OPINION: Fourth Flathead Lake film festival a rousing success

Credits have rolled and lights turned up. The Flathead Lake International Cinemafest (FLIC) ended its fourth film festival on Thursday, Jan. 28, after seven days of showings in Polson. The Showboat Cinema gave FLIC the use of both screens for three days during the festival and one screen for extra nights of encore screenings. A true community-minded business!

The quality of films, the increasing numbers of filmmakers in attendance and the local and regional audience support, are all great motivation for FLIC Committee members now planning our fifth festival. The strong support we receive from the media, local businesses, and the public keeps us working to bring a diverse program of international independent films to the Mission Valley.

Working through Envision Polson! Year-Round Committee, a group was formed under the Greater Polson Community Foundation, tasked with a mission to offer events and activities to the greater Polson community. A Film Festival Committee was created and FLIC was off to a strong start that has continued to gain momentum from year to year.

This year 60 films were screened from 12 different countries. Two Native American themed films (“Rising Voices” and “We Sing Where I’m From”) were strong competitors for the People’s Choice Award in addition to the judges’ awards for feature-length documentaries.

FLIC films informed, inspired and entertained. Filmmakers, directors, writers, and actors attended and shared experiences and information in question and answer sessions following the screenings of their films. Steve Fetveit, NBC Montana anchor, again emceed the opening party at the KwaTaqNuk Resort.

Montana filmmakers were well represented in this year’s program. Films from Bozeman, Missoula, and two films by local artists. A two-minute experimental film, “9th and 13th” was written, directed and produced by Polson resident Jim Ereaux with the help of Hilary Lozar, another Polson resident. Jim, interested in filmmaking for years, received the Best Picture Award at Montana’s first film festival in Lewistown in the early 1970s.

FLIC Committee Co-Chairs are Frank Tyro and David W. King. Frank has worked at Salish Kootenai College in Pablo since 1984. He brought local public television to the Flathead Reservation in 1987. Frank’s background includes 45 years in broadcast management and engineering, producing television documentaries and teaching. David, owner of David W. King Pictures, moved to Polson in 2012. His film and television career spans 30 years and many facets of live-action and animation production. David wears several FLIC hats as co-chair, judge, producer/projectionist and trailer creator. Becky and Gary Dupuis, Polson Theatres Inc., not only give FLIC use of their Polson theater screens, but also share their employees throughout the packed weekend.

Volunteers from all walks help us produce a successful festival weekend. We are adding new volunteers and professionals to our FLIC Committee as we prepare for the fifth annual FLIC.

Check us out online a www.flicpolson.com or send an email to info@flicpolson.com.

Lindstrom writes on behalf of the Flathead Lake International Cinemafest communications team in Polson.