The Bentonville Film Festival (BFF) co-founded by Academy Award® winner Geena Davis, announced the dates for the fourth annual festival, returning to Bentonville, Arkansas May 1 to 6, 2018.

“It’s exciting to watch the filmmaking community and senior industry executives come together to support women & diverse voices,” said Davis. “Word is traveling that BFF identifies these voices and connects them with partners who’ll ensure that their stories reach wider audiences. We look forward to presenting all forms of media and providing unique opportunities for storytellers.”

Added BFF co-founder Trevor Drinkwater, “As we enter our fourth year, BFF is focused on accelerating the entertainment industry’s emphasis on producing and integrating diversity into mass media. The business imperative is clear: content that is gender balanced and inclusive performs better. BFF is working hard to provide a platform for the next generation of creators who’ll produce the content that inspires all young minds to do great things.”

BFF kicks off its year-round season on October 11 with the World Premiere of “6 Below: Miracle on the Mountain” at the AMC Fiesta Square in Fayetteville, Arkansas with stars Mira Sorvino, Sarah Dumont, director Scott Waugh and writer Madison Turner, along with the subject of the true-life story, Eric LeMarque. The film first screened in the Showcase section at the 2017 Bentonville Film Festival and tells the story of former professional hockey player LeMarque (played by Josh Hartnett), a double amputee who leads an inspiring life after a harrowing struggle for survival.

“6 Below: Miracle on the Mountain” chronicles LeMarque’s struggles after being stranded atop a mountain for eight days during a snowstorm. He is forced to face his past and come to terms with his personal demons and rediscover the power of faith within in order to survive. Tooley Entertainment and Sonar Entertainment fully financed the film which hits theaters for an exclusive cinema premiere on Thursday, October 12 and will be available on demand and digital HD on Friday, October 13.

The 2018 festival submissions for the BFF Film Competition will open on October 2, 2017 and close December 12, 2017. There is also a late submission deadline of January 12, 2018. Films accepted into the festival will be announced March 2018.