For the first time ever, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival’s “Filmmakers in the Schools” program is coming to the Bitterroot Valley.
Missoula has hosted the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival every February for the past 13 years. The mission of the BSDFF is to “celebrate and promote the art of nonfiction filmmaking, and to encourage media literacy by fostering public understanding and appreciation of documentary film.” This event takes over Missoula and feeds the community with amazing and inspiring stories from around the world.
Education is a critical aspect to the BSDFF mission and they are committed to “educating young Montanans with film, opening their eyes to the stories of the world and creating exciting opportunities for students in the art of filmmaking.”
The BSDFF “Filmmakers in the Schools” program connects filmmakers with local schools for special screenings of age appropriate films. Students have the opportunity to ask questions, voice opinions and dive deeper into the content of the films.
This year, the MAPS Media Institute is hosting the program on Tuesday, February 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. at 515 Madison Street in Hamilton. This event is free and all Ravalli County high school students are welcome to attend.
MAPS Program Director Clare Ann Harff said, “Of particular interest, is the film ‘Never Too Late’.” This film is about Shad Blair, a 36-year-old plumber living in Stevensville, chasing his childhood dream of becoming a professional basketball player. He heads to the Las Vegas Overseas Combine to see if he has what it takes to play with the very best. Both Shad and his coach, Ryan Wetzel, will be at the event.
Jacob Siegel-Boettner, producer of the film “I Am Able,” will also be a guest filmmaker. “I Am Able” is the story of Frederick Ndabaramiye. In 1994, Frederick’s home country of Rwanda was torn apart. Four years later, his bus was stopped by rebels. What happened next changed everything. This film tells the story of Frederick’s incredible recovery in the face of overwhelming odds.