"Brew Day," a documentary film about Arkansas home brewers and the craft in general, will premiere at the Malco Theater 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, as a fundraiser for the Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute.

Admission is $20 and ales made by brewers featured in the documentary will be served at 7 p.m. Ingredients were donated by Jeremy Nelson of Maxine's Pub. Dr. Chuck Hitt of Hot Springs made an India Pale Ale. Stuart Lay made a Steam Ale. Larry Combs of El Dorado, featured in "Brew Day" may be bringing beer as well. James Spencer of Basic Brewing.com, another brewer in the film, could also be bringing a beer.

The film is made by John Lovett and Philip Walter, with music by The Itinerant Locals and art by Chris Meeks.

   Roll out the red carpet! Sprinkle with Hollywood glitz and a full measure of Southern hospitality! Turn on the lights and roll the cameras! Come and celebrate "16 YEARS OF THE FILMMAKERS FESTIVAL" with a fun filled Gala Dinner at the historic Arlington Hotel where we will toast our guest filmmakers and the documentary films that enrich our lives in so many ways.

   The Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute is honored to have as its special guest at this year's Gala, Chris Gore, one of the most influential people in independent film. Gore is the creator and editor of FilmThreat.com, which started out as a fan site in Detroit and was recently named one of the top movie Web sites on the internet by the Wall Street Journal.

   The Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute thanks Festival co-chairs, Vicki Hinz and Brad Hudgens who have volunteered their time and creative enery again this year assuring a wonderful and exciting evening for all.

   Tickets are available at the Film Institute offices for $150 per person or tables of 10 for $1500. The HSDFI is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation that relies on the generosity and support of grantors, sponsors, and donors.

One-Man Band

Most films are created by an ensemble of specialists applying their skill sets to a well-protected niche: camera, sound, direction, lighting, make-up, and so on.

When the digital revolution swept small, affordable, broadcast-quality video cameras into the hands of documentary filmmakers, it became possible to make theatrical and broadcast-quality films operating as an individual. This approach to filmmaking can yield surprisingly intimate portraits and revealing stories, marked by a personal stamp of authorship. But leaving the crew behind invites a host of challenges, like getting good sound and developing an appropriate interview technique.

Mark Birnbaum has surfed the crest of that digital wave, producing, shooting, and editing mainstream docs and independent productions for theatrical, broadcast, festival and educational venues. Along the way he’s discovered equipment and developed techniques that make being a one-man band a lot easier than it looks. He returns to the Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute each year to offer his two-day One-Man Band workshop. He’ll also present a Work-In-Progress screening of his new film, Stop The Presses: The American Newspaper in Peril.

Day one of the workshop covers camera, sound, and support gear, and a detailed review of interview techniques. Examples from Mark’s films are screened and discussed. On day two, participants hone their skills in the field, shooting an interview and B-roll of a subject in the Hot Springs community. That afternoon the class meets to screen and discuss the day’s footage.

This workshop is for people with some production experience who have a camera (or access to one), and would like to develop their production skills.