The Ozark Talent Bank is hosting a series of special events at its new location in the historic Bank of Rogers Building in downtown Rogers featuring special guest: United Nations Art Ambassador Ibiyinka Alao.

Alao is an artist, ambassador, filmmaker, architect and author who won the first place of a United Nations International Art Competition amongst 61 countries. His paintings are primarily about redemption, peace and love. Alao will be the guest speaker at a film panel focused on creating unity in the Arkansas film community on May 18.

Other panelists will include:

Don Willis of 4:13 Films, who will speak about film funding and his experiences filming a feature in the state of Arkansas.

Brandon Chase Goldsmith of the Fort Smith International Film Festival: Goldsmith aims to bring the state’s resources together.

Zak Heald of Farm Studios and Intercut Productions: He will speak about the growth of the  industry in the area and upcoming opportunities in the industry for the region.

Kody Ford of Arkansas Cinema Society and The Idle Class: Ford will share the details of the new tax incentives passed last month in Arkansas

Kim Pease of Women in Film Arkansas and the Ozark Talent Bank: Pease will speak about getting started in the industry and how to get connected.

The OTB, in partnership with the Arkansas Chapter of Women in Film, will host a screening of Alao’s award winning film on its 16-foot movie screen on May 24.

VIP attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a private meet-and-greet with Alao before the screening. There will be a Q&A after the screening which is open to all.

The OTB in conjunction with the Rogers Experimental House and MAD Fashion Portfolio Building Sessions will host a black-light photo shoot for models and photographers with Alao’s world-famous 100-foot painting on May 29.

Register for these events:

Film Panel – Arkansas Film CommUNITY: Working Together to Raise the Tide

My Fireflies Film Screening and Meet & Greet

All event proceeds will be used to assist fiscally challenged individuals in the state of Arkansas  in the pursuit of their goals in the industry.

Follow The Ozark Talent Bank on Instagram @TheOzarkTalentBank and Facebook @OzarkTalentBankRogers.

The Ozark Talent Bank was founded in 2020 as a creative hub with a wide range of services, businesses, and events all supporting the film, fashion, and music industries across the region.  

Photo courtesy: Smithsonian Magazine