Show summary Hide summary
Kevin Bacon is bringing his family to the big stage. His new meta-horror comedy Family Movie will kick off the 12th annual Bentonville Film Festival on June 16 in Arkansas. What happens when a filmmaking family’s low-budget slasher turns into a real-life scandal?
🔥 Quick Facts
- Opening Night: Family Movie premieres Tuesday, June 16 at Bentonville Film Festival.
- The Stars: Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick direct, produce, and star alongside their real-life children Sosie Bacon and Travis Bacon.
- Festival Details: 12th annual BFF runs June 15-21, founded by Walmart and led by Oscar winner Geena Davis.
- Post-Screening Event: Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick will participate in a moderated conversation after the screening.
A True Family Production Unlike Any Hollywood Project
Family Movie stands out as a genuine family affair in an industry that often separates work and home. The film reunites real-life married couple Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick as co-directors and co-stars with their adult children Sosie and Travis serving as both actors and producers. This level of creative collaboration demonstrates their commitment to storytelling together. The cast also features Scoot McNairy, Oscar nominee Jackie Earle Haley, Andrea Savage, Liza Koshy, and others.
What makes the production revolutionary is its fearless approach to blending family and filmmaking. Rather than keeping their professional and personal lives separate, the Bacon family embraced the creative chaos. Each family member brought their individual talents to every aspect of the project. The result is an authentic exploration of what it means to create art together.
Kevin Bacon’s ‘Family Movie’ to open Bentonville Film Festival in Arkansas on June 16
Eurovision voting opens for Grand Final in Vienna with 25 countries competing tonight
The Plot That Turns Horror Real
The film follows a meta premise where a filmmaking family works on their low-budget horror slasher only to discover that a dead body has appeared on their actual film set. Instead of abandoning production, the family scrambles to keep filming and meet their deadline. Chaos ensues as reality crashes into their fictional nightmare.
This darkly comedic setup creates endless opportunities for humor and suspense. The script by Dan Beers weaves together family dynamics with horror tropes in surprising ways. What started as an ambitious indie production becomes a desperate race against time as the Smiths try salvaging their movie despite extraordinary circumstances.
Behind the Camera Excellence and Festival Recognition
| Detail | Information |
| Release Date | March 13, 2026 (SXSW World Premiere) |
| Festival Opening | June 16, 2026, Bentonville |
| Runtime | 81 minutes |
| Genre | Horror Comedy / Meta-thriller |
Selecting Family Movie as the opening film marks a significant vote of confidence from the Bentonville Film Festival leadership. Wendy Guerrero, President and CEO of the festival, praised the choice, noting it captures the excitement and communal experience that make cinema special. The film debuted at SXSW in March 2026, earning strong reactions from industry insiders and festival audiences alike.
“We’re excited to kick off this year’s festival with Family Movie, a classic summer thriller that captures the excitement, escapism, and communal experience that make going to the movies so special.”
— Wendy Guerrero, President and CEO, Bentonville Film Festival
Why This Festival Matters for Independent Cinema
The Bentonville Film Festival represents more than just another screening event. Founded by Walmart and championed by Geena Davis, the festival commits to showcasing diverse voices and underrepresented filmmakers. This year’s 2026 lineup includes 34 competition films with 5 world premieres. Of those selected, more than 80% come from female and gender non-conforming creators.
By choosing Family Movie as the opening selection, the festival sends a powerful message about creative collaboration and family-centered storytelling. The festival runs June 15-21 in Bentonville, Arkansas, featuring coffee talks with celebrity chefs Bobby Flay and Ree Drummond. The closing event will feature Netflix’s Little House on the Prairie reboot with its cast and showrunner.
Will Kevin Bacon’s Family Comedy Become Your Summer Must-Watch?
Family Movie arrives at a perfect moment for audiences seeking fresh, original entertainment. The film’s premise offers genuine intrigue for comedy fans and horror enthusiasts alike. An actual famous family creating honest work together carries a special appeal. Whether the execution lives up to the promise depends on how effectively the filmmakers balance scares with laughs.
The June 16 premiere gives Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick a spotlight to discuss their creative process directly with audiences. Their moderated conversation promises behind-the-scenes insights about directing their children and working as a creative team. Will Family Movie spark a trend of more authentic family-based film projects? Only time will tell.
Sources
- Deadline – Bentonville Film Festival 2026 lineup announcement and opening film details
- Variety – Kevin Bacon’s Family Movie opening festival coverage and director participation
- IMDb – Film details, cast information, and festival premiere scheduling
