Arkansas Cinema Society Announces Fall Programming in NWA

Filmland: Arkansas Halloween Showcase, Filmmaker Forum and Screenwriting Class happening in October

October is set to be a busy time for the Arkansas Cinema Society (ACS) with three programs lined up for this month–a filmmaker forum, a special Filmland: Arkansas Screening and the launch of an ACS Night School course.

Enrollment is currently open for ACS Night School: Screenwriting, hosted by the Micheaux Award & Film Labs (MAFL). Writer/director Spade Robinson will teach the six-week course. Participants will learn story structure, character development, formatting and more. Classes take place every Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm, running from October 15th through November 19th, at Visionari Studios located at 9 S. Block Ave. Suite 201 on the Fayetteville square. Enrollment continues until Oct. 14th or when all the slots are filled.

Tuition is $150 for the six week course. Micheaux community members have the opportunity to receive a tuition discount courtesy of The Visionairi Foundation. To inquire, email  info@micheauxfilmlabs.org. All other applicants should apply here.

“The Micheaux Award & Film Labs (MAFL) is an initiative to reshape narratives, inspire hope, and develop supportive ecosystems for creatives of color in Arkansas,” said Dr. Airic Hughes, MAFL Chairman. “Creatives of color face systemic barriers to accessing our state’s growing opportunities in film and media. MAFL strives to help creatives of color in Arkansas believe they can sustain successful careers, gaining the skills and community to achieve their dreams. We are honored to shape intentional learning environments with the Arkansas Cinema Society to enhance creative literacies and develop organic Arkansas storytellers.”

Other upcoming ACS events include the monthly Filmmaker Forum, happening on Thursday, Oct. 3rd 4:00 pm at Visionairi Studios in downtown Fayetteville. Speakers include Dr. Airic Hughes of MAFL, Zak Heald of Bentonville Studios and Kerri Elder & Blake Elder of Rockhill Studios. The forums serve as an advocacy and networking opportunity for the Arkansas film community. Any local filmmakers or those interested in filmmaking are encouraged to attend. It is free and open to the public. Those out of the area may attend via Zoom.

On Saturday, Oct. 6th, ACS will host the Filmland: Arkansas Thrills + Chills Showcase at 2:30 pm in the Walker Room at the Fayetteville Public Library. These films are horror, sci-fi or thriller short films that have screened during ACS’s annual Filmland: Arkansas program. The films are: “The Tickle Monster,” “Where Is It?,” “The Memo” and “That One Little Thing.” Filmmaker Jason Pitts will also stop by with a preview of his upcoming feature The Forest for the Trees. Afterward, a Q+A with the filmmakers will take place. Doors open 30 minutes before the show. Admission is free.

About Spade Robinson
Spade Robinson is the owner of Atlanta Film Project, a full service story consulting firm, where she consults with individual screenwriters on telling the most compelling version of their stories. AFP also works with non-profit artist support organizations, such as Sundance Institute, Sundance Film Festival, Film Independent, Chicken & Egg and Women In Film, as well as for-profit companies and networks, such as FOX, HBO and DISNEY, helping to choose writers for their programs, films and shows.

Spade has served on the decision making committee for several screenwriting fellowships, contests and labs, including FOX Writers Intensive, Nicholl Fellowship, Project Involve and Project Greenlight. She currently is the Screenwriting Lab Director for the Athena Screenwriting Lab and serves on the board of Rogers Short Film Festival.

About The Micheaux Award & Film Labs (MAFL)
The Micheaux Award & Film Labs (MAFL) is a space for artists and creatives of color to learn and grow together, named to honor the legacy of pioneering American filmmaker Oscar Micheaux. Direct funding through our annual Micheaux Award, focused education environments and curated community experiences help execute our vision to cultivate a supportive ecosystem for Arkansas creatives of color. Through strategic alignment and organic mentorship generation, our program strives to concentrate resources and accelerate capacity for creative communities of color throughout the state of Arkansas.

About Arkansas Cinema Society
Arkansas Cinema Society (ACS) is a non-profit committed to building a film community in Arkansas where film lovers can watch films, share ideas, connect with each other, and nurture the new and existing film talent within our state through increased exposure to filmmakers and their art. Memberships are available to the public at large who may wish to access educational videos, member-only discounts and more. Those interested in supporting ACS can visit their website at www.arkansascinemasociety.org.