“We want this to be the children’s film festival, we want to be the first-putter’s film festival, we want to be the down-home film festival, we want to be the scientifically accurate film festival.” - Chuck Jonkel, IWFF Founder

Every spring, this annual event draws industry, filmmakers, scientists, conservationists, and audiences to the heart of the Rockies for this long-standing Missoula tradition. Through diverse programming and community events IWFF celebrates ethical wildlife and environmental filmmaking as well as emerging filmmakers.

Filmmakers can expect lively Q&A’s after every screening, engaging day-time programming including panels, dialogues and networking opportunities with top-notch filmmakers, fresh media makers and scientists working on the brink of discovery. The festival also hosts IWFF Labs, a highly competitive science-driven filmmaking intensive.

Films screen to packed theaters full of sharp audiences that want to learn more about themselves and the world we live in. IWFF is centered around stories that promote awareness, knowledge and an understanding of science, wildlife and the humans that impact our world every day and reach audiences in every way imaginable.

Founded in 1977 at the University of Montana IWFF is the first and longest running event of its kind. In 2002, the festival purchased the historic Roxy Theater as its home. In 2013 The Roxy launched its year-round screening series and began extensive collaboration with the university, businesses and community, serving a diverse, all-ages population with broad programming. A unique historic venue with incredible resources, The Roxy houses three cinema screens with HD projection, 35mm projection, state-of-the-art sound systems, two stages and amenities ideal for conferences, film festivals and educational events. IWFF embraces its home inside The Roxy Theater and as the heart of the Missoula community.

Awards & Prizes

All Categories plus Best of Festival.

Rules & Terms

Films eligible for the International Wildlife Film Festival's juried competition must have a central focus on non-domesticated wildlife species and natural habitats. Content must relate either singly or in combination with wildlife, habitat, conservation, ecology, research management, the environment, environmental, cultural or conservation issues, the role of hunting in conservation, plants and/or people's interactions with wildlife and/or the natural world.

Film entries must also match the following criteria:

Entries must have a release date, copyright date or air date after 2016.

For public screenings during the festival, please be prepared to submit a DCP, Blu-ray Disc, H264 or .mov file.

If you would like your films returned to you following the festival, you must provide a postage paid, shipping form and all postage must be paid in advance by the sender.

HD SUBMISSIONS MUST BE IN INTERLACE FORMATS 1080p

WE CANNOT ACCOMMODATE ANY PROGRESSIVE or HDCAM-SR FORMATS AT THIS TIME.

Filmmakers must submit 1 viewing copy per entry.

PAL DVD's will only be accepted for hardship situations.

Non-English language productions must include an English voiceover or subtitles.

Festival dates are April 13-19, 2019.

Please preview your entries before shipping. Programs with time code or other defects may be disqualified. No refunds.

6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Karen Hall

    Wonderful event. Met lots of inspiring people and the educational seminars were great. Everyone was very supportive. As a first time film producer this was wonderful.

    May 2018
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  • Dusty Hulet

    Exceeded all expectations. Over nine days we made important connections with industry leaders and mentors in casual, low-stress settings conducive to the formation of lasting relationships. The impressively open sharing of industry insights left us with an entirely new perspective on the possibilities of global distribution for our film. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have attended this festival prior to taking our film to market. Don't miss the chance to promote your film in front of the whole community during the opening parade!

    April 2018
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  • Kori Price

    IWFF is an incredible festival for merit, networking, coziness and amazing programming. Set in beautiful Missoula, you can drink your beers and summit stuff too. We had such a blast. The Festival staff was friendly & accommodating, the attendees were full of energy and ideas. We look forward to this festival year after year as we think it's where many of our collaborations are born and polished.

    April 2018
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  • Collin Monda

    I really enjoyed this important themed festival in charming Missoula. I was very well taken care of and my film played as part of a special event that was well attended and engaging for the audience. The networking for me went very, very well.

    April 2018
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  • Von Kleindorfer

    This was and is a great festival. Fimakers and staff were amazing people and fun to be around. There were tons of helpful activities planed for all different types of wildlife and technical people to learn from. Had a blast.

    April 2018
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