Bigfork Indie Film Fest placed on hiatus

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 hosting Montana filmmakers and showing their wonderful films, I felt that after five years it was time to “pass the baton,” but unfortunately nobody was able to take on the responsibility of running a film festival here.”

BIFF had become a fixture in the community and would draw film lovers and filmmakers from all over Montana.

“It took a little while for us to build an audience, but once word got out that we were only showing Montana-made films people got 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 whether BIFF, or any possible successor, will ever happen here again, fortunately there are other film festivals throughout Montana for anyone interested in seeing Montana films.”

Shapero went on to say, “I want to thank the local community for all of the support we’ve received over the years. In particular, I want to thank the local business sponsors who made the festival possible in the first place, and of course, I want to thank all of the Montana filmmakers who allowed us to show their films in front of a local audience, especially the local Flathead Valley film community. Finally, if anyone or any organization is interested in showing films in Bigfork, I can still help make that happen.”

Bigfork Film Festivals Incorporated is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation in the state of Montana.