Documentary festival stars, supporting cast, kick it off
HOT SPRINGS — Suellen and Davis Tillman opened their Central Avenue home in the Tillman Building the evening of Oct. 6 for the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival Donor and VIP Kickoff Cocktail Party.
Guests included the festival’s honorary chairman, actress Kathleen Turner, interim director Jennifer Gerber and previous director Courtney Pledger, as well as filmmakers, sponsors and other VIPs.
The third-floor living room in the historic building overlooking busy Central Avenue was illuminated by two original skylights and decorated with items from the Tillmans’ travels. A long dining room table was filled with hors d’oeuvres from Cafe 1217 including stuffed mushrooms, bacon-wrapped dates, crostini, Cajun shrimp and a variety of sweets. Jonathan Martin, brew master at Bubba Brews, served a kolsch brewed just for the festival.
Guests also enjoyed the beer and wine before heading to the Arlington Hotel for the traditional champagne and popcorn reception preceding the opening-night and world premiere of the film Laddie: The Man Behind the Movies.
The festival, now in its 26th year, is known for its parties, such as the Speakeasy Mobster Party at the Gangster Museum and Mountainside Patio Party at Rolando’s. The film fest concluded Saturday night with a party at the Historic Hamp Williams Building after an awards ceremony and the film Davi’s Way with actor Robert Davi in attendance.