The mission of the International Wildlife Film Festival is to promote awareness, knowledge, and understanding of wildlife, habitat, people, and nature through excellence in film. The long-standing festival champions wildlife filmmakers and challenges conventional expectations about how we conserve wildlife and habitat.
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.
“We want this to be the children’s film festival, we want to be the first-putter’s film festival, we want to be the down-home film festival, we want to be the scientifically accurate film festival.”
– Chuck Jonkel, IWFF Founder
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.
The 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.