Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival

The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival is on for October 11-20 at the Arlington Hotel. The event, which showcases documentaries from around the world, is one of the longest running documentary film festivals in the U.S.

Some interesting films are on the lineup including “Mama Called” ( which is being shown Saturday October 12 at 5) , which was partially filmed in Fordyce. It will be the world premier of the film, which is a bio of legendary football coach and Arkansas native Paul “Bear” Bryant. Born in Moro Bottom and raised in Fordyce,  Bryant (1913-1983) is a legend in the realm of football. Known for his trademark black and white houndstooth fedora hat and stoic demeanor, many still consider him the greatest coach in the history of the game. This year ( on September 11th to be exact) would have marked his100th birthday.

The festival starts October 11 with Ryan White’s “Good Ol’ Freda”, the story of Beatles’ Secretary Freda Kelly who accompanied the Beatles during their tours. In a rare public appearance, Kelly will be on hand at the festival to  share personal stories from her experience with the band.

The closing night film will be the world premiere of a sports documentary called “Jose Canseco: the Truth Hurts.” Canseco and filmmaker, Bill McAdams, Jr., will also be in attendance for the closing night screening.

To check out the full lineup of the film festival, check out the film festival’s tumblr site here. This site also include info on the films selected as well as trailers for them. Tickets for the festival can be purchased at www.hsdfi.org.