The countdown is on for the Arkansas Cinema Society’s 2026 Filmland festival, and we now have a full picture of the films, features and stars coming to Little Rock.
Set for Aug. 12-16, a packed slate of screenings, panel discussions, filmmaker workshops and networking events will return to the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, including a robust lineup of Arkansas-made films and an appearance by Arkansas native Judge Reinhold hosting a 40th anniversary screening of the comedy classic “Ruthless People.”
As was previously announced, Matthew McConaughey will be in attendance to receive the Variety Legend & Groundbreaker Award honoring “artists who have broken barriers in the industry and withstood the test of time.” He’ll also join a Q&A session surrounding a premiere screening of his new film “The Rivals of Amziah King.”
“We’re incredibly proud of this year’s Filmland lineup,” says ACS Executive Director Kathryn Tucker. “Once again, we’re bringing together filmmakers whose films have premiered and won awards at festivals like Sundance and SXSW, while also celebrating outstanding Arkansas storytellers through our Filmland: Arkansas feature and short film selections. From special homecoming screenings like ‘Mouse’ to a new cash prize for the Pitch Contest, continued partnership with Variety and the return of Peter Debruge alongside Matthew McConaughey and so many other remarkable guests, this year’s festival is especially exciting.
“Just as important, our workshops, conversations and legislative panel on expanding film incentives with Arkansas legislators reflect our commitment to growing the film industry here at home. We’re so grateful to our sponsors and partners for making it possible to bring all of this talent, inspiration and opportunity together for our audience at AMFA.”
Without further ado, here’s your screening rundown of Filmland 2026.
Wednesday, Aug. 12
• 2:45 p.m. – Filmland: Arkansas – “Iron Pearls”
• 4:15 p.m. – Filmland: Arkansas – “Hoop Street” (pictured above)
Thursday, Aug. 13
• 3 p.m. – “The Brink of War”
• Following the screening: Q&A with director Michael Russell Gunn and executive dDirector of the National Cold War Center Dr. Christian Ostermann
• 7 p.m. – 40th Anniversary of “Ruthless People”
• Following the screening: Q&A with actor Judge Reinhold, moderated by John Wildman
Friday, Aug. 14
• 12:30 p.m. – Filmland: Arkansas Student Shorts
• 3:30 p.m. – Variety Legend & Groundbreaker Award: A Conversation with Matthew McConaughey and Jeff Nichols
• 6 p.m. – “The Rivals of Amziah King”
• Following the screening: Q&A with Matthew McConaughey, moderated by Jeff Nichols
Saturday, Aug. 15
• 10 a.m. – Filmland: Arkansas Pro Shorts “Mosaic”
• 2:15 p.m. – Hometown Heroine Special Presentation: “Mouse” (ACS Filmmaking Lab for Teen Girls short film “The CampA.I.gn” will screen prior to movie)
• Following the screening: Q&A with writer/co-director Kelly O’Sullivan
• 6:30 p.m. – “The Sun Never Sets”
• Following the screening: Q&A with writer/director Joe Swanberg
• 9:45 p.m. – Filmland: Arkansas – “The Robbery”
Sunday, Aug. 16
• 10 a.m. – Filmland: Arkansas Pro Shorts “Not of this World”
• Noon – Filmland: Arkansas – “In Spite of Ourselves”
• Following the screening: Q&A with writer/director Josh Loeb, cinematographer Gabe Mayhan, composer Jim Fairchild
• 6 p.m. – “Chasing Summer” (pictured above)
• Following the screening: Q&A with director Josephine Decker
Tickets to Filmland 2026 are on sale now. Visit the Arkansas Cinema Society website for tickets and to learn more about the festival, workshops and selected films, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
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