El Dorado Film Festival is a premier showcase of independent cinema in the heart of El Dorado, Arkansas—a small town with a rich artistic heritage. Founded in 2014 as part of the South Arkansas Arts Center’s 50th anniversary, the festival has grown into a welcoming and inspiring experience for filmmakers and audiences alike, with a strong emphasis on southern hospitality.

The festival has a rich history of attracting notable guests. In 2025, the festival featured a special 40th-anniversary screening of Fright Night, attended by El Dorado native William Ragsdale, who introduced the film and participated in a Q&A session. Past special guests have also included Joey Lauren Adams (Big Daddy), Benjamin Weissner (Thunder Road), Nicholas Logan (The Last Stop in Yuma County), and Tim Molloy of MovieMaker Magazine.

At its core, the El Dorado Film Festival is about connection—bringing filmmakers together, championing their work, and helping them take the next step in their creative journey. Whether you're a filmmaker seeking a platform for your work or a cinephile eager to experience fresh voices in cinema, the El Dorado Film Festival offers an inviting and enriching experience that celebrates the art of storytelling.

The El Dorado Film Festival is proud to accept submissions exclusively on FilmFreeway.com.