HS Documentary Film Festival expands reach through education
The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival has long been an inherently educational experience, and the festival’s executive director said this year was no different.
“All year we have been curating festival experience with a wide range of films, parties, workshops and panels,” said Jennifer Gerber. “It’s so rewarding to see our audience members enjoy these events and we plan to build on our success for next year.”
Gerber said with any film at the festival, audiences “have a chance to travel, learn, grow and be challenged and inspired.”
“All year I have been motivated to expand this experience to a practical application at the festival,” she said. “It is clear that our audience members want more educational opportunities and I was thrilled with the attendance for all our workshops.
“I’m proud of the range of educational opportunities we were able to offer this year. From creating cardboard accessories with our visiting filmmakers with the film ‘From All Corners,’ to our college application workshop following the screening of ‘Personal Statement,’ to the weeklong storytelling class that culminated in a live performance, our audience members were able to engage on a deeper level with our films and have a learning experience that they can carry with them forever.”
All of the films that received awards at this year’s festival were standouts, Gerber said, especially “Gospel of Eureka” which was named Best Southern Film.
“That screening was a highlight of the festival with a packed audience and a party with the performers from the film,” she said. “I think since the film takes place in our own backyard, the film truly resonated with our audience.”
This year, the festival reached well beyond the cinema by expanding its reach in different ways.
“I’m most proud of the way we were able to expand our reach to our area schools by scheduling our guest filmmakers to visit local classrooms to give inspirational presentations about their careers,” Gerber said. “In addition, this year we hosted our first ever HSDFF Filmmaker Retreat. We had 10 filmmakers in development with their first or second feature film
take part in a weekend designed to support their projects and their creative work. We look forward to seeing where these incredible stories will eventually go.”
Gerber said a feeling of gratitude has overwhelmed her since the closing night.
“This is a festival that has a worldwide reputation, but we are able to sustain a personal touch,” she said. “Each filmmaker who visited made a point to tell me this was their best festival experience.
“I love watching our guests take in our tremendous city and fall in love with Hot Springs. It brings such joy to see this community welcome our guests with such open arms. This festival is like no other and I am deeply honored to play a small part in its long history.”