BFF screening circa 1993
This screening arrangement with the Rialto management, Carmike Theaters, continued for 25 years along with additional BFF screenings on the MSU campus in Linfield Hall and special film events at the Museum of the Rockies. Many Bozemanites recall fondly the days when a BFF film downtown at the Rialto was where you met friends to see great independent film and perhaps catch up in a darkened theater while the projectionist repaired a glitch in the ancient projector. The Rialto Theater, along with the Ellen Theater, was sold in 2005, prompting the BFF to temporarily move its films to the Campus Square Theaters. Declining attendance spurred the BFF Board to seek another solution which resulted in moving its screenings to the Emerson Center's Crawford Theater in the winter of 2006.
Scaling back film screenings to once or twice a month again, the BFF continues to show newly released independent, documentary and world cinema. In 2009, the Crawford Theater was the beneficiary of a new state of the art perforated movie screen thanks to a generous donation from the BFF. Upgrades to the sound and projector systems were also donated by the BFF and HATCHfest allowing them to screen 35mm film. Since the upgrades, the BFF has been able to bring newer films and a higher-level film experience to Bozeman viewers. Partnering with local groups and bringing guest speakers is another way the BFF works to keep our schedule lively. Special guests have provided lively post-film discussion: Valerie Hemingway - The Killers (U.S. 1948), Chrysti the Wordsmith - F*CK (U.S. 2005), Conrad Anker, Joe Josephson and Doug Chabot - NorthFace (Germany 2009) have all graced the BFF stage.
Recently, the BFF has begun partnering with the Friends of the Story Mansion to bring an outdoor summer film series to Bozeman. Story Under the Stars screens on the lawn of Bozeman's newest city park and has been an instant success, screening beloved classics such as Singin' in the Rain and Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid to thousands of Bozemanites since 2009.
For over 33 years the BFF has thrived and become a mainstay in Bozeman's cultural community. Thanks to a dedicated group of board members, volunteers and sponsors, we look forward to an exciting future and continue to seek out and present films and documentaries which engage, entertain and foster an understanding of the world community around us.
Keep em Flickering!
Contact Us
The Bozeman Film Festival is a 501c3 non-profit organization (#81-0420983). Contributions may be tax deductible (check with your tax advisor).
The Bozeman Film Festival
Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture
111 S. Grand Ave, Suite 111
Bozeman, MT 59715
406-585-8881