2025 Persistence of Vision Film Festival

• 2025 Persistence of Vision Film Festival •

Previously known as ARKANSAS SHORTS - A WEEKEND OF SHORT FILM, this year the festival will take on a new name to reflect the evolution with the festival programming. What started 18 years ago as a single screening designed to only showcase films made by Arkansans, has now expanded to a 3 day event packed with 85+ films and a fun filled atmosphere that celebrates the art and the creator.

FEATURE FILMS!

NUKED by Deena Kashper

Filmed entirely in Arkansas, NUKED, directed by Deena Kashper, is a darkly comedic exploration of relationships. The story follows Gill Langer (Pitch Perfect’s Anna Camp), a relationship podcaster and oversharer, as she celebrates her 40th birthday with her husband, Jack Langer (The Hangover’s Justin Bartha), an unassuming educator desperate to conceive a child. At a lavish estate, Gill hosts a cannabis-infused dinner party with close friends, couples also facing crossroads in their relationships.

As the night unfolds and the effects of the cannabis settle in, insecurities emerge, leading to simmering tensions. Suddenly, everyone receives alarming news: a nuclear missile is headed straight for them. This shocking twist forces the group to confront their impending mortality, revealing how weed may not be the best comfort in such a situation. With strengths in humor and introspection, Nuked offers clever observations on millennial mindsets toward love and parenthood, featuring a talented ensemble cast.

Resynator by Alison Tavel

Inventor Don Tavel died suddenly when his daughter was ten weeks old. Growing up surrounded by mythical stories of her “genius” father, Alison’s life is consequently absent from any true connection to him. Resynator is a narrative documentary that begins when Alison rescues Don’s synthesizer prototype from her grandmother’s attic and starts a curious resurrection project that turns into an insatiable globe-trotting quest. Aided by estranged family, lost friends, fellow inventors and celebrated musicians (Grace Potter, Peter Gabriel, Fred Armisen, Gotye, Jon Anderson and more), Alison unlocks unsettling secrets and complex truths - through which a father/daughter relationship is finally born.

The King Opera House: A Paranormal Documentary by young filmmaker Gavin Webb

The King Opera House: A Paranormal Documentary by young filmmaker Gavin Webb takes viewers on a thrilling exploration of one of Arkansas's most haunted locations. The film follows two intrepid investigators as they delve into the mysterious history of the King Opera House, renowned for its eerie occurrences and ghostly legends. Intrigued by the tales of spirits that linger within its walls, the duo sets out to uncover the truth behind the haunting claims and see if the venue truly deserves its haunted reputation.

Shot entirely in Arkansas, The King Opera House captures the captivating atmosphere of this historical site, blending interviews, expert insights, and spine-chilling evidence gathered during their investigation. Webb’s engaging storytelling and dedication to showcasing local culture provide an authentic glimpse into the spooky charm of the King Opera House, making this documentary a must-see for paranormal enthusiasts and fans of Arkansas history alike.

TOLL by Carolina Markowicz

Toll is a poignant yet surprisingly comedic film that follows the story of Suellen, a toll booth attendant living in the industrial city of Cubatão, Brazil. Struggling to make ends meet, Suellen discovers a morally questionable way to raise extra money: engaging in illegal activities to fund her son's enrollment in an expensive gay conversion workshop led by a renowned priest. Torn between her love for her son, Antonio, affectionately known as "Tiquinho," and her conservative values, she navigates the complexities of their fraught relationship.

As tensions rise, particularly concerning Tiquinho's proud identity as a gay teenager, Suellen's desperation peaks when she reconnects with her old boyfriend, Arauto, to execute her plan. Set against a high-stakes backdrop of industrial pollution and societal pressures, Toll expertly balances emotional depth with resilience and humor, revealing the absurdities and challenges of Suellen's choices. With unexpected twists and a raw honesty, this film explores the profound impact of love amidst the chaos of life.

We Strangers by Anu Valia

We Strangers, directed by Anu Valia, follows Rayelle Martin, a commercial cleaning woman in Gary, Indiana, as she navigates the complexities of her new job cleaning the homes of wealthy suburban families. Struggling to maintain her own dreams amidst the demands of her life, Rayelle inadvertently tells a small lie that spirals out of control, leading others to believe she possesses psychic abilities. This unexpected twist becomes both a blessing and a burden as she finds herself entangled in the lives of her clients.

The film skillfully examines themes of privilege, social strata, and the often-unrecognized emotional toll of low-wage labor. With evocative cinematography and a haunting score, We Strangers explores Rayelle’s internal struggles and the stark contrast between the cozy warmth of her home life and the cold, demanding spaces she cleans. Valia’s debut feature is a poignant character study that invites viewers to empathize with Rayelle’s experience as a minority navigating societal expectations.

EXPLORE OUR SHORT PROGRAMS!

With 84 short films in the LINEUP, there is something for everyone!

ABOUT
POV

The festival will remain at its core focused on celebrating regional storytellers, but 2025 marks our inaugural year under our new name as we are expanding the programming to include feature films, documentaries, additional panels, workshops, parties and special guests. POV Fest is not just about showcasing films; it is about enriching our creative community. It is about providing a platform for filmmakers to connect, learn, and grow. By celebrating the art of filmmaking, we aim to foster an environment that encourages brave storytelling, nurtures talent, and sparks new collaborations.

Low Key Arts' Persistence of Vision Film Festival (POV Fest) will take place January 3-5, 2025, at the historic Malco Theatre.