REGULAR SUBMISSION DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 30

Today marks the regular submission deadline for the 18th Annual Big Sky Documentary Film Festival! BSDFF is an Academy Award qualifying event for short documentaries, selected four years running for MovieMaker's list of 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee, and top reviewed by filmmakers on FilmFreeway. In addition to screenings and special events, BSDFF hosts the DocShop filmmaker's forum, an intimate industry conference with panels, networking events, master classes and the Big Sky Pitch for works-in-progress.

Submit your film by midnight MST on Wednesday, September 30th to meet the regular deadline! 

Regular Deadline: Wednesday, September 30th

Late Deadline: Friday, October 16th

For seventeen years the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival has brought light, energy and joy to thousands of film fans just as deep winter begins to ease its grip on the Rocky Mountain north. It has elevated myriad stories, voices, perspectives, communities, filmmakers and young people in a spectacular exhibition, and in 2021 we plan to do the same.

In a creative leap we're excited to announce, our 18th year will carry the torch of truth into your home, presenting an extraordinary selection of documentary films on a virtual platform where audiences can safely gather to be inspired. We are putting our full force into crafting an exciting online experience for broad audiences, virtual connections for filmmakers, and unique opportunities for youth, all with the Missoula character and local flavor that makes BSDFF the weird and wonderful affair it is. 

As uncertainties set on by the pandemic continue to complicate live event planning (especially in the coming winter season), we'll take the smart route while crafting clever ways to connect people and spark conversation through documentary film, the ultimate goal of the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival. Details will be announced as the festival comes near! We can't wait for you to join us. 

IDA’s Getting Real ‘20 Documentary Film Conference has begun!

This year, the International Documentary Association (IDA)’s biennial conference on documentary media has gone digital. From Sept 29 - Oct 3, connect with a diverse community of documentarians & industry professionals from around the world. Explore conversations centered around access, power, and possibility in the documentary ecosystem. Plus, expand your networks via 1:1 meetings, virtual happy hours, screenings, and moments of joy. 

Free with registration. View program highlights and register today for #DocsGetReal.