The Yellowstone Film Festival will be taking place August 21–23, 2026 in Cody, WY, one of America’s most iconic and historic Western towns. The festival will bring together filmmakers, cinephiles and students for a three-day celebration of independent film and networking parties. In Celebration of America’s 250th anniversary all films screened for this year’s festival will be made by American filmmakers and artists. The festival is sponsored and hosted by Cody's own Big Horn Cinemas.
Founded in 1896 by William “Buffalo Bill” Cody, the city of Cody stands as a living symbol of the American West. Known as the "Rodeo Capital of the World" and located at the eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park, Cody’s authentic Western character, natural beauty, and deep cultural history make it an ideal summer destination for both travelers and artists.
At the core of the Yellowstone Film Festival is a commitment to elevating local and regional filmmakers. The festival will prominently feature work from filmmakers across the tri-state region of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, providing a vital platform for stories rooted in the landscapes, cultures, and communities of the American West.
These regional selections will be showcased alongside select narrative features from award-winning filmmakers from across the United States, creating a dynamic program that balances local voices with national perspectives.
The festival will place a strong emphasis on student films and emerging talent with dedicated short film categories for high school and college students from Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. All student submissions from the tri-state are FREE to enter and need to be no longer than 10-minutes.
These student showcases are designed to encourage young filmmakers, introduce them to professional exhibition standards, and connect them with other filmmakers throughout the weekend.
