The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival (HSDFF) is an annual cultural and arts event that showcases documentary films. The festival is known for its high-quality programming, featuring many Oscar nominees and winners. It is also the longest-running documentary film festival in North America, founded in 1991. The festival’s 32nd annual edition is scheduled to take place from October 6th to 14th in downtown Hot Springs.
As a lead-up to the festival, a special preview event is planned on Tuesday, September 19th, at 6:30 PM at the Woodlands Auditorium in Hot Springs Village. At this event, attendees will get a 90-minute sneak peek of the 2023 festival lineup. The Executive Director of the festival, Ken Jacobson, will provide an overview of the festival, including information about different sections, Gala Events (such as Opening and Closing Night), Centerpiece Screening, and Awards. This is also an opportunity to learn about any special guests who will be attending. The event will include a highlight reel of film trailers and the screening of a short documentary from the 2023 lineup.
The 2023 HSDFF Preview event is open to the public and is free to attend. A cash bar will be available starting at 6:00 p.m. Additionally, HSDFF staff will be present to sell festival passes, ticket “six packs,” and individual tickets. An on-site flash sale on passes will be offered exclusively to those in attendance.
The festival is recognized for its prestigious status as an Oscar-qualifying festival in the documentary short subject category. Over the years, it has garnered attention from filmmakers, celebrities, and media outlets, solidifying its place as a prominent event in the documentary film industry. The festival’s reputation has led to it being named one of MovieMaker Magazine’s “Top 50 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” and “One of the Top Film Fests in North America” by Destination Film Guide.
Ken Jacobson, the Executive Director of the HSDFF, expressed excitement about the upcoming preview event and the chance to engage with the Hot Springs Village community. The Woodlands Auditorium in Hot Springs Village is an attractive venue for this occasion, and the festival organizers are grateful for the opportunity to utilize it.
For more information and details about the event, interested individuals can visit HSDFI.org. This event offers a unique opportunity to get a glimpse of the exciting lineup and activities planned for the upcoming Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival.
Article submitted by Dominique Kohlenberger
