The International Wildlife Film Festival
est. 1977
A Missoula Springtime Tradition
Our films screen to packed theaters full of sharp audiences that want to learn more about themselves and the world we live in. Filmmakers can expect lively Q&As, engaging panel discussions, and a casual, jovial atmosphere. Alumni remember the camaraderie amongst filmmakers, the community’s love for the festival and their films, plus the casual atmosphere. Guests range from top-notch filmmakers and producers, cutting-edge conservationists or biologists, to the Roxy Theater audience members that sometimes see every IWFF selection. The festival staff is well-known for clear communication, inventive programming, and delivering a fun, satisfying festival experience for audiences and guests alike. IWFF’s collaborative spirit offers opportunities for many national conservation partners to be involved in post-film screening discussions and day trips throughout western Montana.
The Roxy Theater
Founded by bear biologist, Chuck Jonkel in 1977 at the University of Montana, IWFF is the longest-running film festival of its kind. In 2002, the festival purchased the historic Roxy Theater as its home. In 2013 the Roxy launched its year-round screening series and began an extensive collaboration with the university, businesses, and community, serving a diverse, all-ages population with broad programming. A unique historic venue with incredible resources, The Roxy houses three cinema screens with HD projection, 35 mm projection, state-of-the-art sound systems, two stages, a micro-cinema called The Annex, and the Roxy Garden – an outdoor space that seats 40+ audience members. IWFF embraces its home inside The Roxy Theater and as the heart of community cinema in Missoula, MT.
A non-profit arthouse venue, the Roxy hosts regular weekly screenings of award-winning new and classic films from around the world, and celebrated live events. Wednesday & Thursday nights are devoted to special one-off screenings, community programs, and oddball events. In addition, The Roxy hosts exclusive cultural programming, including The Met: Live in HD and National Theater Live.
Sister Festivals
The International Wildlife Film Festival is just one offering from the Roxy Theater’s robust film festival program. Check out IWFF’s sister festivals…
From the restrictive Hays Code to contemporary conversations about representation, both independent and mainstream cinema have struggled with the way they portray LGBTQ2S people and stories since Muybridge’s first queer kiss on screen. And while representation has obviously bettered over the last century of cinema, the question now turns to what queer stories get told. Queer West Film Fest celebrates not only the stories of queer life on the coasts, but the lives, adventures, and joy of LGBTQ2S people living under the majesty, power, and complicated history of the American West.
For more than ten years, the Montana Film Festival has showcased independent films from around the world, engaging the Missoula community with remarkable shared cinematic experiences and welcoming guests to Big Screen Country. MTFF highlights emergent independent talents from major international festivals, with special attention paid to Montana’s flourishing film industry. It regularly screens features months before wide release, making it the premiere annual event for Montana’s cinephiles.
View the IWFF48 Community Impact Report
We’ve compiled a report on our 2025 Festival. See the fest by the numbers.
Read the ReportThe International Wildlife Film Festival and Roxy Theater is located on the traditional territory of the Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d’Oreille peoples, and we honor the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations. We encourage you to reflect on the land on which you are on, and who are the traditional keepers.
