

A still from ‘Detropia’

After a run of calamity — foreclosure, in-fighting, natural disaster — the Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute and Film Festival seem to be on firmer footing these days. The Hot Springs Chamber is helping out with bookkeeping and office space. Big-time film producer and Arkansas native Courtney Pledger stepped in as director and veteran PR person and film advocate Susan Altrui took over as chairman of the board.

With not quite two weeks until this year’s Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival kicks off (Oct. 12-21), it’s a bit disconcerting that you can’t yet find the schedule online. But! I’ve got a press release with a bunch of the highlights, and the line-up looks to be one of the strongest in years.

A few that caught my eye on the jump with trailers: