The third annual Rogers Short Film Festival invites filmmakers of all ages to compete in categories based on experience and budget. The event provides an opportunity for creatives from across the country and internationally to convene in Downtown Rogers to meet one another, network, and have a platform for their films. Short films, with a run time of 30 minutes or less, are juried into the festival and screened at the historic Victory Theater. The event dates are March 3 – 5, 2023, Categories include: K-12 Student, Postsecondary Student, Amateur, and Professional. Film submissions and sponsorship opportunities are open now. 

The festival provides a non-stop weekend filled with film screenings, networking, workshops, food, music, and entertainment and would not be possible without a partnership with Arkansas Public Theatre and the support of numerous sponsors and volunteers. If you would like to get involved as a sponsor or volunteer, please email [email protected]. 

The Rogers Short Film Festival was born in 2021—but was dreamed of by cofounder Barry Cobbs for many years prior to that. Cobbs, serving as senior producer and Elizabeth McCurdy, production manager, are members of the creative team at StudioChunky. The pair launched the festival because recognized a need for short films to be the feature attraction, rather than a subset of a film festival dedicated to feature length films. The festival serves as a hub for filmmakers to connect with other creatives, show their work, and further their careers. 

In March of 2022, the festival saw a 200% increase in sales and attendance over 2021—the inaugural year—with more than 400 people attending from 7 states. They intend to double those numbers again when they return in March of 2023.

The festival provides a non-stop weekend filled with film screenings, networking, workshops, food, music, and entertainment and would not be possible without a partnership with Arkansas Public Theatre and the support of numerous sponsors and volunteers.

For information to become involved, contact Elizabeth McCurdy at [email protected]
For film submissions visit Rogers Short Film Festival - FilmFreeway

ABOUT STUDIOCHUNKY--StudioChunky, headquartered in Downtown Rogers, is a fully equipped production studio that focuses on digital film, animation, and photography. They specialize in video production for commercials, marketing, corporate training as well as narrative films, music videos and documentaries. The ChunkyTeam works closely with clients through every step of production and includes writers, directors, cinematographers, art directors, sound designers, music composers, animators and editors. Kristen Cobbs is owner and president of this certified woman owned business and is responsible for strategic planning, financial decision making, and business development. Her husband, Barry Cobbs, is senior producer and oversees production. In 2021, StudioChunky brought on Elizabeth McCurdy to serve as production manager. She is responsible for staff, crew, scheduling, and supervision of physical production and post production. For more information, visit studiochunky.com.