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.
Festival Highlights
Thursday, October 8
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Opening Night Film, Baby Love, Ellen, 6:30pm
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Kick-off Celebration, Craig Hall Trio, the Baxter, 8:30pm
(includes drink token and late-night apps)
Friday, October 9
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Film Screenings at the Ellen, Rialto & Tune Up, 9am-9:30pm
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Panel: Cinema Soundscapes, Tune Up, 10-11am
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VIP Lounge, AC Hotel Lobby Lounge, 10am-4pm
Saturday, October 10
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Film Screenings at the Ellen & Rialto, 9 am-8:30 pm
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Panel: Montana Through Her Lens, Tune Up, 10-11 am
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Performance: Polly Vinyl Theramin, Tune Up, 11:30 am- 12:30 pm
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You Can’t Escape the West(ern), Rialto, 2-3pm
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Panel: Reel AI, Tune Up, 3:15-4:15 pm
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VIP Lounge, AC Hotel Lobby Lounge, 10 am-4 pm
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Shake the Marquee Party, Tsunami Funk, Rialto, Doors open at 8:30 pm (Live music and cash bar)
Sunday, October 11
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Awards Presentation, the Ellen, 9:30am
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Film Screenings, the Ellen, 11am-3pm
LECTURE: Western Film Historian, Andrew Patrick Nelson, presents
You Can’t Escape the West(ern)
PANELS:
• Cinema Soundscapes: The art of music and sound in film.
• Montana Through Her Lens: Taking a story from concept to screen.
• Reel AI
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.
FILM CATEGORIES INCLUDE:
Narrative and Documentary features and shorts, Montana-made, Indigenous, Adventure, College, and Teen emerging voices.
"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
OCTOBER 8–11, 2026
About the 2026 Bozeman Film Festival