Eric Lin sparks real world conversations about the society we're living in through an intimate, unflinching film based on true events in the San Gabriel Valley. The very essence of what great cinema can do. Special Jury Mention for Directorial Vision: (Director/Writer, David Fortune; Producers, Kiah Clingman, Kristen Uno, Autumn Bailey-Ford) Jury Statement: David Fortune's 'Color Book' makes daring choices through form and subject matter. In a stripped down tale of a father just trying to get his son to a baseball game, the film unearths profound themes about the world we live in with a consistent command of beautiful visuals, performances, and crisp storytelling. Fortune's vision speaks through a confident hand like he's done this many times before. Special Jury Mention for Ensemble Cast: (Director/Producer, Rich Newey; Writer/Producer, Annika Marks; Producers, Angie Gaffney, Thomas Sadoski) Jury Statement: In these times, the world needs to laugh, and 'Adult Children' dispenses the chuckles effortlessly through its superb ensemble playing a maladjusted family colliding back together. The film speaks to a generational stuntedness that makes us realize that we're all faking it as grown ups. Best Documentary Jury: Kathryn Everett (Director/Producer; Founder of 5D Studios), James Faust (Artistic Director, Dallas International Film Festival), Pallavi Sastry (Producer/Actor; Co-Director of Programming, iSAFF) Best Documentary: (Director/Producer, Kim A. Snyder; Producers, Janique L. Robillard, Maria Cuomo Cole, Jana Edelbaum) Jury Statement: This extraordinary film is powerful, timely and needed. It enrages and saddens, with not a second missed. The storytelling does not discriminate in its coverage, making its points thoroughly, in a scary, chilling and necessary exploration. These librarians are heroes. Special Jury Mention (Documentary): (Director/Producer, Sam Feder; Producers, Amy Scholder, Paula Mendoza) Jury Statement: 'Heightened Scrutiny' is a film that humanizes an issue that's become increasingly political, making it a story about people. A quintessential example of journalistic storytelling, the Jury found it uplifting, heart centered, factual, human and necessary. It beautifully contextualizes the war on trans people and the undue stress and scrutiny they face just to be themselves. Best Homegrown Jury: Joshua Dahlman (Program Director of Shorts & MN Features, Twin Cities Film Festival), Nicole Shipley (Producer; Co-founder and CEO of Safe Space Pictures Foundation), Claire Taylor (Chief Program Officer, SeriesFest) Best Homegrown: (Director/Writer, Christian Swegal; Producer, Nick Moceri) Jury Statement: Under the visionary direction of Christian Swegal, this bold story is elevated by a cast whose performances bring depth and authenticity to every scene. 'Sovereign'bravely opens a window into a side of American culture that is often difficult to discuss. The film invites viewers to confront complex realities with honesty and compassion, sparking important conversations that linger long after the credits roll. Special Jury Mention (Homegrown): (Directors/Producers, Brock Wagner, Tim Johnson; Producers, Jason Williams, Uriah Nazario, Bianca Montoya, Brian Carlson, John Hunter) Jury Statement: For its powerful storytelling that uplifts under-recognized voices and celebrates resilience. The film also shines a light on Northwest Arkansas as a growing hub for inclusion and accessibility. Best Episodic Jury: Joshua Dahlman (Program Director of Shorts & MN Features, Twin Cities Film Festival), Nicole Shipley (Producer; Co-founder and CEO of Safe Space Pictures Foundation), Claire Taylor (Chief Program Officer, SeriesFest) (same as Homegrown) Best Episodic: (Director, Carlos Cardona) Jury Statement: This pilot excels in capturing intimate moments with authenticity and nuance, showcasing exceptional filmmaking craft. It creates a world that is dramatic, compelling, and rock and roll to the core—a universe we want to see more of. 'Born 2 Lose' is clearly just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable journey for this talented team. We eagerly look forward to what's next, both on screen and behind the camera. Best Short Film Jury: Anne Alvergue (Editor/Director, The Martha Mitchell Effect), Michelle Krusiec (Writer/Director/Actor; Nian), Toks Olagundoye (Actor, Frasier) Best Short Film: (Director, day) Jury Statement: A haunting short with deeply felt performances that achieved excellence in interweaving singular moments into a narrative that stayed with us all after the film was over. Special Jury Mention (Short Film): (Directors, Megan Griffiths, Mindie Lind) Special Jury Mention (Short Film): (Director, Anndi Jinelle Liggett) Best of Deadline Sean 'Diddy' Combs Sex-Trafficking Trial Updates: Cassie Ventura's Testimony, $10M Hotel Settlement, Drugs, Violence, & The Feds A Full Timeline Of Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's 'It Ends With Us' Feud In Court, Online & In The Media 'Poker Face' Season 2 Guest Stars: From Katie Holmes To Simon Hellberg
