Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival

Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival 2022 announces film lineup

By John Wildman 3 years ago

“This year’s edition of the film festival will kick off our fourth decade celebrating the impact that documentary filmmaking has on us as we view our world through the lenses of these incredible filmmakers’ work,” said HSDFF Festival Director, Sheryl Santacruz. “Each year fills us with a renewal of enthusiasm and appreciation for the stories we get to experience in each screening, complimented by the participation of the artists and subjects themselves. The conversations, events, activities, parties, and more are going to make for a fantastic film festival and cultural event next month.”

Christine Choy for Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival 2022, previews October fest with honorees announcement

By John Wildman 3 years ago

HSDFF Festival Director Sheryl Santacruz, said, “We are all very excited to return to the film festival’s longtime home and arguable epicenter at the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa. It will be a continuation of the process we began last year to get back to theater screenings and in-person events the way our film fans and filmmakers have come to know and love for three decades now.” Santacruz added, “This year’s honorees are also particularly special for Hot Springs. Choy has made an indelible impact through her trailblazing, activist filmmaking, and we cannot think of a better recipient for this year’s award. And, of course, the Renaud Brothers’ contributions, not just to the Arkansas filmmaking community but to non-fiction storytelling in general, is immeasurable; we are proud to rename this award in Brent’s honor.”

Citizen Ashe Opens the 2021 Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, with films and honorees for 30th Anniversary edition

By John Wildman 4 years ago

“Our thirtieth anniversary program reflects the values we aspire to as a festival. We’re moving into the next thirty years with a renewed vision of documentary creation and the impact documentary filmmaking can have on our world,” said HSDFF Executive Director, Jennifer Gerber. “There is always a heightened energy and anticipation during anniversary years and this year’s films, our stellar trio of honorees, and the panels, events, activities, parties, and more that our staff has put together point to a truly exceptional film festival.”

Questlove’s SUMMER OF SOUL: Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival joins the Juneteenth celebration

By John Wildman 5 years ago

HSDFF Executive Director Jennifer Gerber, said, “I cannot imagine a better film than Summer of Soul to celebrate Juneteenth in Hot Springs. We are honored to be part of a collaborative event that unites the community to commemorate this significant date. Questlove’s directorial debut is one of the most anticipated documentaries of the year and we are ecstatic to share this film which captures such an amazing event with a gorgeously vivid presentation with Hot Springs’ audiences.”

Greta Hagen-Richardson joins Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival: starts 30th Anniversary preparations by adding new Director of Programming and Executive Director

By John Wildman 5 years ago

Gerber commented, “We could not be more delighted to add Greta to our team. She has quickly made a mark through her work at a number of prominent film festivals with a reputation for unearthing new voices and championing inclusion. We look forward to her bringing that curatorial vision to Hot Springs. Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic last year, the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival continued growing in reach, impact, and innovation.

Dawn Porter’s JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE among top honors at Arkansas film festivals Top Ten Films of 2020

By John Wildman 5 years ago

To highlight the great work of filmmakers during a challenging year for the film industry, film fans, and everyone else, the Artistic Directors and programmers from the Bentonville Film Festival and the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival have joined forces to announce their combined choices for the Top Ten Films of 2020 to call attention to some of their favorite films released in theaters, drive-ins, and online this year.

Nolan Dean talks RAP SQUAD: HOT SPRINGS DOCUMENTARY Film Fest INTERVIEW; hip-hop and spoken word to heal community

By John Wildman 5 years ago

In the interview, I talk to Dean about his relationship with director Nathan Willis and what his role as producer entailed on RAP SQUAD. We also discuss the insecurity regarding their own insight and perspective that led to a desire by Dean and Willis, who are white, to find a black editor to work on the film. We also talk about ensuring that you don’t manufacture good guys versus bad guys who aren’t really there.

Yi Chen’s FIRST VOTE: HOT SPRINGS DOCUMENTARY Film Fest INTERVIEWS; electoral process from Chinese Americans perspective

By John Wildman 5 years ago

In the interview, I talk to Chen about how she found her subjects and gained their trust and willingness to participate in her film, as well as her approach with her subjects in terms of challenging them on camera when they would make erroneous statements about policy. We also talk about her filmmakers’ focus on getting the shot and the sound, even as an interview subject is propping up an AK-47 on a wall next to herself during an interview like it was a rake or something.

Anabel Rodrigues Rios’ ONCE UPON A TIME IN VENEZUELA: HOT SPRINGS DOCUMENTARY Film Fest INTERVIEWS; villagers of Congo Mirador struggle with pollution

By John Wildman 5 years ago

In the interview, Rios and I talk about the film being an “act of resistance”, as well as how the film also lends some insight into what is happening in this country at this very moment. We also talk about Rios’ relationship with the two main subjects, how that managed within the considerations of her own politics versus theirs, and how she approached filmmaking while hiding her own anger over the political machinations at that time.

Minna Dufton’s BIG VS SMALL at HOT SPRINGS DOCUMENTARY Film Festival INTERVIEWS; giant wave surfer in Portugal, Joana Andrade

By John Wildman 5 years ago

In the interview, Dufton and I talk about the challenges in capturing what she needed for the film and managing that relationship throughout the filing process. We also discuss filming and moviemaking in extreme environments to not just get footage but to get it as safely as possible, as well as the tenuous nature of directing by webcam.