The festival will open with an episode of the Smithsonian Channel documentary series Epic Yellowstone, narrated by part-time Montana resident Bill Pullman and close with the North American premiere of Richard Gray’s BRAVEHEART sequel ROBERT THE BRUCE, with Angus Macfadyen reprising his role as the iconic title character and co-starring Jared Harris, Patrick Fugit, Zach McGowan, and Melora Walters. 

The inaugural festival was very well received by media and the public alike:

“A grand addition to the Billings Art Scene” —Billings Gazette

“Eclectic curation and after-hours karaoke make [MINT] year one as natural as nature itself”—Moviemaker

"'Why MINT?' said Montana Film Commissioner Allison Whitmer, who also moderated a Women-in-Film Panel. 'MINT tastes good. Why come to Billings, Montana? The MINT festival is the third leg in a world-class art city. We have a festival, art museum and a performing arts center all providing the base for Billings to become an arts resource and an amazing cultural hub.'”—Film Threat