ridge to river: the arkansas traverse.
a film about place, belonging, and repair.
Ridge to River: the Arkansas Traverse premiers at the Bentonville Film Festival on June 21st! Don’t miss it!
notes.
Ridge to River: The Arkansas Traverse is more than an adventure film—it’s a journey through the heart of Arkansas, past and present. The film follows nine cyclists on a 472-mile ride from the ridges of the Ozarks to the rivers of the Delta, weaving together breathtaking landscapes with a deeper exploration of the state’s layered and often painful history.
Along the route, riders traverse the Trail of Tears, enter the storied duck country, and visit Rohwer—one of two Japanese American internment camps established in Arkansas during World War II. In the Delta, they encounter towns grappling with decline and working toward renewal.
As the miles pass, what begins as a physical challenge evolves into a story of reflection, resilience, and the bonds of male community. With its powerful blend of adventure, history, and humanity, Ridge to River invites viewers to reconsider not just the roads we travel, but the stories they carry.
previous interview on the underview.
about Allyson de la Houssaye.
Allyson de la Houssaye is the founder of AWAL Productions, a creative studio producing stories rooted in equity, place, and community. She is the former Executive Director for PeopleForBikes Northwest Arkansas and currently serves as Chairwoman of Women of OZ, a nonprofit empowering women through mountain biking. Allyson is also a member of the Bentonville Parks and Recreation Board and serves as a Commissioner for the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council. Her work spans advocacy, civic leadership, and media, all grounded in the belief that who gets to move, speak, and belong determines the shape of our future communities.
AWAL Productions
Founded by a passionate team in Arkansas, AWAL Productions is a woman-owned business dedicated to bringing your story to life. Led by Allyson, an accomplished documentarian with over twenty years of experience across talk television, documentary, sports, and corporate campaigns, AWAL Productions combines a deep connection to storytelling with a commitment to capturing the essence of every project. We’re here to make your unique vision our mission.