The 2026 Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival has announced its featured films and honorees, including Darlene Love as Honorary Chair.
The 35th edition of the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival has officially announced its lineup for the 2026 event, set to take place from October 9-17 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The festival will kick off with Penny Lane’s documentary Wild Inside and conclude with Bob and David Climb Machu Picchu, featuring actors Bob Odenkirk and David Cross. The announcement was made on September 17, 2026, and reported by Deadline.
This year, the festival will honor R&B legend Darlene Love, named the Honorary Chair. The festival will also present significant awards, including the Brent Renaud Career Achievement Award to Oscar nominee and Emmy winner Joe Berlinger and the Impact Award to Peabody winner Yoruba Richen. Berlinger will receive his award prior to a special screening celebrating the 30th anniversary of his acclaimed documentary, Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills.
A standout feature will be the Centerpiece Selection, showcasing the world premiere of The Other Side of Memory by Nick Capezzera. The festival will also screen several U.S. premieres, including Ava DuVernay’s highly anticipated film 14th and Darlene Love: I Know Where I’ve Been, directed by Barry Avrich. These films join a lineup featuring contributions from filmmakers such as Barbara Kopple, Ron Howard, and Nanette Burstein.
In a new initiative, the festival will host a Documentary Roundtable, featuring discussions on the upcoming Academy Awards. This panel will delve into leading contenders, including filmmakers and producers from notable projects.
Executive Director Ken Jacobson emphasized that this year marks multiple milestones: the 35th year of the festival, the 150th anniversary of Hot Springs, and the 250th birthday of the USA. According to Jacobson, the festival aims to celebrate documentary film while reflecting on historical and cultural contexts, connecting the past to the present.
The festival's multiple screenings are expected to attract an audience eager for thought-provoking cinema. With a range of films addressing significant social issues, along with documentaries featuring legendary figures in music and culture, the festival hopes to broaden its reach and impact.
With its lineup set, the 2026 Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival is poised to be a landmark event for documentary enthusiasts. Darlene Love’s selection as Honorary Chair showcases the festival’s commitment to honoring influential figures in the industry. Audience members can look forward to a rich tapestry of films that not only entertain but also engage with pressing societal issues.
As the festival approaches, further details regarding individual screenings and events are likely to be announced, setting the stage for what is expected to be an exciting edition of this long-standing festival.
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