Oct. 16, 2024
Network to participate in Filmmaker Forum, lead immersive student workshop, share sneak peek of Statuary Hall documentary
CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas PBS) — Arkansas PBS, a resource and outlet for independent filmmakers in the state, will help encourage the art of storytelling and the production of nonfiction film by participating in the 33rd Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival (HSDFF).
"For generations, film has been a powerful medium for storytelling, and at Arkansas PBS, we are proud to support and nurture the incredible storytellers emerging from our state,” CEO and Executive Director Courtney Pledger said. “Through our commitment to uplifting local voices and fostering creativity, we help ensure that Arkansas stories are shared with the world.
“We are especially delighted to participate in this year's Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, where we continue our mission of celebrating unique perspectives and inspiring the next generation of filmmakers.”
Arkansas PBS will be present throughout this year’s festival. The network will participate in discussions during the HSDFF Filmmaker Forum, a three-day filmmaker/industry conference focused on the business, art and craft of documentary storytelling presented in partnership with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. With a focus on public media, the forum is a unique professional development opportunity for filmmakers and a major regional convening of filmmakers and industry leaders.
Pledger will be featured in conversation with PBS Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, General Audience Programming Sylvia Bugg Thursday, Oct. 22, at 12:30 p.m. Arkansas PBS will also participate in the panel “Powerful Partnerships: PBS Stations and Independent Producers” on Monday, Oct. 21, at 12:15 p.m. The session will explore opportunities and resources available to producers and filmmakers in working with their local PBS stations, from content development and fundraising to distribution and audience engagement.
Arkansas PBS will bring its Emerging Filmmakers Workshop back to HSDFF on Wednesday, Oct. 23. This workshop connects high school students with working filmmakers to inspire young, aspiring filmmakers and offer both theoretical knowledge and the hands-on skills necessary to begin their filmmaking journeys, along with valuable career-building insights. The workshop will feature an educational screening of "Ali Eats America," including a Q&A session with filmmakers Roush Niaghi and Greg Morris alongside the documentary’s subjects Ali Allouche and his mother Lt. Colonel Jen Danko.
The network will collaborate with the Brent Renaud Foundation in a workshop from the foundation’s Mentorship Program on Wednesday, Oct. 23. This intensive session offers emerging filmmakers the chance to gain insight into the filmmaking profession. Experienced filmmakers joining Craig Renaud will share their creative processes and provide practical advice on how to build a sustainable career in the industry.
Arkansas PBS will host a first glimpse of the documentary covering the creation of the new statues commemorating state heroes Johnny Cash and Daisy Bates in the U.S. Capitol at the festival Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 7:30 p.m. This special work in progress presentation will feature excerpts from the film and a panel conversation with Shane Broadway, chairman of the Arkansas National Statuary Hall Steering Committee; Charles King, president of the Daisy Bates House Museum Foundation Board; and filmmaker Nathan Willis.
Other screenings will include the documentary short “Wild Hogs and Saffron,” produced by independent filmmaker Andy Sarjahani in association with ITVS and Arkansas PBS, to be shown Oct. 20 at 3 p.m. during the Shorts Program: The Natural State. The film features Iranian American filmmaker Sarjahani and his childhood friend Bubba Samuels reconnecting in their native Ozarks for a wild hog hunt where unexpected conversations unfold that have a lasting impact on their friendship.
About the Hot Spring Documentary Film Festival
Established in 1991, HSDFF is an Oscar-qualifying festival for “Documentary Short Subject” by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Produced by a small staff and with the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteers, the film festival benefits the region by providing an affordable arts festival that offers the best in documentary film, inspiring educational programs and exposure to internationally acclaimed filmmakers and special guests. Through strategic outreach, HSDFF seeks to discover, support and inspire diverse documentary filmmakers and champion a southern film community that reflects the full breadth of experience and story in the American South.
About Arkansas PBS
Arkansas PBS, Arkansas’s only statewide public media network, empowers learners of all ages by educating, informing, entertaining and inspiring communities. Arkansas PBS serves as a daily and essential resource for Arkansans by creating, sharing, celebrating and driving conversation around Arkansas stories and classic, trusted PBS programs through multiple digital platforms, including livestreaming at myarpbs.org/live, on-demand services and YouTube TV, and the distinct channels Arkansas PBS, Arkansas PBS Create, Arkansas PBS KIDS, Arkansas PBS WORLD and Arkansas PBS AIRS on SAP. Members with Arkansas PBS Passport have extended on-demand access to a rich library of public television programming. Arkansas PBS depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. Additional information is available at myarkansaspbs.org. Arkansas PBS is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), KETZ (El Dorado), KETS (Russellville), KETS (Forrest City), KETS (Gaither) and KETS (Yancy).
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