A film festival for storytellers, seekers, and the seriously curious—right here, in person.

Step into The Great Beyond Festival, a celebration of cinema that dares to explore the unexplained. This festival dives deep into the worlds of extraterrestrials, cryptids, and the paranormal—shining a spotlight on the strange, the mysterious, and the stories that live just beyond the edge of what we know. Join us in Great Falls, Montana for an unforgettable in-person experience featuring:

*Incredible short and feature films that explore the unknown
*Workshops for creatives of all kinds
*Meet-and-greets with filmmakers, screenwriters, and fellow fans of the weird and wonderful

Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or just love a good mystery, you'll find inspiration, insight, and community among the shadows at The Great Beyond Festival!

Purchase tickets and see the full schedule on festival website.

Awards & Prizes

At The Great Beyond Festival, the stakes are as high as the strangeness. Filmmakers from around the world will compete for Judges' Choice in Animation, Short Film, Feature Film, and Best Overall.

Rules & Terms

Submission Guidelines
All submissions must be films that follow the theme of the paranormal, extraterrestrial, and/or cryptid!

Films can be documentary, mocumentary, animation, anything your heart desires as long as they are on theme!

Films that have been submitted or screened at other festivals are welcome!

Minimum of 13 films will be selected.

Short films are 30 minutes or less.
Feature films are an hour or more.

Submission Fee
Pay $30 submission fee
A Few Notes:
Screening copies will be requested only if selected
Your materials may be used to promote the festival
You’ll hear from us via email if your film is accepted
NOTE: Incomplete submissions may not be reviewed.

**Deadline for submissions is December 1, 2026.**
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Black House Pictures

    Thrilled to have our short film 'Grilled Cheese' make its stateside debut at the first ever Great Beyond Film Festival. From the get-go you could tell this was a film festival with a personal touch and we were gutted to not be able to make it over in person.

    It's not just the programming that intrigued, the in person events and the town itself looked perfect for a film festival. We have a film in the pipeline which we hope means we can be there in person next year. Can't wait to hear what The Great Beyond grows to be in future years.

    February 2026
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  • Dennis Shackelford

    We were honored to have our documentary officially selected for the Great Beyond Film Festival and appreciated the opportunity to screen our work in Great Falls.

    As independent filmmakers traveling several hours to attend, we were excited to connect with other creatives and engage in the Q&A session. While the event itself had a welcoming atmosphere and we enjoyed meeting attendees, there were some scheduling inconsistencies that created confusion for our team. The screening block and Q&A times differed from what had been previously communicated, which made coordination difficult for those of us traveling from out of town.

    That said, we are grateful for the platform and for the chance to share our work with a live audience. We hope future events continue to grow in organization and communication, as festivals like this play an important role in supporting independent filmmakers.

    We wish the festival continued success and appreciate being included.

    — Alternate Planes

    February 2026
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  • Hilary Helding

    What an incredible festival. As a filmmaker, I really felt like they rolled out the VIP treatment and were so great at answering any questions. I feel bad for anyone who got into the fest and didn't take advantage of all the wonderful workshops they offered including the Paranormal Experiences at real haunted locations in Great Falls. The audiences were also very responsive in the really cool old theater. Now I just need to hurry up and make another film so we can go back next year!

    February 2026
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  • Dean Bertram

    Wonderful festival! Amazing, friendly, and attentive communication from the dedicated festival team. Can't want to submit my future films to this gem of a fest!

    February 2026
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  • C H

    We had a blast at the Great Beyond Film Festival! Unexpected Treasures was honored to be given the Friday night slot. The theater in Great Falls, MT was beautiful. The festival organizers were communicative, welcoming, and oh so much fun. For a first time film fest, they killed it, and I would absolutely submit any film that fit the theme of this festival to return again! Thanks so much.

    February 2026
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