Hot Springs Film Fest Names Darlene Love Chair, Honors Berlinger, Richen

The 35th annual Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival revealed its 2026 lineup on Thursday, October 5, 2026, marking the 35th iteration of the event held in central Arkansas. The festival is scheduled to run from October 9-17 in the historic spa town. The opening night film will be Penny Lane's documentary "Wild Inside." The festival will conclude with "Bob and David Climb Machu," a selection for the Closing Night. Honorary Chair for the 2026 festival is the Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Darlene Love. The festival will also present its prestigious documentary awards to two prominent figures in the field. Joe Berlinger, a two-time Emmy Award winner and Peabody Award recipient, will receive the Golden Rock Award for Lifetime Achievement. Berlinger is known for his extensive work in documentary filmmaking, including the "Paradise Lost" trilogy and "Metallica: Some Kind of Monster." Yoruba Richen, a Peabody Award-winning documentarian and journalist, will be honored with the Impact Award. Richen's work often focuses on social justice issues and has been featured on platforms like PBS and HBO. The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, established in 1992, is recognized as the oldest documentary film festival in North America. It aims to celebrate and promote the art of documentary filmmaking by showcasing a diverse range of films and providing a platform for filmmakers to connect with audiences and industry professionals. The 2026 festival will feature a curated selection of films across various categories, including international documentaries, short films, and films from emerging filmmakers. The festival's programming committee selects films that demonstrate artistic merit, journalistic integrity, and compelling storytelling. The announcement was made in advance of the festival's opening, generating anticipation for the week-long cinematic event. The selection of Darlene Love as Honorary Chair highlights the festival's commitment to recognizing influential figures across the arts. Her career spans decades, encompassing music, acting, and advocacy, making her a fitting figurehead for the 2026 edition. The awards for Berlinger and Richen underscore the festival's dedication to honoring filmmakers who have made significant contributions to the documentary landscape through their impactful and critically acclaimed work. The festival's location in Hot Springs, Arkansas, provides a unique backdrop for the event, drawing filmmakers, critics, and enthusiasts to the historic setting.