El Dorado Film Festival otorga el premio a la mejor película del festival a 'Deliberate'.

      Marta Roncada's short film "Deliberate," an engaging and nuanced exploration of a student-teacher relationship, received the Best of Fest award and a $1,500 prize at the El Dorado Film Festival in historic El Dorado, Arkansas, standing out among a competitive lineup of films from both Arkansas and around the globe.

      Other accolades went to Marsha Antoon, who was honored with the $1,000 Pam Callaway Spirit of the Festival Award, along with several $500 prizes: "Carving" by Russell Sharman and Laura Shatkus won Best Arkansas Made Film; "The Heart of Texas" by Gregory J.M. Kasunich took home Best Southern Made Film; Wendy Lobell's Anxiety Club won Best Documentary; H. Nelson Tracey's Breakup Season earned Best Narrative Feature; Clare Cooney's "The River" claimed Best Drama Short; and Alex Hanno's "Detox" won Best Comedy Short.

      The winners of the 2025 festival lineup were announced by EDFF executive director Alexander Jeffery and EDFF chair Tamra Corley Davis in a ceremony held on Sunday at the charming South Arkansas Arts Center, which hosted most of the festival's events.

      "It was wonderful to see so many filmmakers here showcasing their work and enjoying our town," stated Corley Davis. "With our cozy atmosphere and emphasis on filmmakers, many new friendships were formed. It was a fantastic week for independent film, and I'm looking forward to next year!"

      "Where last year's festival inspired me, this year's event has injected even more enthusiasm," remarked Jeffery. "The community's support for this event has been truly remarkable. Numerous visiting filmmakers expressed that El Dorado is an exceptionally special place, and I couldn't agree more. We were fortunate to have incredibly talented and generous special guests who shared their expertise with our filmmakers and audience, ensuring that everyone leaves the festival equipped with valuable insights for their future projects."

      Filmmakers participating in the Arkansas Made category addressed questions at the El Dorado Film Festival on Saturday. Photo by Kody Ford.

      This vibrant and close-knit festival featured an intriguing walking tour of the revitalized Downtown El Dorado, a location marked by an oil boom a century ago that has nurtured a vibrant arts scene. The tour was led by Darrin Riley, a skilled storyteller and curator for the South Arkansas Historical Preservation Society. The social gatherings highlighted remarkable venues like Gabe’s Cave Comics, Cards, & Collectibles, a maze-like spot that includes a hidden speakeasy.

      Notable moments included celebrating the 40th anniversary of Fright Night with star William Ragsdale. Other highlights featured screenings of the Louisiana-produced horror film The Fetch, workshops with sound designer Beso Kacharava (known for Euphoria, Ferrari) and Vanishing Angle VP of Sales & Distribution Ben Wiessner, segments showcasing top films from the Louisiana Film Prize, as well as a musical performance by Emmy-nominated composer Amos Cochran.

      MovieMaker was pleased to attend, and you can explore further by clicking on the links to read our articles about "Deliberate" and Anxiety Club, in addition to a piece by Kasunich regarding "The Heart of Texas." We also hosted a panel on garnering press for independent films with Arkansas film critic Keith Garlington and chatted with Tracey and producer Rafi Jacobs about "Breakup Season," a delightful tale about a woman (Samantha Isler) who finds herself stranded with her boyfriend's family (Chandler Riggs) after ending their relationship during a trip to meet the parents for Christmas.

      El Dorado Film Festival Background

      Founded in 2014, the El Dorado Film Festival showcases a carefully selected range of independent films to audiences in El Dorado, a town of fewer than 20,000 residents, rich in arts history, including connections to classics like Gone With the Wind and True Grit, based on the novel by El Dorado-native Charles Portis.

      Previous guests have included actor/director Joey Lauren Adams (Come Early Morning, Big Daddy) and producer Kristin Mann (What Happens Later, To the Stars).

      The 2025 El Dorado Film Festival received sponsorship from Judy & David Corley, Diana Alderson, Marty and Misty Rosson, Jacki & Doug Alexander, Beth & Paul Burns, Richard Dietzen, Suzy & Drew Sheppard, Ann Trimble, Amy & Roger Wilson, Alice Mushrooms, HEPCO, Gabe’s Cave, Marty & Misty Rasson, The Haywood, South Arkansas Historical Preservation Society, and Amercable.

      The festival venue, SAAC, serves as a visual and performing arts center with three gallery spaces, a ballet studio, a 207-seat theater, a scene and costume shop, classrooms, a photography studio, and offers residencies, monthly gallery exhibitions, community theater productions, and classes in various arts disciplines for individuals of all ages, including those with special needs.

      Main image