Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival 2023 Announces Filmmaker Awards winners following innovative edition of fest
The 2023 Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival Presented by Oaklawn announced the award-winning films and
Reporting on film festivals
The 2023 Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival Presented by Oaklawn announced the award-winning films and
The Hico-based Billy the Kid Film Festival today announced the films and events for the
Artis—Naples’ 15th annual Naples International Film Festival (NIFF) kicks off this week (October 26-29). The
The American Cinematheque announced the lineup of official selections and events for the debut of
The Film and Media Alliance of Southern Utah (FMASU) announced official selections for the upcoming
HSDFF Executive Director, Ken Jacobson, said, “In our 32nd year, we are underlining the high level of film programming that has made the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival such a beacon for the best and most innovative filmmakers working in the documentary form today. In addition, we are incorporating dynamic new programs and events to enrich the audience experience and support the documentary filmmaking community. Our goal is to embrace the rich tableau of nonfiction storytelling and forge deeper connections between filmmakers, the people and place of Hot Springs, Arkansas and the broader world. We are thrilled to be launching these efforts alongside this year’s Honorary Chair, the extraordinary and beloved Arkansan, the multi-talented Mary Steenburgen.”
Festival of Cinema NYC Founder and Executive Director Jayson Simba, said, “Our film festival, like many festivals, looks at the filmmakers and the films’ cast and crew or documentary subjects as an extended family of film artists. Once again this year, attendees from all over New York City came out in large numbers to celebrate cinema with those filmmakers, some of whom who flew in from Europe to share their work. and became the latest members of our FOC NYC extended family. From our Opening Night party to That enthusiasm and support was evident – from the Forest Hills Community to the final award being announced it always thrills us to see friendships and relationships had been forged throughout the 10 days at our film festival. I don’t know of another NYC-based fest that can claim that.”
Greenpoint Film Festival Creative Director Ricardo Vilar, said, “This was a wonderful edition of the film festival, highlighted by a coming together of filmmakers both local and as far away as Europe and Asia to share their films with us and connect with each other, here in North Brooklyn. It was exciting to hear audience members and their fellow filmmakers give feedback with conversations inspired by the thought provoking subjects and entertaining cinema they had just watched. Presenting these awards was a perfect way to wrap up a fantastic event celebrating truly independent film.”
“We are thrilled to bring Justin Wadlington’s extraordinary story to global audiences,” stated Buffalo 8’s Head of Distribution, Nikki Stier Justice. “This documentary is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of art.”
Regarding the festival’s name change, Co-Founders and Co-Directors Louis Hunter and Samuel Thomas, said, “For seven years, this film festival, our filmmakers, and this city exemplify the spirit of independence by every definition of the word. Calling ourselves, The Waco Independent Film Festival simply puts an emphatic stamp on what we are, what we celebrate, and how our filmmakers approach making their films.” Hunter and Thomas added, “Our award-winning films this year could not have been better examples of that spirit, that energy, and the specific exuberant joy that comes from creating and making film independently, then sharing it with an audience that fully appreciates it.”