Austin-based para swimmer Lizzi had used the pool as a way to experience the world. When she missed bronze by 1/100th of a second at the 2016 Paralympic Games she was unsure if she would even return to swimming.

Swimming with Butterflies

Austin-based para swimmer Lizzi had used the pool as a way to experience the world. When she missed bronze by 1/100th of a second at the 2016 Paralympic Games she was unsure if she would even return to swimming.

Along the shores of the Great Salt Lake, a scientist’s twilight run is upended when her dog plunges through rare lake ice, catalyzing a desperate series of choices. After an improbable rescue, she questions whether she always makes rational decisions. Told from two perspectives, the film explores how we assess risks, make decisions, and the role of chance.

Through Thin Ice

Along the shores of the Great Salt Lake, a scientist’s twilight run is upended when her dog plunges through rare lake ice, catalyzing a desperate series of choices. After an improbable rescue, she questions whether she always makes rational decisions. Told from two perspectives, the film explores how we assess risks, make decisions, and the role of chance.

A fictionalized research group explores the mystery behind why many skateboarders chose the streets over the skate park, and takes a granular, but surprisingly unscientific look at the relationship skateboarders have with their own habitat.

Spots

A fictionalized research group explores the mystery behind why many skateboarders chose the streets over the skate park, and takes a granular, but surprisingly unscientific look at the relationship skateboarders have with their own habitat.

A Ukrainian snowboarder-turned-soldier grapples with the trauma of war and the uncertainty of being called back, seeking solace in nature as he tries to reintegrate into society.

Taras

A Ukrainian snowboarder-turned-soldier grapples with the trauma of war and the uncertainty of being called back, seeking solace in nature as he tries to reintegrate into society.

Over the course of one year, a sustainable salmon fisherman struggles to stay afloat at sea and on land as the demands of her small salmon business mount.

The Grace

Over the course of one year, a sustainable salmon fisherman struggles to stay afloat at sea and on land as the demands of her small salmon business mount.

THE PEOPLE COULD FLY is a poetic documentary about the history of Black gathering spaces in Louisville, KY from the 1960's to mid 2000's. Through an intimate video portrait, we delve into the ritual of roller skating and how roller rinks emerged as sanctuaries for Black culture.

The People Could Fly

THE PEOPLE COULD FLY is a poetic documentary about the history of Black gathering spaces in Louisville, KY from the 1960's to mid 2000's. Through an intimate video portrait, we delve into the ritual of roller skating and how roller rinks emerged as sanctuaries for Black culture.

Shorts Block 1 

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Welcome to the 22nd 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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The 2025 virtual Big Sky Documentary Film Festival launches February 17th and will run through February 27th. 

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.