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 20 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 8-10, 2027.

Awards & Prizes

2027 POV awards
- Best Overall Film
- Best Arkansas Short Film
- Audience Choice Award

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 8-11, 2027 in downtown Hot Springs.

SHORTS: under 40 mins
FEATURES: over 40 mins

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
26 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Josh Baxter

    The POV festival was a great experience, and one that I would participate in again! The entire process was geared to recognize and celebrate filmmakers. Hot Springs is an incredible city, rich with history and a love for the arts. POV continues that legacy with a first rate film festival, beautiful venue at The Arlington Hotel, and a great team of organizers and volunteers that kept the event running smooth and made us all feel welcome!

    January 2026
    Helpful
  • Al Topich

    Always a pleasure going to the POV festival in Hot Springs. Quality movies that are a mix from Arkansas and international. Plus it's always fun chatting with local filmmakers and networking.

    January 2026
    Helpful
  • Lee LaMarche

    I found the POV festival to be a fun and exciting environment. Many festivals feel too overwhelming, but POV was intimate without feeling small. Everyone I met was excited to be there and the Q&As were engaging in a way that I haven't seen at a lot of festivals. Hot Springs is lucky to have it. I intend to go next year!

    January 2026
    Helpful
  • 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
    Helpful
  • 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
    Helpful