Deep within the Ouachita Mountains, in what Native Americans have named the Valley of the Vapors, amidst turn-of-the-century bathhouses and on the doorstep of a national park lies the unforgettable spa city of Hot Springs, Arkansas, host to North America’s oldest all-documentary film festival. The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival will celebrate its 27th Anniversary October 19th-27th at the historic Arlington Hotel in downtown Hot Springs.

Hosted by America’s “First Resort” and held on the doorstep of a national park, the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival is a culturally diverse and intergenerational event. The city’s colorful past as the 1930’s playground of Al Capone lingers in the air amidst the majestic turn of the century buildings that make up Bathhouse Row. In the 1950’s, Hot Springs served as the boyhood home of former President Bill Clinton.

Each year, with the help of a small staff and over 100 dedicated volunteers, Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival attracts thousands of visitors to the 9-day multicultural and intergenerational event. Now approaching its 27th year as the oldest all-documentary festival in North America and one of the longest running non-fiction festivals in the world, the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival remains a prominent champion and protector of the documentary film genre.

What:
Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival

When:
October 19th-27th
Hours are Friday- (VIP Party) 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Saturday (Main Event)-11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday (Workshops)-9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where:
Arlington Hotel Resort & Spa
239 Central Ave
Hot Springs, AR 71901

Admission:
Single Admission Tickets:
General  Admission: $12
Opening and Closing Night Galas: $45 (Film + Party)
Film only tickets for Opening and Closing Night: $20
Parties: $25 (limited availability)

Day Pass: $25
Student Pass: $50
Opening Weekend 3-Day All Access Pass: $120
Closing Weekend 3-Day All Access Pass: $120
Film Buff Pass: $225
All Access Pass: $400

More Information:
https://www.hsdfi.org/