Lone Peak Film Festival debuts in Montana

The inaugural Lone Peak Film Festival ran Sept. 19–21 with six feature films and 16 shorts and included a mentorship program for local Native American filmmakers, according to the Daily Montanan. Organizers said the event focused on “uplifting” stories and offered opportunities for aspiring filmmakers to meet industry professionals.

The festival featured films such as Bring Them Home (Aiskótáhkapiyaaya), Lost Wolves of Yellowstone, Champions of the Golden Valley, Runa Simi, Sing Sing and Cutting Through the Rocks. It was partially sponsored by Montana’s Department of Commerce. Senate Bill 326, signed by Gov. Greg Gianforte, extends the state’s film tax credit through 2045 with incentives for hiring veterans and Native Americans, supporting smaller filmmakers and keeping production in Montana.