Sundance Film Festival
Park City, United States
100
Tier AOscarScreenings
Festival dossier
POV - Persistence of Vision Film Festival
Hot Springs, United States · Est. 2006 · Established legitimate festival with meaningful track record
Tier BTrusted
Hot Springs, United States
65
Legitimacy ScoreShould I submit?
Solid signals — do normal diligence
Tier B looks established enough for many filmmakers. Check fees, programming fit, and recent editions before submitting.
- No physical screenings
- 20 years of verifiable history
- 3 verified pro signals
Overview
Persistence of Vision Film Festival (POV Film Fest) Previously known as ARKANSAS SHORTS - A WEEKEND OF SHORT FILM, this year the festival will take on a new name to reflect the evolution with the festival programming. What started 20 years ago as a single screening designed to only showcase films made by Arkansans, has now expanded to a 3 day event packed with 85+ short & feature films and a fun filled atmosphere with parties, panels and plenty of networking opportunities. POV Fest is not just about showcasing films; it is about enriching our creative community. It is about providing a platform for filmmakers to connect, learn, and grow. By celebrating the art of filmmaking, we aim to foster an environment that encourages brave storytelling, nurtures talent, and sparks new collaborations. Persistence of Vision Film Festival (POV Fest) will take place January 8-10, 2027.
Last updated Sep 6, 2026
Legitimacy Analysis
Positive Indicators (+30 pts)
- 20 years of verifiable history
- 3 verified pro signals
- Verified trusted status
- Legitimacy signals outweigh concerns (3 vs 1)
Red Flags (-15 pts)
- No physical screenings
Trust Signals
Positive Signals
- FilmFreeway Gold festival
- Documented history with archived programs
- Has FilmFreeway community ratings
Festival Details
Founded
2006
FilmFreeway communityGold festival
Avg. rating
4.0/ 5
Reviews
26
Synced 4 days ago
- Filmmaker
What an incredible festival! Being a Northwest Arkansas Native, I don't get to come out very often to Hot Springs, but I can say that for anyone this would be worth the travel! I was honored and lucky enough to have my short film "Balloon Head" play at this festival and it was amazing! The audience was so engaged and responsive and the people that I got to network with and talk to were all so hospitable and kind! I plan to be at this festival every year from now on to watch some top notch films and meet so many wonderful filmmakers, definitely one to remember!
- Filmmaker
The POV festival was very well run, had a great selection of films and fabulous networking opportunities. I looked forward to submitting more films to this festival.
- Filmmaker
I found the POV festival to be a fun and exciting environment. Many festivals feel too overwhelming, but POV was intimate without feeling small. Everyone I met was excited to be there and the Q&As were engaging in a way that I haven't seen at a lot of festivals. Hot Springs is lucky to have it. I intend to go next year!
- Filmmaker
Always a pleasure going to the POV festival in Hot Springs. Quality movies that are a mix from Arkansas and international. Plus it's always fun chatting with local filmmakers and networking.
- Filmmaker
The POV festival was a great experience, and one that I would participate in again! The entire process was geared to recognize and celebrate filmmakers. Hot Springs is an incredible city, rich with history and a love for the arts. POV continues that legacy with a first rate film festival, beautiful venue at The Arlington Hotel, and a great team of organizers and volunteers that kept the event running smooth and made us all feel welcome!
FilmFreeway reviews are filmmaker opinions, not our score. Cross-check red flags before paying fees.
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