The Hot Springs International Women’s Film Festival (HSWFF) is presented by the Hot Springs Arts & Film Institute. The festival celebrates women filmmakers and artists by providing a historic theàter venue and networking forum in Hot Springs National Park, AR. USA.

The HSWFF believes it is important to hear and see the educated, entertaining and diverse stories of women from around the world. We provide a platform for networking and sharing your visions, the Historic Central Theater located in downtown Hot Springs National Park, AR. The theater boasts the charm of the1930's with a large movie screen and the latest sound & digital projection. "Hot Springs" is surrounded by seven lakes, it's home to the world famous "Bathhouse Row," and known for it's rich history, health spas, museums, art galleries, natural hot springs, film festivals and tourist attractions.

HSWFF accepts all projects that have at least one woman in one of the key production positions: (Producer, Director, Writer, Cinematographer, Editor, Lead Actress, Etc......). Projects that are produced and/or directed by men are accepted as long as there is female protagonist and/or the story is based around women.

Categories include:

Short Film
Feature Film
Documentary Short
Documentary Feature
Student Film
Animation
Experimental Film

Awards for Best Actress and Best in Category.
Awards can include trophies, 4 wall screenings, accommodations and more.
(some filmmakers can get "fast tracked" into "Film Com", help with distribution and a free Inktip account)

Filmmakers can request Q & A to follow their screening and expect personalized & technical support from the festival staff ... The festival has related functions at nearby hotels and restaurants all within walking distance to the festival's Historic Central Theater (located in the heart of downtown Hot Springs).

Discounts for accommodations maybe available please see our website for more info:
http://www.hotspringswomensfilmfestival.com
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Hot-Springs-International-Womens-Film-Festival-103623470135515

Awards & Prizes

Awards for Best Actress and Best in Category.
Awards can include, 4 wall screenings, accommodations BEST IN CATEGORY will receive an InkTip Script Listing to promote themselves and their scripts to InkTip’s entire network of producers, managers, and agents. Some companies who are InkTip members include: ABC, Anonymous Content, APA, CBS Films, HBO Films, ICM, Paradigm, Paramount Pictures, Hallmark Channel, FX, Universal, WME, Echo Lake, Zero Gravity, Bad Robot, 20th Century Fox, and many more.  and more.
( some filmmakers can get help with distribution and "fast tracked" into "Film Com" for a chance to "pitch" face to face to network executives and indie financiers. )

Rules & Terms

Hot Springs International Women’s Film Festival's General Rules:
-Projects must have at least one woman in one of the "key"production positions: (Producer, Director, Writer, Cinematographer, Lead Actress, Etc..).
-Projects that are produced and/or directed by men are accepted as long as there is a lead female protagonist and/or the story is based around women.
-All genres are accepted.
-Submissions in languages other than English must be subtitled or dubbed.
-The entry fee is per category.
-Entry fee is non-refundable.
-Fee waivers are not available.
-DVDs and Blu rays must clearly be labeled with FilmFreeway tracking ID & contact info
-Please do not send paper press kits with your screener unless requested.
-DVDs & Blu ray's will not be returned.
-For more information please contact us at info@hotspringswomensfilmfestival.com

I agree to the terms outlined in the General Festival Rules for the Hot Springs International Women's Film Festival (HSWFF).
The Hot Springs International Women's Film Festival is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Hot Springs International Women's Film Festival (HSWFF) and the Hot Springs Arts & Film Institute from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening and other festival related activities. We reserve the right to not screen any submitted film for any reason at our own discretion.
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Sandra Luckow

    It was an honor to be the Keynote speaker and then unexpected recipient of Best Documentary Feature at the inaugural Hot Springs International Film Women’s Film Festival. With all of the other festivals out there, it would seem a fool’s folly to want to start a festival, but the need and desire for such a festival was apparent in this history-filled little town. So many classic genre films such as the gangster and baseball movies have scenes taken from the pages of Hot Springs history. The Central Cinema is as much a museum of film history as it is a movie theater. Even on display across the street from the theater was the crane Hitchcock used in many of his films. It a destination for a movie fan and thrill to fill connected to it all as a filmmaker. As this festival grows in prominence, I hope it will retain the personal and intimate feel of someplace special.

    March 2018
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Sandra for helping make the 1st Annual one to remember.

  • Susan Rivo

    I was not able to attend, unfortunately, but Festival organizers were very communicative and helpful.

    March 2018
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, hope you can make it next year.

  • Alicia Hayes

    One of the most professional and carefully executed festivals. I was treated like Hollywood royalty. The founder/director of festival Bill Volland was so kind and treated everyone with exceptional southern hospitality. Thank you HSIWFF for a memorable experience. I will definitely be submitting/attending next year!

    March 2018
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your kind words, see you next year!

  • Becky Smith

    Bill and the hospitable, warm volunteer staff made us feel welcome at this new Women's Film Festival in the historic and fascinating town of Hot Springs (which boasts a prominent doc festival each year.) Bill owns a large, old theater that I loved, and the staff's film selections were - across the board - strong/fascinating. This new festival just needs vigorous outreach to the local community to become special. We had a delightful time.

    March 2018
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Becky, we are working hard on marketing the 2nd Annual Women's Film Festival, hope you can make it back to see us again.