After the Los Angeles wildfires, thousands of homes survived but were left contaminated with toxic ash. With many insurance companies declaring these houses habitable, residents face an impossible choice: return and risk their health, or abandon their homes. Shot on 16mm, the film captures how familiar, intimate spaces are transformed into alien, hazardous landscapes.

Still Standing

At 8:55pm on February 3, 2023, a freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. This film tells that story. And much more.

A Derailment

Amid a historic drought in the southern reaches of Chad's Sahara Desert, a well-goer recalls his lost cattle and contemplates his plans for a change in livelihood.b

Biir Gardi (Guardian of the Well)

A day in the life of world-renowned divers, as they plan and execute an underwater photoshoot inside a flooded cave system in The Bahamas.

Flashes in the Realm of Caves

Virtual Shorts Block 11

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.