A rich slate of panel discussions, community-wide events, Q & A sessions, and parties complement 70 films from 19 countries during the second annual BZN Film Festival, June 6-9 at six venues in Bozeman. Additional events include the Opening Film and Reception, 7 p.m. Thursday at the Emerson Center, a free family event, 3 p.m. Saturday at the Bozeman Public Library, and an Awards Ceremony and Filmmakers’ Brunch, 10 a.m. Sunday at the Rialto.
BZN, a four-day celebration of independent filmmaking, creative expression, and emerging as well as established voices, showcases films that educate, encourage and inspire audiences to get involved and take action to protect our planet.
“We are delighted that Ted Turner will be present for the inaugural Ted Turner Award, given to the film which most inspires environmental stewardship,” says Artistic Managing Director Beth Ann Kennedy.
Gender equity and female empowerment constitute one of the great social movements of our time, and these topics are one of three BZN 2019 spotlights. The festival presents inspiring, female-driven films, and a panel discussion with cutting-edge wonder women beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, June 7 at The Ellen Theatre. The day includes 10 films, four panels and an ongoing live painting demonstration by local artist Morgan Irons. Features include “Arlene Francis: That Certain Something” and “Be Natural,” Pamela B. Green’s energetic film about pioneer filmmaker Alice Guy-Blaché.
The day begins at 8 a.m. with yoga at lululemon—enjoy a 45-minute class with plenty of time to have breakfast at a number of participating ‘passholder deal’ restaurants before the first film block.
BZN’s two additional spotlights are Community & Food, and Conservation, with events and screenings taking place at the Museum of the Rockies Friday and Saturday.
Selected feature films include “The Etruscan Smile,” starring acclaimed British actor Brian Cox, “The Divide” (director and star Perry King and screenwriter Jana Brown will be in attendance), and “Words from a Bear,” which examines the enigmatic life of Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Navarro Scott Momaday, one of Native America’s most celebrated authors of poetry and prose.
Also featured will be “Not Enough Time” (8:15 p.m. Saturday at the Emerson), a tribute to musician Dave Grusin, who will be in attendance to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from Jeff Bridges and facilitate a Q & A after the screening.
Sponsored by the Montana Science Center, Saturday afternoon’s free family event at the Bozeman Public Library showcases seven short films including “Life of A Mosquito” and “Grandbad,” as well as Kid Flicks One: Best of the New York Children’s Festival. Outside on the lawn, enjoy Sweet Peaks ice cream, fly-casting demonstrations by Fins & Feathers, and face painting by Priscilla Creates, among other activities.
BZN passes are available in three access tiers: Gallatin Peak ($250); Hyalite Peak ($145), and Bridger Peak Day Pass ($75). Visit bozemanfilmcelebration.com to see the full schedule, film previews, hotel, restaurant and vendor deals, and much more.