Montana Film Festival is a respite from the market and industry of film festivals. We celebrate and highlight emergent talents and new points of view, importing perspective and representation into our community. We hold high the virtues of social communion around film and the relationships created through filmmaking, with special celebration of Montana's growing film community.

Founded within the heart of a non-profit cinema, our highest aim is to enrich our audiences through the art and craft of independent narrative film. The Montana Film Festival is held each year in beautiful Missoula, Montana at the convergence of five mountain ranges.

Montana Film Festival has welcomed a number of special guests to Missoula over the years: Charles Burnett, Bill Pullman, Lily Gladstone, Sophia Takal, Mya Taylor, Sarah Adina Smith, Emily Hubley, Benjamin Wiessner, Wendy McColm, Kenneth Turan (LA Times critic), Neal Block (Magnolia Pictures Head of Distribution & Marketing), Andrew and Alex Smith, Annick Smith, Amber Sealey, Krisha Fairchild, Ty Hickson, Annabelle Attanasio, Natalie Metzger, Richard Pearce, Lynzee Klingman, Jessica Oreck, and more.

Rules & Terms

Montana Film Festival is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. Please note that Montana Film Festival does NOT accept documentary films. We DO accept fictions films made both nationally and internationally.

All entries should be in English or with English subtitles.
The applicant shall indemnify and hold harmless Montana Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney’s fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

PLEASE NOTE THAT SUBMISSION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

11 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Curry Sicong Tian

    Such an honor to be nominated this year and such a mindful journey!

    November 2020
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  • Cat Dale

    Even though COVID forced the festival online, it was such a special event. The organizers were open, had clear communications, and made great efforts to connect filmmakers with their audience and fellow filmmakers. I cannot wait to submit again when we can all be in-person in Missoula. Wonderful festival!

    October 2020
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  • Ryan Graham-Laughlin

    This festival is always an amazing experience. The staff are sincerely dedicated to making the best experience possible for filmmakers. A truly wonderful festival to submit to. I’ll definitely submit future work again!!

    October 2020
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  • Drew Danburry

    Wonderful experience. Wonderful people. Great time.

    October 2019
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  • Talena Sanders

    Wonderful festival, the folks who run it are dedicated, caring, and tons of fun. If you get in, go to it! They go above and beyond your usual festival experience to organize intimate and unique parties and outings. You will definitely meet good people and see great work presented with care.

    October 2019
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