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 venue, educational opportunities, and networking forum in Hot Springs National Park, AR. USA. We love working with you and want to see your project and dreams become reality.

Founded by Bill Volland the festival was conceived by filmmakers for filmmakers, in a positive response to the inequality in the film industry. A need to hear and see the diverse stories of and about women from around the world.
The festival team is made of filmmakers, volunteers and members from "Women in Film of Arkansas"
Let us help get your ideas out to the right audience through the right distribution.

"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 a female protagonist and/or the story is based around women.

Categories include:
Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Short
Best Student Film
Best Animation
Best First Time Filmmaker
Best Experimental Film
Rising Star Award


Best in Category.
Awards can include trophies, 4 wall screenings, accommodations, tickets and more

Filmmakers can request Q & A to follow their screening and expect personalized, technical and other support from the Festival Staff and Volunteers ... The festival has related educational and networking functions, some held next door and others could be at nearby schools, hotels and restaurants but all within walking distance to the festival's Historic Central Theatre (located in the heart of downtown Hot Springs National Park).

Website for more info:
http://www.hotspringswomensfilmfestival.com

Watch teasers on our Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/Hot-Springs-International-Womens-Film-Festival-103623470135515

Filmmakers ourselves, we care and understand what it takes to complete a project, through the years we have worked with many filmmakers, we would be thrilled to help you and your project keep moving forward... HSWFF CREW

Awards & Prizes

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

Get fast tracked into "Film Com" and "pitch" your next project 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, except to alumni of the festival.
-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 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.
17 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Juliet Landau

    The mission of HOT SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S FILM FESTIVAL is visionary! We’re deeply inspired by what Festival Director, Bill Volland, and the whole HSWIFF team have built / are continuing to build: an innovative space for Indie films and female filmmakers. They curate a slate of diverse pictures from all over the world. HSWIFF doesn’t go for uninteresting, cookie-cutter fare. They champion unique, cutting edge, revolutionary, out-of-the-box movies of all genres. They highlight underserved and underrepresented voices…. The festival addresses the inequality in the film Industry.

    We applied because we felt it would be a perfect fit for our project. We loved the mission statement and philosophy of highlighting movies, which have been either directed, produced, edited, shot by, or include a cast driven by women.

    Every event was crafted and carried out with care. The communication prior, during and after the festival was stellar!

    HOT SPRINGS WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL builds community. Meeting fellow filmmakers and seeing their work was inspiring, enlightening and so much fun!

    We are so honored that A PLACE AMONG THE DEAD took home the trophy for BEST FEATURE - FIRST TIME FILMMAKER.

    Festival Director, Bill is a passionate cinephile. He utilizes his experience in the Industry and his knowledge as an International Award-Winning Producer, who worked in many departments in TV and Motion Pictures, to make the festival something truly special. We had the best time and cannot recommend this festival enough! Filmmakers apply!

    November 2022
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  • Tom Phillips

    Awesome folks, well run, timely, highly recommended!

    March 2022
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  • Paul Summerlin

    we want to thank Bill and everyone at the festival for including us at the last minute; and for continuing such a cool tradition

    March 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Paul, we are looking forward to seeing part 2 ...

  • Barbara Bentree

    I was honored to be selected for this very important festival and hope to participate again sometime in the future. The staff was very generous and I only wish that I could have attended in person this year!

    March 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your kind words and we hope to see more great films from you.

  • Michele Noble

    Terrific communication and well curated! There was no in person Festival this year but we've heard great things and it was such an honour to have our film, Reclamation: The Rise at Standing Rock selected and recognised by this wonderful Festival! In particular, we are grateful that this Festival champions and supports women's voices. We look forward to coming to Hot Springs and will continue to submit our work to this fantastic Festival!

    July 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Michele, it's films like yours that make the festival a memorable experience for everyone. We look forward to more great films from you and your crew.