BZN Film Festival gonna be ‘reely’ great! A rich slate of panel discussions, Q&A sessions and community-wide events complement 73 films from 19 countries during the Second Annual BZN Film Festival taking place Thursday to Sunday, June 6th–9th in six venues throughout Bozeman. Additional events include the Opening Film and Reception on Thursday, a Free Family Day on Saturday, as well as an Awards Ceremony and Filmmakers’ Brunch on Sunday.
Kicking things off Thursday, June 6th is a reception in the Emerson Center’s Ballroom, with live music by Americana singer/songwriter Alice Wallace and painting demonstrations by Morgan Irons, Richie Carter and TJ Cunningham, along with lite bites and libations. The reception will be followed by screenings of Letter to Congress, Ranchlands and The Divide in the Crawford Theater. Perry King and Jana Brown, director/star and screenwriter of The Divide will be in attendance for a Q&A.
Gender equity and female empowerment constitute one of the great social movements of our time, and these topics are one of three BZN 2019 spotlights. Join on Friday, June 7th at The Ellen Theatre for inspiring, female-driven films, and a panel discussion with cutting-edge wonder women. There will be 10 films, four panels and an ongoing live painting demonstration by local artist Morgan Irons. The day begins at 8am with yoga at lululemon – enjoy a 45-minute class in a great studio with plenty of time to have breakfast at a number of participating ‘passholder deal’ restaurants before the first film block. Features include Arlene Francis: That Certain Something and Be Natural, Pamela B. Green’s energetic film about pioneer filmmaker Alice Guy-Blaché. BZN’s two additional spotlights are Community & Food, and Conservation, with events taking place at the Museum of the Rockies Friday and Saturday. These daytime events at MOR are available as part of all three pass tiers, as well as stand-alone film blocks for $25 each.
Sponsored by the Montana Science Center, Saturday afternoon’s free family event includes seven short films including Life of a Mosquito and Grandbad, as well as Kid Flicks One: Best of the New York Children’s Festival. Outside on the lawn, enjoy ice cream from Sweet Peaks, special cookies from Knife Bistro, fly-casting demonstrations by Fins & Feathers and face painting, among other activities.
Selected feature films include The Etruscan Smile starring acclaimed British actor Brian Cox, Search Engines (sanity and relationships are tested when mysterious circumstances force a family to survive Thanksgiving without cell phones) and Words from a Bear, which examines the enigmatic life of Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Navarro Scott Momaday, one of Native America’s most celebrated authors of poetry and prose.
BZN showcases films that educate, encourage and inspire audiences to get involved and take action to protect our planet.
“We are delighted that Ted Turner will be present for the inaugural Ted Turner Award, given to the film which most inspires environmental stewardship,” states Artistic Managing Director, Beth Ann Kennedy.
Festival passes are available in three access tiers: Gallatin Peak ($250), Hyalite Peak ($145), and Bridger Peak Day Pass ($75). Visit www.bozemanfilmcelebration.com to see the full schedule, film previews, hotel, restaurant and vendor deals, and much more! •
