The International Wildlife Film Festival
est. 1977

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.

View the IWFF49 Community Impact Report

We’ve compiled a report on our 2026 Festival. See the fest by the numbers.

Read the Report

“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

What our visiting filmmakers have to say

IWFF welcomes filmmakers from around the world to Missoula

“IWFF is the best festival! The most wonderful organizers and staff, a welcoming communal atmosphere and phenomenal programming… Missoula is such a special place for wildlife film. We were blown away and so honored to see our feature, Shenandoah, included alongside such incredible films. We hope to come back soon!”

Elizabeth Crowl

Shenandoah, 2026

“An incredible festival, complete with amazing programming and coordination staff, multiple venues, and set amongst the incredibly scenic Montana town of Missoula. The festival felt intimate, with a good amount of filmmakers present and a dynamic slate of films showcased. On behalf of the crew of The Rewilders, thanks so much for the hospitality! Definitely shall return with the next project!”

Trish Neufeld

The Rewilders, 2026

“This is a truly special festival. They are always true to their mission of focusing on wildlife and conservation. It’s a great opportunity to meet other likeminded people and spark ideas. Filmmakers I met at IWFF years ago have become lifelong friends. Highly recommended!”

Allison Argo

Frozen Frames: Murphy’s Yellowstone, 2025

“IWFF is a fantastic festival with an excellent line up of high quality films, engaged audiences, strong community feeling, and a generous and hardworking team. We enjoyed every minute and hope it will continue rocking the Roxy for many more years.”

Asgeir Helgestad

A Call from the Wild, 2024

“This festival is brilliant! It offers everything from a super strong line-up of inspiring films, large and engaging audiences, a warm and casual atmosphere with lots of good networking opportunities, to a WildWalk Parade in the streets of Missoula! And not to forget – a really hard working, creative and supportive staff! A festival that leaves you full of inspiration and with many new friends in the industry. I hope to return in the future!”

Anders Drud Jordan

When the Dogs are Gone, 2019

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.

Sister Festival

The International Wildlife Film Festival is just one offering from the Roxy Theater’s robust film festival program.

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.

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.

More ways to engage with IWFF

We’re bringing the Wild to you year-round!

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We’re celebrating IWFF 50 from now through April 2027!

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The International Wildlife Film Festivalest. 1977