HSDFF, a 10-day all-pedestrian festival, makes its home in one of the most unique vacation destinations of the American South, the Historic Spa City of Hot Springs, Arkansas, with all screenings and parties held within easy walking distance. Each October, the city comes alive as film-lovers and filmmakers gather to immerse themselves in over 100 of the best international features and shorts the documentary world has to offer, and to attend unforgettable events. HSDFF offers one-of-a kind forums, tributes to industry greats, and numbers of noted guests and visiting professionals. Over the years, Hot Springs has hosted many of the greats in documentary film, and is known for its warmth and hospitality to filmmakers.
Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival hosts multiple juries made up of industry professionals. Awards are given in the categories of Best U.S. Documentary Feature, Best International Documentary Feature, Best Documentary Short, Best Sports Documentary, and also an Audience Award as well as additional recognitions determined by the juries.
The winning short film in the Documentary Short Film Competition is eligible for Academy Award® consideration without the standard theatrical run, provided the film otherwise complies with the Academy rules.
The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival exhibits in a variety of program categories. Not all categories are competitive.
*Short Films: 40 minutes or less
*Features: Over 40 minutes
*Fees are non-refundable.
*Competition is open to U.S. and International entries.
*Films not in English must be subtitled in English
ELIGIBILITY: Feature and short documentary films completed after January 1, 2015 are eligible for HSDFF 2017 with preference given to films premiering after May 1, 2016.
Feature length films that have been released theatrically or broadcast on television nationally prior to the festival or are available on DVD or VOD are not eligible for competition status and will be considered for non-competitive sections only under special circumstances determined by the festival.
SUBMISSIONS will be received between January and August of 2016, with notification of acceptance no later than September 15th.
SUBMISSION FORMAT: ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED FOR PRE-SCREENING WITH VIMEO OR YOUTUBE LINK. You are required to keep us updated with passwords.
You may submit multiple entries but must fill out a separate entry form and PROVIDE an entry fee for each.
UPDATED CUTS: Our programming team will review the original screener received. HSDFF is unable to guarantee a review of the updated versions of your film, but links to new cuts can be emailed to courtney.hsdff@gmail.com
FEEDBACK: Unfortunately, due to the volume of submissions, we are unable to provide individualized feedback to filmmakers at this time.
Have additional questions about submitting? Please email info@hsdfi.org
Once accepted, if distribution plans accelerate and you find that your film will be released, theatrically or otherwise, before October 27, 2017, we ask that you notify us immediately.
LIABILITY
Great care will be taken with entries while with us, however we cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage incurred en route, or due to normal wear and tear. HSDFF is held harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses that may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity or screening of any film.
Documentary Shorts
Short Films 40'<
Fee-8%
Early40$36.8$
15 Feb 17
Standard50$46$
19 Apr 17
Late60$55.2$
01 Jun 17
Extended75$69$
06 Jul 17
Submissions deadline
06 Jul 17
Save up
4$
Submit
Non-fiction, maximum 40 minutes
Documentary Features
Short and Feature Films >41'
Fee-8%
Early50$46$
15 Feb 17
Standard60$55.2$
19 Apr 17
Late70$64.4$
01 Jun 17
Extended80$73.6$
06 Jul 17
Submissions deadline
06 Jul 17
Save up
4.8$
Submit
Non-fiction in all forms, minimum 40 minutes
Spa City Sports Series
Short and Feature Films
Fee-8%
Early50$46$
15 Feb 17
Standard60$55.2$
19 Apr 17
Late70$64.4$
01 Jun 17
Extended80$73.6$
06 Jul 17
Submissions deadline
06 Jul 17
Save up
4.8$
Submit
Feature-length documentaries covering indoor and outdoor sports.
Festhome holds accountable fees festivals by holding the payment of the fees of most newer festivals until they have viewed the submissions, held their festivals and other methods.
-8%
Festhome holds accountable fees festivals by holding the payment of the fees of most newer festivals until they have viewed the submissions, held their festivals and other methods. 