At Oregon’s only women’s prison, incarcerated women raise an endangered butterfly. In the Lab, eggs are collected and caterpillars are fed by hand, each life stage carefully nurtured. As metamorphosis nears, the film reflects on captivity, purpose, care, and the natural world.

The Butterfly Lab

A journey into the Inuit way of life, deeply rooted in the Arctic, follows an elder from the Taloyoak community as he repairs a stone fishing dam and shares his knowledge—passed down to him from his ancestors—ensuring the traditions of his people endure.

ᐃᒪᕐᒥᐅᑕᐃᑦ ᐆᒪᔪᑦ (Living Waters)

One of the few Inuit ski guides working in Greenland navigates an industry largely controlled by foreign operators. The film follows his pursuit of a more sustainable approach to ski tourism—one grounded in a deep relationship with the land, and a commitment to community and cultural continuity.

Shaped by Land

Markus — whose great-great-great-grandfather invented the nutcracker doll — makes nutcrackers for a living, as did each of his forefathers who descended from the great inventor. Markus discusses his life decisions.

The Chimney Sweeper

Set against the disappearing landscapes of Iceland’s highlands, this film follows a mother, her two daughters, and their shared search for a stone to mark the resting place of a husband and father lost to a long terminal illness. Quietly unfolding in a world that is slipping away, revealing grief as an imperfect journey.

Minningaspor (Memory Traces)

During Greece’s hottest summer on record, volunteer firefighters battle increasingly dangerous wildfires with almost no safety net or support. Featuring dramatic bodycam footage, as well as intimate, fly-on-the-wall observations, the human cost of the global wildfire crisis becomes front and center.

Ashes to the Eyes

United States of America

Virtual Shorts Block 2

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Big Sky Film Institute216 W Main StreetMissoula MT 59802 EIN20-1937230

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Welcome to the 23rd annual Big Sky Documentary Film Festival! Enjoy the convenience of browsing through our full festival program, purchasing tickets and special events for this year's festival.

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Thank you for joining us for the 2026 virtual Big Sky Documentary Film Festival!

The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, now in its 22nd year, is the premier venue for non-fiction film in the American West. Enjoy an expansive virtual catalog of new nonfiction films streaming February 17-27, 2025

Here's what's coming up soon. Can't make it? No sweat. Many live streams will be available for on-demand viewing as well.