Filmmaker's Celebration

The Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute presents the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival Filmmaker's Celebration

Saturday, October 24th, 2009, 7pm
At the Hot Springs Convention Center, Horner Hall
Dress is Cocktail
Champagne and Heavy Hors d'oeuvres will be served, and a cash bar will be available throughout the evening.
Special Guests will include Robert Kenner and Bobby Rush, along with many other local, national, and international filmmakers.

Here's the story concerning the change from a "gala" to a "filmmaker's celebration":
We wanted to give the party more of an emphasis on filmmakers. We wanted to design the party for mingling and talking with more than just the 10 people at your table. And we wanted to make the event accessible financially to more people by lowering the ticket cost ($75, down from $150). We wanted to attract a more diverse group and create an environment that is comfortable and fun.

To achieve that, we're experimenting with a new format. The Filmmaker's Celebration will have more of a cocktail reception feel, or even a lounge-y feel. It will still have a festive, sparkling, glamorous air, but we hope to have a more intimate atmosphere that will encourage one-on-one access to filmmakers and all of the interesting people who attend the festival.

One of our board members, Michelle Harrison, has arranged to have the event at the Hot Springs convention center. It's very close to the theater within easy walking distance, and there is also lots of free parking nearby. A portion of Horner Hall will hold the dining area with a limited number of tables for casual dining of the heavy hors d'oeuvres, which will be presented in some inventive ways. Outside Horner hall in the foyer will be soft seating areas for small groups to mingle, a jazz combo, and a small stage for brief greetings from some of our honored guests, including (scheduled to appear) Robert Kenner, the director of Food, Inc., and Bobby Rush. Also, we'll have more room on the outside patio for those who want to enjoy the beautiful Hot Springs fall weather that we hope to have.

It will be a really fabulous event. Please join us. Call the HSDFI office at 501-321-4747 to reserve your tickets. I'll see you there!