HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (July 27, 2012) – Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute (HSDFI)
and the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce announced today a partnership between the two organizations to help the film institute host the 21 st annual Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival set for October 12-21, 2012.

The Chamber will provide office space for staff and volunteers of HSDFI free of charge for five years and also do bookkeeping for the organization. Dave Byerly, Chief Executive Officer
of The Chamber, will also serve on the board of directors of HSDFI. Byerly said that the new partnership fits well with The Chamber’s long-term strategic plan to strengthen arts and culture organizations and to help foster and grow new industry, such as the film industry.

“The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce recognizes the importance of strengthening arts and culture organizations to make the city a great place to work and live. The Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute has a long history of providing unique cultural experiences that attract tourists from around the globe to Hot Springs and that help develop the film industry here locally. The Chamber is here to do what it can to help,” said Dave Byerly, CEO of the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce.

Susan Altrui, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute, said that the partnership provides resources that have been needed for some time.

“Having an office in The Chamber building means that the institute won’t waste funds running utilities at the Malco and also means we have resources at our disposal to help with bookkeeping,” said Altrui.

HSDFI will move its offices to the The Chamber building in August.