Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
Major legitimate festival with strong credentials
The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival is the longest-running all-documentary film festival in North America, held annually since 1991 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It showcases over 100 international documentary features and shorts, including biographic, historical, and personal stories, and is a designated Academy Award®-qualifying festival for Documentary Short Subject.
Last updated Aug 15, 2026
Legitimacy Analysis
Positive Indicators (+74 pts)
- Oscar Qualifying Festival
- Film Fest Alliance Member
- 34 years of verifiable history
- Physical screenings at Arlington Resort Hotel, Malco Theatre
- Named jury members
- 3 verified pro signals
- Verified trusted status
Red Flags (-0 pts)
No red flags found
Trust Signals
Positive Signals
- FF_GOLD_BADGE
- FF_RATED
- Documented history with archived programs
Festival Details
Founded
1992
Venue
Arlington Resort Hotel, Malco Theatre
Screenings
Physical screenings confirmed
Award Categories
6
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