Be part of something extraordinary.

On October 8–11, 2026, the inaugural Bozeman Film Festival will light up downtown with four unforgettable days of film, conversation, and community. Screenings unfold across two of Montana’s most beloved historic venues—the Ellen Theatre and the Rialto—each just steps from Bozeman’s vibrant Main Street cafes, galleries, and shops. With 23 film blocks and flexible scheduling, audiences can create their own cinematic journey.

Our 2026 lineup will feature Narrative and Documentary Features, Indigenous and Montana-made films, and Short Films across Narrative, Documentary, and Adventure categories. Additionally, there will be categories for High School and College shorts.

BFF is thrilled to partner with Media Mavericks, an inspiring new initiative from Montana PBS education, to feature submissions from high school students around the region.
To submit high school films, visit www.montanapbs.org/mediamavericks, email or email Montana PBS Media Mavericks coordinator, Anne Bernard, at ann.bernard@montanapbs.com

Beyond the screen, the festival is alive with connection. Join filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and social events between and after screenings. Celebrate opening night in style, chill in the VIP Pass-holder Lounge, and let loose at the Saturday night after-party. On Sunday, we’ll close the weekend with an Awards Ceremony, honoring the stories and visionaries that moved us most.

Whether you’re a film lover, storyteller, or potential partner, this is your invitation to help shape Montana’s next great cinematic tradition.

Join us and be part of where bold cinema meets the mountain west.; truly a confluence of cinematic landscapes.

Awards & Prizes

• Best Narrative Feature
• Best Documentary Feature
• Best Narrative Short
• Best Documentary Short
• Best College Short
• Made in Montana Award
• Audience Choice
- Additional Awards TBD!!

Rules & Terms

- General Eligibility Requirements:
• Film must have been produced on or after January 1, 2024.
• Domestic films only.
• At the time of submission, the film must not be publicly available via streaming or for purchase.
• Finished films only. No “works in progress” will be considered.
• Authorized submitters only. Proof of authority is required if not the filmmaker.

- Screeners:
• All projects must be submitted via secure online screener - either uploaded directly to Film Freeway or embedded into your submission from a third-party (such as YouTube or Vimeo). We do not accept screeners that must be downloaded.
• The submitter is responsible for ensuring that their screener link and password are active throughout the entire submission cycle (i.e., until July 1, 2026).

- Film Length (inclusive of credits):
• Feature Films with a runtime of 41-120 minutes
• Short Films with a runtime of 1-40 minutes
• High School Student Short Films with a runtime of 1-10

- Trailer:
• Trailers encouraged, though not required

- Format:
• Digital File (.mp4 or .mov)
• Accepted films will either screen on DCP or a digital file, depending on the location of the screening.
• Films submitted as digital files may be converted to DCP by the BFF team.

- Montana-Made Films: To be considered a “Made in Montana Film" the film must meet at least one of the primary criteria:
• Montana-Based Filmmaker
• Shot Primarily in Montana
• Montana-based Production Company
** USE DISCOUNT CODE TO RECEIVE 15%-OFF: MT15

- Submission categories:
• Narrative Feature
• Documentary Feature
• Narrative Short
• Documentary Short

- Notification timeline:
• Notification Date - 7/31/26
• Filmmaker Acceptance Deadline - 8/7/26
• Festival Dates - October 8-11, 2026

- Fee Information
• Submission fees are non-refundable
• Waivers available for demonstrated financial hardship
• Multiple submission discounts available
• Montana-made films receive a 15% discount on submissions with code MT15

- Copyright Infringement Indemnification; by submitting the film to the BFF, you:
• Authorize BFF to screen the film during the festival
• Grant permission to BFF to use up to 3 minutes of film images, stills, information, and trailers in Festival materials and for promotional purposes.
• Agree to indemnify BFF from any claim of trademark or copyright infringement by any third party.
• Warrant that you have secured all necessary rights, including:
° Music rights (synchronization and master recordings)
° Actor/talent releases
° Location agreements
° Any copyrighted materials used in the film

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ADDITIONAL TERMS

- Selection and Notification
• All programming decisions are final
• Selected filmmakers will be notified by July 31, 2026
• Filmmakers must confirm participation by August 7, 2026
• Late confirmations may result in removal from the program

- Withdrawal Policy:
• Films cannot be withdrawn after the official selection announcement
• Exceptions only for extraordinary circumstances with written approval

- Festival Rights:
• By submitting, you grant BFF non-exclusive rights to:
• Exhibit the film during the festival
• Archive the film for festival records

- Liability:
• BFF is not responsible for unauthorized use of submitted materials
• Filmmakers are responsible for all copyright clearances
• Submission constitutes acceptance of all rules and conditions