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 19 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 9-11, 2026, at the historic Malco Theatre.

Awards & Prizes

POV awards cash prizes to our filmmakers!

2026 Awards include:
-- $500 to the Jury Selection Prize
-- $500 for the Audience Choice Award
-- Arkansas Filmmaker Short Screenplay Award with Film Gear Rentals providing 1 ton grip package + 1 Film Gear Rental crew member for 2 production days plus guaranteed screening at POV 2027.

Rules & Terms

POV Fest is an annual event showcasing short and feature films made anywhere in the world. All genres of film are represented including narrative, experimental, documentary, music video, animation, etc.

POV Fest will be held on January 9-11, 2026 in downtown Hot Springs.

SHORTS: under 40 mins
FEATURES: over 40 mins

This year we are thrilled to introduce a partnership with FILM GEAR RENTALS to offer a prize package to a winning screenplay:

Arkansas Filmmaker Short Screenplay Competition
- Must be a current resident or native of Arkansas.
- Project must be filmed entirely within the state of Arkansas.
- Screenplay can be no more than 10 pages.

For more information contact: jengerber@lowkeyarts.org
23 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Clayton Henderson

    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.

    January 2025
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  • Preston Moody

    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!

    January 2025
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  • Jonathan Childs

    An incredible film showcase in a historic venue in an amazing town hosted by great peeps! What’s not to love?! So happy to have been able to be a part of it! :)

    January 2025
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  • Festival Formula

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

    March 2024
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  • 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
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