The International Wildlife Film Festival and Roxy Theater is located on the traditional territory of the Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d’Oreille peoples, and we honor the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations. We encourage you to reflect on the land you are on, and who are the traditional keepers.
Nestled among the bakeries and coffee shops dotting the Hip Strip, the Roxy Theater is a beacon of cinematic history and community culture. From its highly acclaimed triple organic popcorn to its carefully curated film schedule, the Roxy is far more than just a theater—it is a cherished institution. Join us as we explore the magic and charm of this iconic venue and uncover why it continues to captivate the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
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The Roxy has been a cornerstone of the community’s art scene for over eight decades. Starting out as a single-screen operation, the theater opened its doors on Sept. 24, 1937, with a screening of Tex Ritter’s Arizona Days. The Roxy was a “second run” auditorium; once the films played out downtown theaters, they would be sent across the river to the Roxy’s screen. The Roxy was a discount theater that offered a cheaper seat compared to the multiplex competitors, filling a niche for cheap (and sometimes scandalous!) movies. With the competition from larger theaters and the rise of cable TV in the 1980s, the Roxy pivoted to a dollar theater model to keep the doors open.
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On Feb. 19, 1994, an inferno engulfed the building—reportedly blowing the theater's doors across Higgins Avenue—leaving only the original façade intact. The fire was ruled as arson—unsolved to this day—setting rumors and speculation swirling as the future of the theater was uncertain. However, the theater was rebuilt as a triplex and reopened in 1997. It was eventually forced to close after a couple short years, unable to keep up with the larger theaters in town.
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In the early 2000’s, the International Wildlife Film Festival (IWFF) purchased the Roxy to host its annual event. The IWFF is a nonprofit founded to “promote awareness, knowledge, and understanding of wildlife, habitat, people, and nature through excellence in film.” The theater was positioned to exclusively offer wildlife programming throughout the year, however outside of the spring festival, the theater continued to sit empty for over a decade.
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In 2013, the IWFF decided to expand its mission, propelling both the Roxy and the nonprofit to new heights. A small team spent the summer revamping the theater in preparation for the rebrand slated for that August: the unveiling of Missoula’s Community Cinema, offering new and repertory screenings year-round. Starting off on a weekend-only schedule, the momentum grew and screenings began extending to weeknights. The hard work paid off within the first year, the Roxy landed a grant that aided in upgrading the facilities. The repertory calendar continued in popularity and the theater was able to expand to seven nights a week, bringing on full runs of new releases. The Roxy Theater was finally back—and better than ever!
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Since the reopening, the Roxy has continued to adapt to a world where entertainment options are endless. The theater remains a token of cinematic excellence and the strength of the quintessential “Zootown” community spirit. During the COVID-19 shutdown, the theater joined forces with the Missoula PaddleHeads to offer Centerfield Cinema. Yes, it is what you’re probably envisioning: a socially distanced outdoor film experience on the baseball field. In addition to hosting over 10,000 attendees at Allegiance Field that summer, the Roxy also offered Movie Party rentals for small groups to enjoy a film on the big screen. Over 450 screenings were held during the closure—the show truly must go on! Thanks to the support of the community and assistance from the Cares Act, the Roxy again underwent a few upgrades. With the addition of the Roxy annex and the outdoor venue the Roxy Garden, it was once again ready to open its doors to the public.
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In the last decade, the Roxy has established itself as a beloved pillar of the community. The membership program alone has reached over 1,000 patrons. The annual attendance at the theater tops 60,000 viewers. From its early days as a single-screen cinema to its current status as a cultural hub, the Roxy has seen it all. Quite literally rising from the ashes, the theater stands strong. Its diverse lineup caters to every cinephile’s taste, from “nightly first-run arthouse fare and dozens of special programs monthly, from repertory classics and one-off screenings of acclaimed indie and foreign films to fun outdoor screenings and popular comedy and improv shows”—did we forget anything?
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The Roxy sits apart from traditional movie theaters. Aside from the cinema’s colorful history, the truly remarkable spectrum of offerings that await inside the doors is what makes the Roxy a Missoula staple. More than just a place to watch movies, it serves as a gathering spot where friends, families and film enthusiasts come together to share in the magic of storytelling. Through outreach programs, educational initiatives and collaborations with local artists, the Roxy extends its reach beyond the silver screen, enriching the lives of those it touches and fostering an unwavering sense of community—all with a bowl of triple organic popcorn to go with it. Whether you're a longtime patron or a first-time visitor, the Roxy invites you to be part of its journey as it continues to illuminate Missoula's cultural landscape for generations to come.
