The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival (BSDFF) is a beloved annual event in Missoula, drawing hundreds of industry professionals and upwards of 20,000 excited filmgoers each year. Now entering its sixteenth year, BSDFF is established as Montana’s premier cinema event as well as the largest documentary film festival in the American West, receiving national recognition for the incredible films and community support it fosters year after year. And it all takes place in Missoula—the arts and culture hub of Montana, and a prime spot for creative minds to come together and celebrate.
While the 10-day event usually takes place in the historic Wilma Theater and neighboring venues, the creators of BSDFF had to rethink their usual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing guidelines. So, in response to these new challenges, the festival will take place as an online exhibition February 19-28, 2021 with the full program of over 75 films available to stream online. The films, including 27 World Premieres and 12 North American Premieres, come together to create a diverse and exciting lineup, described by the Big Sky Film Institute:
"Featuring an extraordinary array of perspective and experience, the films reflect an historic moment through stories of cultural activism, criminal justice, human rights, immigration, arts & sciences, humor, aging and natural wonders."
Of course, we will all miss the lively buzz BSDFF brings to downtown Missoula every year, and there's nothing quite like sitting down for a World Premiere film with a local beer in the historic Wilma Theater. But we can still grab a local growler to-go, and perhaps pack more films into this year's festival than ever before given the newfound convenience of our own living rooms.
Find everything you need to know about the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, including FAQ's and virtual passes, here.
If you're giving dry a try this month, Missoula has plenty of spots for mocktails. Check out some of our favorites
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