From ‘Woodpecker.’
OZARK FOOTHILLS FILM FEST
12 p.m., Independence Hall, University of Arkansas Community College, Batesville. $5-$25.
In its eighth year, the Ozark Foothills Film Fest continues to draw diverse fare from places far flung: the narrative short “Dolls and Houses” (Israel); a survey of the neighborhood where jazz was born, “Faubourg Treme: The Untold Story of Black New Orleans,” and the doc “Throw Down Your Heart,” about Bela Fleck’s search for the roots of the banjo in Africa. But, perhaps more so than in years past, the festival’s program embraces Arkansas filmmakers. The drama “The River Within,” directed by Zach Heath and shot mostly along the Spring River, makes its world premiere. Alex Karpovsky’s narrative feature “Woodpecker,” about the fanatical birdwatchers who’ve descended on the Arkansas bayou in search for the Ivory Billed Woodpecker, debuts regionally. Additionally, on Saturday, there’ll be a panel discussion, “Whither the Newspaper Critic?” featuring Philip Martin and the Onion A.V. Club’s Noel Murray, and a concert with New Orleans vocalist John Boutte. The festival continues through Sunday. For a complete schedule, visit www.ozarkfoothillsfilmfest.org.