From October 8–11, 2026, the Bozeman Film Festival will light up downtown with four days of film, conversation, and community. Screenings unfold across three distinctive venues– the Ellen Theatre, the Rialto, and the Armory Tune Up– all just steps from Bozeman’s vibrant Main Street cafés, galleries, and shops.

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Festival  Highlights

Thursday, Oct 8

• Opening Film

• Opening Night Kick-off Celebration —with the Craig Hall Trio at Baxter Grand Ballroom
   

Friday, Oct 9

• Film Screenings & Panels

• VIP Lounge — AC Hotel

 

Saturday, Oct 10​

• Film Screenings & Panels

• VIP Lounge — AC Hotel

• Shake the Marquee Party – with Tsunami Funk at the Rialto

 

Sunday, Oct 11

•  Encore Film Screenings

•  Festival Wrap-Up

 

LECTURE: Andrew Patrick Nelson, presents

You Can’t Escape the West(ern)" 

PANELS: Hosted by Jared Stein ,  A.I.R. collaboration
• Cinema Soundscapes: The Art of Music and Sound in Film
• Making a Film in Montana

COLLABORATIVE PROGRAMS INCLUDE:

Montana PBS & Media Mavericks, which spotlight high school filmmakers, and Arts Incubator Ranch (A.I.R.), which will host a special industry panel. Follow along as the festival lineup drops.

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FILM CATEGORIES INCLUDE:
Narrative and Documentary features and shorts— spotlighting Montana-made, Indigenous, Adventure, College, and Teen voices.

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"Whether you’re a film lover, storyteller, or potential partner, this is your invitation to help shape Montana’s next great cinematic tradition."  —Lisa McGrory, Bozeman Film Festival Director

 
Full lineup announced August 2026 — subscribe for first access.

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