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 with English subtitles
ELIGIBILITY: Feature and short documentary films completed after November, 1 2019, are eligible for HSDFF 2020 with preference given to films premiering after May 1, 2020.
SUBMISSIONS will be received between January and July of 2020, with notification of acceptance no later than September 30th, 2020.
Feature and Short films that are available on VOD or a streaming platform will not be eligible for competition at the festival.
Feature length films that have been released theatrically or broadcast on television nationally prior to the festival will be considered for non-competitive sections only under special circumstances determined by the festival.
Short films that are available on VOD or a streaming platform will not be eligible for competition at the festival.
SUBMISSIONS will be received between January and July of 2020, with notification of acceptance no later than September 30th, 2020.
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 hsdfi@hsdfi.org
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 hsdfi@hsdfi.org
Once accepted, if distribution plans accelerate and you find that your film will be released, theatrically or otherwise, before October 17, 2020, 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.