After many successful years, the Bigfork Independent Film Festival (BIFF) is now on permanent hiatus. According to festival executive director Steve Shapero, “While it was great to host filmmakers from Montana and show their wonderful films, I felt that after five years it was time to ‘hand over’, but unfortunately no one could take responsibility for organizing a film festival here.
The BIFF had become a community staple and would attract moviegoers and filmmakers from all over Montana.
“It took us a little while to build an audience, but once word got out that we were only showing movies made in Montana, people were excited,” Shapero said. Even with the challenges of Covid we were able to provide quality entertainment in a convenient and comfortable setting. While it’s unclear if BIFF, or any possible successor, will happen again here, luckily there are other film festivals throughout Montana for anyone who wants to see Montana films.
Shapero went on to say, “I want to thank the local community for all the support we have received over the years. In particular, I want to thank the local corporate sponsors who made the festival possible in the first place, and of course, I want to thank all of the Montana filmmakers who made it possible for us to show their films to local audiences, especially the local Flathead Valley film community. Finally, if anyone or an organization wants to show movies at Bigfork, I can always help make it happen.
Bigfork Film Festivals Incorporated is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in the State of Montana.