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Walmart and Bentonville Film Festival are BFFs – Q&A with Brittney Duke

May 6, 2019

1 Min. Read
Brittney Duke at Bentonville Film Festival 2019

May 6, 2019
By Matt Smith, Walmart Corporate Affairs

It’s Bentonville Film Festival Week, and there is a buzz all over town about celebrity sightings and film events. But, this is not just a festival for movie fans - BFF has a mission to influence mainstream media to increase diversity in content. I had a chance to catch up with Brittney Duke, Walmart VP of Marketing, to talk about what separates this film fest from the rest.

Matt: Ok, we’re rolling. (See what I did there?) This is the fifth year for the Bentonville Film Festival. How long has Walmart been involved?
Brittney: Since the very beginning! We believed so strongly in what Geena (Davis) wanted to do that we jumped in year one.

MS: What’s different about BFF in comparison to other film fests?
BD: Inclusion and equality are top of mind - BFF is focused on increasing diversity in film, media and content. All the films, panels, discussions and key events are focused on increasing the number of women and people of diversity in the industry. We also bring together some of the top brands and networks to help in this important cause. It’s the trifecta of content, media dollars and platforms that can drive real change in inclusion.

The festival is also committed to distribution for its top winners through key partnerships with AMC Theatres, Lifetime TV and Vudu - last year, 87% of the films received some form of release.

MS: Let’s talk about some movies. There are a couple of films that look fascinating to me, like the documentary about Alice Guy-Blaché – a pioneering early 20th century director lost to history. Is there one film that you are looking forward to seeing this week?
BD: So many – where to start? Carol of the Bells will pull on your heartstrings big time as we follow a man searching to learn more about the family he didn’t know! Geena is also premiering This Changes Everything, a documentary she executive-produced and is featured in, which looks at the systemic issues around inclusion in film. I could go on and on…

MS: The festival has a great mix of family events and serious, thought-provoking films. Can you tell us how you’ve worked to make BFF a family event and a world-class film festival at the same time?
BD: It is important that we have content that is thought-provoking and entertaining, world-class and moving. And, of course, inclusivity also means people of all ages are welcome! Diversity and inclusion is being talked about at family dinner tables, so BFF is just a direct extension of that conversation with our associates and customers.

I also think younger generations see the world differently – and we can learn from them! One of the panels I’m most excited about is Dreams: Unsung Heroes of African American History on Friday at 2 p.m. Sheldon Candis, a filmmaker, created a series of short films telling the history of African Americans – through conversation with five high school students. I had the opportunity to watch the shorts, and wow, the students are so insightful! Our CEO Doug McMillon will be hosting this one – all associates are welcome!

MS: This festival has turned into a real celebration of diversity. Why is an event like this important?
BD: To bring awareness to the progress that’s still needed, including its challenges, and to create a platform for amazing talent. You will be blown away by the caliber of talent, ideas and creativity – and unfortunately because of the systemic issues, these individuals don’t always get recognized. Creating a platform to experience and learn is essential.

MS: The themes in BFF fit right into the conversations we have been having internally about films like The Hate U Give. Do you feel events like BFF can expand these conversations to a larger audience?
BD: I sure hope so – conversation, empathy and awareness can help us all make greater progress together.

MS: Ok, knowing what you know about events and (*ahem*) celebrities, what is the one “can’t miss” event to attend?
BD: One of the unique aspects of BFF is the proximity to our VIPs, so you never know who you might see and where, whether they’re at any of the events or just having coffee on the square or at the Walmart Museum.

MS: What other inside tips can you give us about going to BFF?
BD: Bring your friends. Come to as many events as you can to learn and be entertained. And, most importantly, dress comfortably! Don’t forget to check out BFF’s website (www.bentonvillefilmfestival.com), so you can plan ahead.

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