Summer film series features Montana-made films
The Wachholz College Center will feature seven Montana-made films during its "Made in Montana" film series this summer.
The films will be shown on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. It begins July 23.
Curated by Flathead natives and cinephiles Clayton McDougall and Wachholz’s own Technical Director Dwight Camilluci, each screening features an introduction by the duo, followed by an informal discussion after the film.
McDougall and Camilluci note that although Montana’s breathtaking scenery is often used for establishing shots, it’s uncommon for an entire feature film to be shot exclusively under the Big Sky. Each was filmed almost entirely in Montana, showcasing more than just a scenic backdrop.
“Each film taps into the same culture and landscapes we all share, and relates it back to us in new and surprising ways," McDougall said. "We hope that by curating a lineup of Montana-centric cinema specifically for the community, that you may find something new and surprising about your own home state in each one of these films."
The series begins July 23 with a salute to a cinematic icon – the train. The evening will start with a quick ride through film history with clips and video art celebrating trains on screen and roll right into a screening of “Danger Lights” (1930), which was shot along Montana’s railways and in the Miles City train yard.
On July 30, acclaimed director Kelly Reichardt trades her usual Pacific Northwest setting for Livingston in “Certain Women” (2016), a subtle, observant drama starring two locally born actresses.
Next up are back-to-back films from New Hollywood era director Michael Cimino, screened on Aug. 6 and Aug. 13, respectively. “Thunderbolt & Lightfoot” (1974) was filmed in Cascade County, followed by “Heaven’s Gate” (1980), with sweeping scenes captured in Glacier National Park.
On Aug. 20, the documentary “Sweetgrass” (2009) offers a nonfiction look at a Montana ranch’s final sheep drives through the Beartooth Mountains.
The series creators’ pick “Thousand Pieces of Gold” (1991) will run on Aug. 27. This overlooked indie Western is based on the life of Chinese-American pioneer Polly Bemis and was filmed in southwest Montana.
The series wraps up on Sept. 3 with “The Missouri Breaks” (1976), a revisionist Western directed by Arthur Penn and featuring powerhouse performances from Oscar winners Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson.
Tickets for individual films are available for $10 each. A series pass for all seven films is offered at a discounted price of $50. Tickets are on sale now, with discounts available for senior citizens.
For more information on the series or to buy tickets, visit wccmt.org or contact the ticket office at 406-756-1400.