Persistence of Vision Film Festival (POV 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 18 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+ films and a fun filled atmosphere that celebrates the art and the creator.

January 2024 was our last year for the traditional “Arkansas Shorts” format. Moving forward the festival will be called POV Fest (Persistence of Vision Film Festival.) The festival will remain at its core focused on celebrating regional storytellers, but in the future, we will expand the programming to include feature films, documentaries, additional panels, workshops, parties and special guests. 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.

Low Key Arts' Persistence of Vision Film Festival (POV Fest) will take place January 3-5, 2025, at the historic Malco Theatre.

For the first time Arkansas Shorts is giving cash prizes to the awardees! $500 to the Jury Selection Prize and $500 for the Audience Choice Award.

POV Fest is an annual event showcasing short short and feature films made anywhere in the world.

SHORTS: under 40 mins
FEATURES: over 40 mins

All genres of film are represented including narrative, experimental, documentary, music video, animation, etc. POV Fest will be held in January 3-5, 2025 in downtown Hot Springs.

For more information contact: jengerber@lowkeyarts.org

Overall Rating
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  • A lovely short focused film festival that selected our client Claudio's Song for 2024. Definitely recommend!

    March 2024
  • Johnnie Brannon

    Love this festival and looking forward to all the new things that are about to happen. If you're a filmmaker, you need to put this on your must-submit list. In-person festivals are where it's at and the people in Hot Springs show up.

    January 2024
  • Kevin Croxton

    What a great film festival! Our film screened in a fantastic venue and we had a wonderful time! We will definitely submit future films to Arkansas Shorts!

    January 2024
  • Arkansas Shorts was an awesome experience! As a director of two films premiered there, I found it enriching to network and connect with fellow filmmakers from the region. The festival offered a superb lineup of films, showcasing diverse talents and stories. The atmosphere was friendly and collaborative, making it easy to engage in meaningful conversations and share ideas. The parties added a lively touch, complementing the professional yet relaxed ambiance. Overall, it was a great opportunity to be part of a community that celebrates film and creativity.

    December 2023
  • Zach Keast

    A great line up, great staff, and a beautiful venue. Can't wait to submit more work here in the future.

    March 2023