Stories from across the state will be shared on the big screen today at the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival as part of Arkansas Filmmakers Day.
Jennifer Gerber, executive director of the Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute, said a "good mix" of films showcasing Arkansas will be shown throughout the day and end with an Arkansas-themed party.
At 10 a.m., "SHORTS: Made in Arkansas" will feature films that all tell their stories in a small amount of time.
"Technically, we are Oscar-accredited for our shorts category, so we follow the guidelines set by that," Gerber said. "Films have to be under 40 minutes. If they're 41 minutes, they get bumped up to the next category."
Films that will be featured in the shorts program include "Ain't Dead Yet," the story of an Arkansas veteran who lost his arm and ability to walk now training for the 2020 U.S. Paralympic team; "Compasión," about a veteran returning from active duty to rebuild her life with her 12-year-old son; "Sowing Salvation," about a veteran who, after multiple tours in Iraq, helps other veterans heal through farming; "Veteran's Best Friend," the story of a veteran who after 21 years in service with the U.S. Air Force bomb squad builds a partnership with her service dog; "Cotton Plant," which explores how the town's deeply religious mayor considers the medical marijuana industry for the dwindling Southern town; "Frank Broyles, Arkansas Legend," the story of Arkansas Razorback football under the leadership of Frank Broyles; and "Happy Destiny Homes," a local film that showcases a halfway housing project for alcohol and drug addicts, and former prison inmates.
The program will end with "The Under3 Series" produced by Arkansas Educational Television Network which shares Arkansas stories in less than three minutes each.
At 3:30 p.m., "Make Room For Pie" food writer Kat Robinson travels across the state stopping for the best homemade pies in kitchens, cafes and bakeries. Following this free screening, the audience will be treated to a taste of some of the best pies, Gerber said. "DeLuca's," a film by recent Lakeside graduate Scarlett Gooch will entice viewers with another type of pie, she said.
Closing out the day at 7 p.m. is "Kevin," which will be screened in sponsorship by Fresh Docs.
Gerber said Fresh Docs was established by the Southern Documentary Fund as a way for filmmakers to work through their documentary and screen it for audiences before the final cut. This allows filmmakers to receive feedback on their films before their full release.
"We are fortunate to have an Arkansas film go through this process," she said.
Wrapping up the first weekend of films, Gerber said the response has been "unbelievable."
"I'm really proud of the reputation that we have here in Hot Springs for our hospitality," she said. "I have so much joy sharing our festival with our guests who don't know what to expect."
Local on 10/23/2018