National Park College (NPC) will host a special community screening of short documentary films as part of the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival (HSDFF) 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, in the NPC Student Commons. The program will feature an HSDFF-curated selection of short films and is free and open to the public.
This marks the first time NPC has hosted a screening as part of the HSDFF, expanding the reach of the nationally recognized event to the college campus.
Now in its 34th year, HSDFF runs Oct. 10 – 18, 2025, bringing filmmakers and audiences from across the country to Hot Springs for nine days of screenings, conversations, and events. The festival is widely recognized as the longest-running all-documentary film festival in North America and is an Oscar®-qualifying festival for Documentary Short Subject.
Founded in 1991 and set against the backdrop of the Ouachita Mountains and Hot Springs National Park, HSDFF celebrates documentary storytelling in one of the country’s most unique cultural destinations. Produced by a small staff and dedicated volunteers, the festival enriches the region through affordable access to world-class documentary films, educational programs and opportunities to engage with internationally acclaimed filmmakers and special guests.
Festival organizers shared their enthusiasm for the partnership.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Hot Springs’ premiere institution of higher learning, National Park College, for this first-ever festival program to take place on the NPC campus,” said HSDFF Executive Director Ken Jacobson. “For this new event, film programmer Sean Volk has curated a program specifically with the NPC community in mind. HSDFF is committed to engaging with local college students, faculty and staff to include them in this year’s festival.”
Jennifer Seward, digital and media arts faculty at NPC, said the event offers an exciting opportunity for both students and the community.
“For years, I’ve encouraged students in my department to volunteer with and attend the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival,” Seward said. “Hosting a screening on campus allows us to share that experience with the broader community and spark meaningful conversations about film, culture and creativity.”
This year’s NPC screening will feature six short films that highlight unique perspectives and creative storytelling from around the world:
- PB&P (5 min) – A reflection on the unexpected joy of the peanut butter and pickle sandwich and the power of food to connect us all.
- OH YEAH! (17 min) – The story of the Swiss electronic duo Yello, creators of the 1980s anthem Oh Yeah, immortalized in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and a lasting symbol of pop culture.
- Through the Window (10 min) – A tender look into the lives and conversations of those who frequent a neighborhood kiosk.
- La Mayordomía (23 min) – A portrait of families in Xochimilco, Mexico City, who share the sacred duty of caring for Baby Jesus icons believed to bring miracles and good fortune.
- Appalheads (16 min) – A daughter returns to Appalachia to rediscover her father’s filmmaking legacy and the enduring pull of home.
- Shanti Rides Shotgun (8 min) – A glimpse into the life of Manhattan’s most iconic driving instructor as he prepares students for the road ahead.
For more information, visit about the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival.