CGA is excited to host the Rialto Family Film Festival in Searcy, Arkansas. The festival's mission is to provide a space where families can experience the artistry of independent cinema. We aim to curate and showcase high-quality films that are accessible to all ages. We welcome both children's films and faith-based films (in fact, we have a category for the latter) but by no means limit the festival to those genres - we invite filmmakers to submit any works that meet our criteria below.

Schedule

May 2, 2025

1:00-3:20 FILM BLOCK: Romance and Family Drama

SOMEDAY THIS MORNING Short

Directed by Jason Roper

Ethan has always promised his time to Grace someday. He finally realizes that someday is not a guarantee, but is it too late?

FATHER'S LOVE IS LIKE A MOUNTAIN Short

Directed by Pauline Angelina

A young artist is dedicated to having a successful art exhibition in order to prove herself to her unsupportive father.

SECOND CHILDHOOD Short

Directed by Charles Bane

A middle-aged alcoholic returns home to his mother's house to dry out. They spend the days working in the yard, walking, and watching Clint Eastwood as he tries to overcome his demons to be the son, husband, and father he wants to be.

FOREVER ONE Feature

Directed by EO Milvado

A Torah-observant Rabbi and the secular woman he falls in love with work on bridging the gap and making their relationship work.

Content Guide: This film block contains smoking and alcohol use, and mature

thematic elements.

3:30-4:45 GUEST SPEAKER: Dylan Treadwell

Intellectual Property Lawyer & Filmmaker

This workshop will equip independent filmmakers and other artists with the practical tools to protects their work and avoid legal pitfalls.

5:00-6:40 FILM BLOCK: Documentaries on the Unseen People of Arkansas

THE AMBASSADORS Short

Directed by Brinson Davenport

Dive into the world of custodial staff at a private Christian university in central Arkansas as they share their stories, struggles, and successes.

CRIES FROM THE COTTON FIELD Feature

Directed by Larry Foley, Ed Eaves

Feature-length documentary saga of Italians who were unscrupulously recruited to work cotton fields in the American South, after the Civil War, and their resilient journey of hope, hardship and faith. Told in first person by their parish priest, using his own words, Father Pietro Bandini, a "Moseslike" figure, who had previously been kicked out of the Jesuits. The Italian enclave Bandini founded still thrives in the community of Tontitown in the Ozark hills of Northwest Arkansas.

Content Guide: This film block contains mature thematic elements.

7:00-8:15 GUEST SPEAKER: John Means

Scenic Department Head at Universal Studios (1974-2004)

John will share his personal experiences and stories from overseeing work on iconic films like Jaws, Back to the Future, and Jurassic Park. He will also discuss his journey in the film industry as a person of faith. 

8:30-10:00 FILM BLOCK: Harding University Five Minute Film Festival

The Harding University Five Minute Film Festival highlights the creativity and talent of Harding's film students as they compete with their best five-minute films. This film block features its own set of awards through Harding’s film department, including Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and more. The film that earns the top honor, Best Picture, will be considered for the Best Short award at the Rialto Family Film Festival.

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