Set on an island 600 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, this intimate vérité portrait follows two young Inuit coming of age. Created in close collaboration with a local children’s home and filmed in the Greenlandic language, the story traces identity, tradition, loss, and resilience. Living alongside its protagonists, the film observes a fragile passage between deep cultural roots and an uncertain, rapidly changing world.

SILA

Narrated by a man who only speaks in nouns, Pedro Tomas tenderly explains the world to us three years after the Cumbre Vieja volcano eruption in his home island of La Palma.

Pedro Tomás Explains the World

In a small Spanish town, a local vote over a new recycling bin has divided the community. As opinions harden and tensions rise, the countdown to election day begins. The ballot boxes will reveal whether this intense polarization will prevail—and shape the town’s future.

No to Mini-Bins

While investigating the day bank robbers stormed her grandmother’s home and held her hostage, the filmmaker retraces events and speaks with those involved, uncovering a shocking revelation that casts the incident in a completely new light—challenging family memories and revealing hidden truths about a moment that has long haunted them.

The Time My Grandmother Was Held Hostage by Bank Robbers

A local community theatre brings to life stories from three generations of a quiet working-class town in Scotland. Through the voices of its people, the play celebrates shared heritage, resilience and the enduring spirit of place.

Community Theatre

Montana

Idaho

Washington

Oregon

Northern California (north of San Luis Obispo)

Virtual Shorts Block 7

Virtual Admission

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

Donation to {{name}}

Donate

Gift Cards

None available

Memberships

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.

These are all the memberships tied to your account. Now, use our online schedule to reserve tickets. You can access your tickets via {{my_tickets_link|"My Tickets"}} or via the PDFs attached to each ticket order confirmation email. {{buy_membership_link|Looking to buy more memberships?}}

These are all the passes tied to your account. Now, use our online schedule to reserve tickets. You can access your tickets via {{my_tickets_link|"My Tickets"}} or via the PDFs attached to each ticket order confirmation email. {{buy_pass_link|Looking to buy more passes?}}

These are all your purchased tickets. Open this page on your phone, and at the door tap the "Show Barcode" button and show your screen to the attendant. Prefer paper? Print the PDF attached to the order confirmation email, or click one of the gears below and select "Download tickets PDF". Please consider the environment before printing. If purchasing multiple tickets, be sure to print or show each unique ticket barcode.

5-Film Pass

Virtual Pass

Weekend Pass

Festival Passes

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.