The El Dorado Film Festival treated cinema lovers to an awesome variety of short films from all around the globe. But it also took time to showcase an exciting range of filmmakers with Arkansas connections. The Short Films with Arkansas Ties block featured a diverse group of films which offer just a sample of the immense talent coming out of the Natural State. Here is a rundown with some impressions of the seven films included.

“Pretty Canoe”

Deep in a lush forest, two escaped prison inmates, Terrance (Dustin Prince) and Travis (Trace Collie), are on the run. With the sheriff and his deputies on their heels, the convicts seek shelter in a remote cabin owned by Terrence’s cousin Jo (Janet Travis). Terrance has their escape plan all figured out, but as Jo is quick to inform him, “Lots has changed since you’ve been gone.” The early Coen brothers influences are all over this entertaining and tension-driven southern crime thriller from director Nicholas Holland and writer Justin Collie. (4 STARS)

“Arkansas Maternal Health Community Hackathon”

The lone documentary in the block takes on the critical issue of maternal health in the state of Arkansas. Directed with urgency by Ringo Jones, the short film does a good job clearly defining the problem but is a little murkier when describing the hackathon and the efforts being taken towards prevention. The statistics Jones offers are staggering including Arkansas having the highest maternal mortality rate in the country. And it’s sobering to learn that 91% of case are preventable especially in rural counties. The call to awareness alone makes this a worthwhile watch. (3 STARS)

“Banana Triangle Six”

Based on a Louis Bayard short story, “Banana Triangle Six” is a tender, heart-wrenching, and challenging film that poses some weighty questions while offering no easy answers. Directed with sincerity and empathy by Marc Crandall, the film follows the crusty Hank Crute (Bill Rogers), a resident of the Spring Valley retirement home. There’s a playfulness to the early scenes but things take a more serious and eye-opening turn with the appearance of Dr. Landis (Cassie Self), a cognitive function tester. From there Crandall’s thoughtful direction guides us through some difficult and thought-provoking material, prompting us to wrestle with considerations I never saw coming. (4 STARS)

“Criterion”

Oh those critics. They can be an insufferable sort. Such is the case in “Criterion”, Jeremy Enis’ brutal analysis of the world of art competition and criticism. Enis directs, writes, produces, shoots, and edits this unsettling thriller that follows a timid young artist who enters her work into an intense competition that’s being judged by a revered yet vilely pretentious art critic. The terrified entrants hinge on the critic’s every haughty word and crumble under his pitiless critiques all the way to the twisted finale which almost feels yanked out of an early David Fincher movie. It’s shaky in spots but “Criterion” really leaves an impression. (3.5 STARS)

“Mama Love”

Elegantly shot and emotionally layered, “Mama Love” takes a touching look at mortality, mother-daughter relationships, and the realization that there are things about our loved ones that we’ll never know. Writer-director Mary McDade Casteel guides us through the memories of family matriarch Mama Love (played by Gail Cronauer) as she lies on her death bed. Past moments with her daughter Sybil (Laura Cayouette) reveal a complicated relationship that I wish had been given more time. Instead it’s Mama Love’s friendship with a woman named Nora (a superb Rhonda Johnson Dents) that takes center stage. Evocative visuals and fabulous performances drive the heartbreaking drama. (3.5 STARS)

“The Book Club”

Let me start by saying this is no ordinary book club. Six local women gather together each month to enjoy fellowship, refreshments, and conversations about their latest books of choice. A soft-spoken young housewife named Lucy (Victoria Fox) is attending for the first time and she thoroughly enjoys herself. But when her angry husband shows up unannounced to take her home, the other women sense that something is wrong. I won’t dare spoil where director Johnnie Brannon takes his story, but it’s devilishly unexpected, lightly sinister, and utterly satisfying. (4 STARS)

“How Do I Tell You This”

Ted (Jeff Pearson) is a seemingly content local artist who has never left his hometown. Elizabeth (Misha Molani) is an outgoing philanthropist who travels the world. Ted is surprised when Liz comes to town, leading the longtime long-distance friends to spend an afternoon together. But as they walk and talk in person for the first time, hidden feelings surface and heartfelt questions about their relationship arise. From its opening frame to its final cut, there is a palpable sense of longing that runs throughout the film. It’s conveyed through the two terrific performances and from director Lara Hill whose deep affection for these characters is seen in every smart and savvy choice that’s made. (4 STARS)