The Bentonville Film Festival (BFF), taking place June 16-22, is highlighting several disability-inclusive films. Chaired by Academy Award winner Geena Davis, BFF champions women and diverse voices.
According to festival programmers, 12% of the films in the competition categories have a director who identifies as disabled. In addition, 17% of these films include a lead character with a disability. These numbers are less than in 2023, when “over 30% of the (competition) program is comprised of creators with disabilities” and “25% (of onscreen leads) represent talent with disabilities.” However, the 2025 numbers are an increase from 2021, when eight percent of the directors, four percent of the writers, and four percent of the leads identified as having a disability.
Below, please find a guide to several of the films featuring disability in the plot and/or talent with disabilities.
Feature Films
Beyond the Ashes: An Adaptive Trail Story (Homegrown Competition)
Screening in-person June 19
The groundbreaking, untold story in mountain biking—how Northwest Arkansas is leading the charge in adaptive trail design. Centered on Trailblazers, the team behind OZ Trails, the film features hometown heroes and pro athletes like Brian Carlson, Jeremy McGhee, and Annijke Wade, alongside a dedicated network of riders, builders, and advocates. With [...]