So we find ourselves smack dab in the middle of a true Montana winter. Though many are inclined to revel in the outdoors whenever possible, it’s safe to say a good portion of us find ourselves in a common predicament. When it’s cold and snowy, we yearn for the warmth of summertime. When it’s hot and sunny, we beg for a cool down. Well it’s snowing, the temperatures are well below zero, and some of us are already counting down the days until the summer months. For those craving some adventure alfresco, but aren’t necessarily willing to brave the January elements, there are a number of upcoming outdoor recreation and environmental film events over the next several weeks.
Here’s a look at where you can enjoy outside, inside. Check out the 12th Annual Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival at the Emerson on Wednesday, January 18th. Immerse yourself in a night of films that capture the spirit of winter. Adventure, environment, youth outdoors, ski culture—you’ll find it all in this award-winning lineup. Drinks and raffle tickets will be available during this night of winter revelry. The screening is hosted by the Montana Backcountry Alliance. For complete festival lineup and film program, visit www.backcountryfilmfestival.org/ . Admission is $10 per person, with proceeds benefiting access to human powered winter recreation. Doors open at 6pm, with films set to begin at 7pm. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com/
. Join the Bridger Ski Foundation as the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour excites the spirit of outdoor adventure, returning with two shows on Friday and Saturday, January 20th and 21st at the Willson Auditorium beginning at 7pm each evening. A total of 18 films will be shown over the course of two nights, with different films showing each evening. This year’s screenings feature the world’s best mountain sport, culture, and environmental films, letting viewers experience the thrill and challenges of the mountain environments that inspire us all. Tickets are $17 and available through www.bridgerskifoundation.org/banff.
Get ready for the 2017 Fly Fishing Film Tour, stopping in Bozeman at the Emerson Center for Arts & Culture on Tuesday, January 24th with showings at 6pm and 9pm. Traveling through the U.S. and Canada each year, the Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) features incredible never-seen footage from waterways worldwide. With a party atmosphere, audience giveaways, and valuable coupons, each screening is a celebration of the sport. 2017 marks The F3T’s 11th annual adventure. This year’s lineup of films is the finest yet. From Siberia to Idaho, Mexico, Florida, Kamchatka, Alaska, Montana and more, the notable characters, unique storylines, and unparalleled fishing in these films will lead you on an adventure around the globe! Tickets are $17 and available through www.flyfilmtour.com/ , where you can also find more information and watch film trailers. Discount tickets ($15) will be available for the Bozeman event at Montana Troutfitters, Bozeman Angler, and The River’s Edge Fly Shop.
The captivating National Geographic documentary Before the Flood graces The Ellen silver screen on Wednesday, January 25th at 7:30pm. From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Fisher Stevens and Academy Award-winning actor, environmental activist, and U.N. Messenger of Peace Leonardo DiCaprio, Before the Flood presents a riveting account of the dramatic changes now occurring around the world due to climate change, as well as the actions we as individuals and as a society can take to prevent catastrophic disruption of life on our planet. The film follows DiCaprio as he travels to five continents and the Arctic, speaking to scientists, world leaders, activists, and local residents to gain a deeper understanding of this complex issue and investigate concrete solutions to the most pressing environmental challenge of our time. All seats are only $5. These are available in advance at www.theellentheatre.com/ or at the door.
Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, and Gallatin Wildlife Association are excited to host the Wild & Scenic Film Festival at the Emerson on Wednesday, February 8th beginning at 6pm. Doors open at 5pm. The festival features environmental and adventure films that illustrate the Earth’s beauty, the challenges facing our planet, as well as what the work communities, groups, and individuals are doing to protect the places and wildlife we love. The event will feature information tables and representatives of local conservation groups ready to discuss current issues.
There will be complimentary coffee, beer, and snacks. The event is FREE and open to the public, so please come with friends and family who might also be interested. The evening is also complete with some great raffle prizes from local businesses! All proceeds from the raffle will benefit Gallatin Wildlife Association, an organization that promotes restoration, maintenance, and perpetuation of wildlife and their habitat. •