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23rd edition
Big Sky Documentary Film Festival
Missoula, United States
February 13-22, 2026
10 days
About Big Sky Documentary Film Festival
The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival is an annual non-fiction film event held in Missoula, Montana. Each year it brings global documentary stories to the mountain west while supporting filmmakers and fostering community dialogue. The festival pairs public screenings with the DocShop industry program, a Native Filmmaker Initiative and year-round youth education. Winning shorts and mini-docs qualify for Academy Award consideration.
Festival details
Location
216 W. Main Street, Studio 7, Missoula, Montana 59802 · Missoula, United States
Scope
International
Focus
Documentary · Non-fiction storytelling · Native filmmakers · Youth education
Duration
10 days
Awards
Best Feature
Top prize for documentary features 40+ minutes.
Best Short
Top prize for shorts 15–39 min; Oscar-qualifying.
Best Mini-Doc
Top prize for docs under 15 min; Oscar-qualifying.
Big Sky Award
Signature award for outstanding achievement in documentary filmmaking.
Special programs
DocShop
Industry program with panels, pitches and networking.
Native Filmmaker Initiative
Support and programming for Native/Indigenous documentary makers.
Youth Education
Year-round programs bringing documentary into Montana classrooms.
Fiscal Sponsorship
Fiscal sponsorship to help filmmakers raise tax-deductible funds.
For filmmakers
Submission deadline
2025-10-03
Eligible production years
Any production date
Screening eligibility
Non-fiction only. English subtitles required for non-English dialogue. Montana premiere preferred.
Accepted formats
Online screeners via FilmFreeway
Best Documentary Films
Award-Winning Documentaries
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