Big Sky Documentary Film Festival

Name: Big Sky Documentary Film Festival
Address: 216 W Main Street, Missoula, MT, 59802, US
Telephone: +14065413456

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Big Sky Documentary Film Festival

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The largest cinema event in Montana - February 17-26 in Missoula and online. Major programs include Big Sky Doc Fest, the Big Sky Film Series and DocShop.

www.bigskyfilmfest.org
Twitter:
Instagram: The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival is a program of the Big Sky Film Institute, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Rooted in the heart of the mountain west, The Big Sky Film Institute nurtures and elevates non- fiction films that have the power to transform our world, our culture, our youth and ourselves.

10/02/2026

Missoula, you showed up. 🎬

Last week’s annual Fall Benefit gave us a chance to raise a glass to the year’s work, celebrate the documentary form, and reconnect with the people who make it all possible. It’s a welcome moment to reflect on why we do this work; whether we’re putting cameras in the hands of high school students, helping filmmakers bring their next story to life, or sharing a documentary still seeking distribution.

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who helped make the evening possible and joined the celebration. You’ve put the wind in our sails as we roll up our sleeves for the festival’s 24th edition and prepare to connect with young people across Montana.

A HUGE “thank you” to our sponsors:

🏨: Residence Inn Missoula Downtown
🍻: KettleHouse Brewing Company
🍸: Montgomery Distillery
🥂: Watkins Distributing
🎨: Josh Quick & Zootown Arts Community Center
🎶: sand duney
💐: Bitterroot Flower Shop/ Your local Florist and Gift shop
📸: Elias Snyders

09/29/2026

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Friday, October 2, 11:59 PM MST.

The Late Submission Deadline for the 2027 Big Sky Documentary Film Festival is almost here.

Every February, thousands of documentary lovers, filmmakers, and industry professionals come to Missoula, Montana for ten days of nonfiction film. Your film could be part of it, February 12–21, 2027.

Big Sky is an Academy-qualifying festival for short and mini documentaries, and we welcome nonfiction work of every length, form, subject, and genre.

Don’t miss your chance. Submit today!

07/10/2026

The regular submission deadline for the 24th Big Sky Documentary Film Festival is August 14th. We’re currently accepting nonfiction films of every length, form, and subject for the 2027 festival.

For more than two decades, Big Sky has celebrated bold documentary storytelling and connected filmmakers with passionate audiences, meaningful industry relationships, and a vibrant creative community. Named one of FilmFreeway’s Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals and MovieMaker’s 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee for the tenth consecutive year, Big Sky is also an Academy Award®-qualifying festival for short and mini-documentaries.

Beyond just the festival, selected filmmakers are invited to participate in DocShop, our five-day industry forum featuring conversations with leading documentary voices, hands-on workshops, networking opportunities, and the Big Sky Pitch for features projects in development.

✨ Submit your film by August 14 for our regular deadline!

06/05/2026

Our Early Bird Submission Deadline is fast approaching!

Discounted entry fee for films submitted by midnight MST on Friday, June 12. Submit your nonfiction film for consideration in the 24th annual program of the Oscar qualifying Big Sky Documentary Film Festival. We look forward to reviewing your work 🎥✨

06/04/2026

We are thrilled to share that the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival has once again been named to annual 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee - now selected for 10 years running!

MovieMaker’s list exists for a simple reason: to save filmmakers time and money. Every year, the magazine evaluates hundreds of festivals based on submission-to-acceptance ratios, filmmaker hospitality, industry access, and real human connection - not just prestige. Being named to this list year after year is a testament to what makes Big Sky special ✨

06/03/2026

Join us at for this month’s Big Sky Doc Film Series pick, “Manhood”, Monday, June 8th at 5:15pm and 7:30pm.

“Manhood” follows Dallas entrepreneur Bill Moore as he attempts to make p***s enlargement as commonplace as Botox. Along the way, an OnlyFans star and a father of five put their bodies - and their insecurities- on the line. Blending dark humor with unexpected empty, “Manhood” examines shame, addiction, and fragile myths of American masculinity.

Both screenings followed by a virtual Q&A with director .

This special screening of the Big Sky Doc Film Series is sponsored by .

05/13/2026

The 2026 Big Sky Documentary Film Festival has wrapped up - and what a festival it was. From opening night at The Wilma to the final closing credits, this year’s event brought together extraordinary films, world-class filmmakers, and a community of more than 25,000 passionate film lovers.

Our 2026 Wrap Report and Wrap Video are now live. Ten days. 150+ films. One unforgettable February in Missoula.

Wrap Report 🔗 in bio.

🎥:

05/04/2026

The 24th annual Big Sky Documentary Film Festival is officially seeking new voices ✨

Submissions for BSDFF 2027 are now open to documentary filmmakers worldwide. We welcome works of all lengths, genres, and subject matters to join us in Missoula from February 12–21, 2027. Submit your film today and be part of the tradition and magic of Big Sky!

- Early Bird Deadline: June 12, 2026
- Regular Deadline: August 14, 2026
- Late Deadline: October 2, 2026

Submission 🔗 in bio.

04/28/2026

At the Big Sky Film Institute, we believe in the power of non-fiction storytelling to change the world. During Missoula Gives, you can help us sustain that mission.

We’ve set a goal of $10,000, and we are thrilled that our friends at are supporting us with a $2,500 match.

When you give, you aren’t just donating; you’re investing in:

✨ Educational programs for Montana students
✨ Artist development and filmmaker workshops
✨ Bringing world class films to our mountain town

Double your donation thanks to 🐝

04/23/2026

Mark your calendars! Missoula Gives is ONE WEEK AWAY, and we are gearing up for an exciting 24 hours of community giving.

From April 30th to May 1st, the Big Sky Film Institute will be participating in this city-wide event with a goal of raising $10,000. These funds are essential for our youth education programs, supporting Indigenous filmmakers through the 4th World Media Lab, and keeping our annual documentary festival thriving.

This past February, we sat together in the dark of The Wilma Theater and saw the world through someone else’s eyes. We laughed, we cried, and for a moment, the world felt a little less fractured. The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival lasted 10 days, but our mission lasts 365.

The lights are up now, and the reality is clear: the arts are under pressure.

Documentary film has a unique power to connect us and spark important conversations. Your support ensures we can continue providing a platform for these vital stories right here in Missoula.

Please save the date and get ready to help us reach our $10,000 goal!

Address

216 W Main Street
Missoula, MT
59802

Telephone

+14065413456

Website

http://www.bigskyfilmfest.org/

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