Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival

Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival 2023 announces films, honorees, and Honorary Chair

By John Wildman 3 years ago

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.”

Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival brings on Ken Jacobson as new Executive Director

By John Wildman 4 years ago

Regarding the new position, Jacobson said, “When I first assisted on interviews with legendary leaders of the Civil Rights Movement as an intern on the series “Eyes on the Prize II,” I knew, deep down, that I always wanted to return to the South to connect the paths of documentary film and great Southern storytellers. After serving 15 years in the film festival and documentary non- profit worlds, I feel honored and thrilled to be joining Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute as the new Executive Director.”

Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival 2022 Interviews – ROOTS OF FIRE & FINDING HER BEAT

By John Wildman 4 years ago

Dawn Mikkelson and Keri Pickett’s Finding Her Beat, and Abby Berendt Lavoi and Jeremey Lavoi’s Roots of Fire have the obvious familial ties front and center: Finding Her Beat has Jennifer Weir and Megan Chao Smith (and heir daughter Josie) as the beating heart in its dynamic look at the women who have essentially unapologetically staked out their place in the world of Taiko drumming, and the husband and wife filmmaking team of Jeremey and Abby Berendt Lavoi successfully embedded themselves in the very tight kit “family” that makes up the insular Louisiana community that revolves around and feeds off their French music and culture.

Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival 2022 announces film lineup

By John Wildman 4 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 4 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 5 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 6 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 6 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 6 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.