Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival snags Penny Lane’s WILD INSIDE for Opening Night and teams with Birding Festival of the South
The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival (October 9-17) announced acclaimed filmmaker Penny Lane’s Wild Inside will open the highly anticipated 35th edition of the film festival presented by Oaklawn on Friday, October 9 at the Oaklawn Events Center in Hot Springs. Film participants and wildlife photographers Jacqueline Emery and David Lei will be on hand to discuss the story of Flaco, the Eurasian eagle-owl who escaped an enclosure in the Central Park Zoo and became a New York celebrity. The film’s gala screening will be the centerpiece of the festival’s new partnership with the upcoming Birding Festival of the South.
Wild Inside, Penny Lane’s enthralling real-life fairy tale, tells the story of Flaco, a Eurasian eagle-owl who escaped from a hole cut in his enclosure in NYC’s Central Park Zoo in 2023 and eventually became one of the city’s most beloved inhabitants. Initially, it was feared Flaco couldn’t survive due to not having learned to fly or hunt while in captivity. However, he soon surprised the experts as a quick study with his survival skills, and became one of the city’s favorite sons. The public tracked his every movement across the borough of Manhattan and “adopted” him as one of their own.
Combined ticketing packages are available now, offering bird lovers access to Wild Inside and other HSDFF bird-centric programming. These events include a live owl and eagle appearance at The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa presented by the Little Rock Zoo, a work-in-progress screening of a new documentary about Jackie and Shadow, Big Bear Valley’s most famous bald eagles, and a special bird-related Secret Screening. The programming complements the field trips, panels, and birding activities that will make the Birding Festival of the South an exceptional avian experience.
Special Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival / Birding Festival of the South Ticket Packages and Passes
Note: Prices are in addition to the $35 Birding Festival Attendee Pass, which must be purchased to be eligible for these special prices.
- Opening Night Movie Only: $20
Includes opening night movie ticket
- Opening Night Movie + Party: $55
Includes tickets to opening night movie and Gala party
- HSDFF Birds in Film Pass + Opening Night Movie + Party: $80
Includes Opening Night movie ticket and Gala party, a live owl and eagle appearance at The Arlington Resort Hotel, & Spa, ticket to a work-in-progress screening of the new documentary Jackie and Shadow about the famous bald eagles of Big Bear Lake, ticket to a bird-related Secret Screening, and access to the Arlington VIP Lounge on Saturday.
- HSDFF Birds in Film Pass + Opening Night Movie: $45
Includes Opening Night movie ticket, a live owl and eagle appearance at The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, ticket to work-in-progress screening of Jackie and Shadow ticket to Secret Screening, and access to the Arlington VIP Lounge on Saturday. Does not include Gala party.
The Birding Festival Attendee Pass includes:
- Official festival laminate, tote bag, metal tumbler, and Birding Festival of the South Field Guide
- Access to vendor hall, workshop, panels, keynote speakers, and kids’ activities
- “Meet you there” field trips – registration required (capacities may vary) This does not include exclusive field trips.