For 48 years, Bozeman Film Society has been tapping into the growing popularity of independent (indie) films to bring cinematic art to the Bozeman community. This year, the Society has determined it’s time to bring an entire indie film festival to Bozeman audiences, and will kick off the inaugural Bozeman Film Festival Thursday, October 8th. The event will run through Sunday, October 11.

The term indie film refers to a movie that is produced outside the major film studio system. These films are typically created by filmmakers who have lower budgets to work with than those available for studio films. ‘Indies’ are known for their distinct methods of telling stories, unique narratives and camera shots, and unconventional themes. Indie filmmakers have more creative control over their work, allowing deeper dives into human experiences.

Film festivals began in the early part of the 20th century. The Venice Film Festival, founded in 1932, is often considered the world’s first. The growing popularity of cinema as an art form as well as a means of cultural expression led to rapid growth, and quickly became a platform for filmmakers to reach a global audience. Other film festivals soon began in other countries and became significant cultural events, including the famous Cannes Film Festival, and Robert Redford’s Sundance Film Festival.

Over the years, film festivals evolved to serve various purposes beyond simple exhibition, global exposure, and hubs for industry professionals to network, make deals, and discover new talent. Today’s indie festivals often serve to offer exposure for small independent film producers who cannot compete with giant film industry funding. Film festivals range from international to small-town events; subjects run the gamut from ideological to adventure to social issues, and more. Several examples of small indie films that made it big include The Blair Witch Project, Napoleon Dynamite, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

The very first movie shown in Bozeman was in 1897, when a crowd at the Bozeman Opera House saw a silent film of a boxing match. By 1912, four movie theaters were in existence in Bozeman, proving the growing popularity of films. The first film festival in Bozeman was in 1977, when the University of Montana began the International Wildlife Film Festival.

From that first film shown in Bozeman in 1897 to the first film festival in Montana in 1977, the love of cinema has grown to the point where, today, nine towns across Montana put on at least twelve film festivals each year. Several towns hold multiple festivals, with festivals dedicated to specific genres and themes.

Along with the growing demand for cinema, the film production industry has established a strong and growing presence in Gallatin County. More than 15 million dollars was spent in Gallatin County last year to produce ten films, and numerous commercials. Helping to meet the increasing demand for cinema professionals, Montana State University’s Film and Photography Department is turning out record numbers of skilled graduates each year.

Lisa McGrory, Bozeman Film Festival director, has been an influential leader of the Bozeman Film Society since 2002, and is the current president of that organization. McGrory feels that with the MSU Film and Photography Department’s impact on the film industry, the time is right to make Bozeman a center for films in the state. “Whether you’re a film lover, storyteller, or potential partner, this is your invitation to help shape Montana’s next great cinematic tradition,” McGrory says.

The mission of the 2026 Bozeman Film Festival is to “advance storytelling that reflects the spirit of Montana and the broader world of independent cinema, providing a platform where filmmakers and audiences gather to share ideas, celebrate creativity, and engage with meaningful stories in historic downtown venues.” Through programs highlighting independent film, Indigenous storytelling, Montana-made works, outdoor adventure films, and a youth division elevating Montana teen voices, the festival provides a platform where filmmakers and audiences gather to share ideas, celebrate creativity, and engage with meaningful stories. Submissions are entered via FilmFreeway, an international organization which serves as a promotional vehicle to spread the word to filmmakers.

To help accomplish its mission, the 2026 Bozeman Film Festival invited submissions for Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature, Narrative Short, Documentary Short, Emerging Film Makers High School Student Shorts, and College Student Shorts, encouraging Indigenous and Montana-made films. Of all the films submitted, 93 were selected to be screened at this year’s festival.

This is a competitive event, with awards given by an eight-person jury recognizing the following areas: Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short, Made in Montana Award, and Audience Choice. An award ceremony closes out the Sunday screenings.

Partnering with Montana PBS and Media Mavericks, the Bozeman Film Festival is highlighting a dedicated high school student film category, complete with curated screenings and filmmaker Q&A’s. An additional collaboration with Arts Incubator Ranch (A.I.R.) includes industry panel discussions including “Cinema Soundscapes: The Art of Music and Sound in Film,” and “Making a Film in Montana.”

Venues include The Ellen Theatre, The Rialto, The Armory Tune Up, the AC VIP Lounge, and the Baxter Hotel. Total seating available between all venues is 650 per day.  Over four days this is 2,600 seats in total, which sounds like a lot, but with all the films being shown, availability may well be an issue—Festival organizers encourage everyone to get their passes early.

Filmmakers will be in attendance, sometimes hosting panel discussions, sometimes giving talks and leading discussions, and always on hand to be part of the festivities. 

To see the schedule and to purchase passes (available now), visit the Bozeman Film Festival website at www.bozemanfilmfestival.org. For more information, email  info@bozemanfilmfestival.org, or phone 406-581-9704.