The *Hot Springs International Women's Film Festival* is presented by the Hot Springs Arts & Film Institute.
The festival is a vibrant an inclusive platform established by filmmakers for filmmakers, dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the voices of women in the film industry.

Now in its 10th year, the festival will take place on *June 28-29, 2025*, at *Vapors Live*, located at 315 Park Ave, Downtown Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas.

This event invites film enthusiasts to explore a diverse array of films, including premieres, unreleased features, international documentaries, narratives, comedies, animations, shorts, and local talent from Arkansas. A new vendors area this year will have hand made items, jewelry, crafts with great Memphis BBQ, Seafood, drinks and lots more...

The festival was founded by Bill Volland in response to gender inequality in the film industry, the festival is organized by a passionate team of filmmakers, volunteers, and members of Women in Film of Arkansas. It welcomes projects that feature women in key production roles, as well as films produced or directed by men, provided they center on female protagonists or stories about women.

Set in the scenic **Hot Springs National Park**, known for its natural hot springs, lakes, historic spas, museums, and art galleries, the festival offers a unique opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their work to a global audience. Attendees can also enjoy the **Artist Vendors Area**, featuring handmade crafts, delicious food, and drinks, while engaging in educational and networking opportunities within walking distance of the venue.

The festival recognizes excellence across various categories, including **Best Feature Film**, **Best Short Film**, **Best Documentary Feature**, **Best Documentary Short**, **Best Student Film**, **Best Animation**, **Best First-Time Filmmaker**, and the **JLA Best Arkansas Made Film**. Winners may receive awards such as trophies, screenings, accommodations, and festival tickets.

As filmmakers ourselves, we understand the dedication and effort required to bring a project to life. Our mission is to support filmmakers through exhibition, education, networking, and distribution, helping them reach the right audience and advance their careers. We invite you to join us in celebrating the creativity and achievements of women in film. Visit our *Facebook Page*: [Hot Springs International Women's Film Festival](https://www.facebook.com/Hot-Springs-International-Womens-Film-Festival-103623470135515)... to view film trailers and get more information .
HSWFF CREW

Awards & Prizes

Awards for Best in Category.
Awards can include, trophies,
4 wall screenings,
accommodations,
sponsored packages,
gifts and more.

Rules & Terms

Hot Springs International Women’s Film Festival's General Rules for filmmakers:
-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.
~By submitting your film to the festival, you are giving us the right to screen your film as part of the film festival
-Fee waivers are not available, except to alumni of the festival.
-We require a "download link" to your film with FilmFreeway tracking ID & contact info.
~(If you have a trailer or press kit, send digital download links only please do not send paper press kits with your screener unless requested.)
-Any DVDs & Blu ray's will not be returned.
-For more information please contact us at hotspringswomensfilmfest@gmail.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. These terms are subject to change at anytime.
23 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Adina Taubman

    I had a great time at the festival! Thank you Bill, Christi, and the entire team. I was thrilled to have my first short film, SIZZLE, that I produced, wrote, and starred in, included in such a varied and excellent lineup of films, and I met a group wonderful women filmmakers there, who I plan to stay in touch with. I highly recommend this festival!

    August 2025
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  • Dana Johnson

    I had an amazing time at the festival and really loved the staff and venue! Hot Springs International Women’s Film Festival also had some next level programming. I wish I could have watched every film!

    May 2024
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  • Marina Edwards

    Thank you Hot Springs for your recognition!

    October 2023
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  • Sandi Bachom

    Thank you for choosing my first film, "True Believers At The Insurrection" as a finalist at your festival. I know you have hundreds of films to choose from so it's an honor when chosen.

    July 2023
    Helpful
  • Jacqueline Elyse Rosenthal

    THIS FESTIVAL HAS SUCH A LARGE HEART and I highly recommend submitting.

    Our film BACKLOG had the pleasure of screening this past weekend, and we were grateful to take home the Best Student Film award.

    Due to a family obligation, I was unable to attend, but the programmers (I corresponded a lot with Bill) were incredibly involved and thoughtful. The communication at this festival is incredible and they go out of their way to accommodate filmmakers with discounted rooms and non-stop events and mixers. Hot Springs is also an incredible town, especially to visit this time in the summer, which is why we were so sorry to miss it.

    However the programming was absolutely incredible, with films from all over the world and the awards presented by Joey Lauren Adams (an iconic actress) who is also a women's rights and human rights activist.

    What an incredible festival - one that we will 100% be applying to again and attending.

    *Special note: there was a very human element to this festival. The way they communicated, their true care for filmmaking and filmmakers, and the kind of films they programmed. My biggest regret this year, is being unable to attend in person.

    They seem very in line with their mission statement. What an amazing feeling to know that people are out there who support films and female films for the right reasons. Women in Film Arkansas is involved with the festival.

    Thank you for existing Hot Springs International Women's Film Festival. You've really inspired and encouraged us to keep going on our mission to end the rape kit backlog.

    July 2023
    Helpful