The Big Sky Documentary Youth Fellowship is a five-month mentorship program giving up to 8 MCPS high school students the opportunity to make a short documentary film (10 minutes or under) which will screen in the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival. Led by professional filmmakers, students meet regularly for two-hour sessions exploring the historical background of documentary film, basic filmmaking techniques and time for group workshopping. Working independently or in groups, students then craft their own documentary film under the mentorship of the Big Sky team, getting feedback and guidance on subject selection, narrative, interviews, cinematography, sound, and editing among other filmmaking elements. Additionally, Students will have the opportunity to discuss their work with industry professionals in group meetings with visiting filmmakers.
Once the films are completed, students will receive an All-Screening Pass as official delegates of the festival, allowing them to attend all BSDFF films, panels and workshops.
This is a sizable time commitment for students, often 3-4 hours of work each week. It is advised that participants have some prior experience using editing software and a video camera, however all applicants will be considered regardless of experience.
Applications are open for the Youth Fellowship 2026-27. Due Friday, September 18th.
2026
THE BALLAD OF MOLD AND MORNING - directed by Jude Shull
Facing big life decisions, a man in his third act of life looks back on his life pursuits.
FINDING HARMONY - directed by Zori Vandergrift
Three musicians create and perform, for themselves and others, while up against constant forces looking to defund and diminish the artistry of creating music.
THE IMPORTANT THINGS - directed by Jacobie Obresley
The fate of moving away and leaving behind everything you’ve ever known.
TO DO IT AGAIN - directed by Maizen Parke
An exploration into seventeen-year-old Bjorn’s work and life balance.
2025
IT'S HARD TO KILL A COWBOY- directed by Presley Clark
Cowboys and ranches are at the backbone of Montana's history, yet the truth behind the tv shows and high dollar houses lies a saddening reality. Ranches are dying out as upcoming heirs leave behind the land their family has cherished for generations. Neal Clark, a 6th generation local rancher, opens up about his fears for the future of ranching in Montana.
ONE SOUL, TWO HOMES- directed by Alana Brevick
Malak Khalid, an 18 year-old refugee from Iraq, paints her picture of home as she reflects on her experiences moving from her birthplace in Baghdad to Missoula, MT, in the United States.
THE WINTER CYCLE- directed by Virgil Jones
A love letter to local ski areas, passing seasons, and snow, The Winter Cycle explores the value of finding roots in a changing world, water’s importance to the Missoula community, and the joy held within the collective experience of skiing.
Pushing down on the gas, this film explores the ways in which drivers reflect cars and cars reflect drivers.
KILI CULTURE - directed by Sophie Dissa
Following the story of an ex-porter, now guide on Mt. Kilimanjaro, KILI CULTURE spotlights the one man's lifelong relationship with one of the world's most well-known peaks.
FLIPPING THE SWITCH - directed by Amity Rogalski
When someone's world is shaped by playing music, how do they react when they are separated from the people they play with? Three musicians reminisce on the band of their past and grapple with their miles of separation.
BEHIND THE CONCRETE - directed by Ben Buchta
Follow local skateboarders on their mission to build skateparks across Montana, forming a statewide community of skaters. Jeff Ament, Randy Katen, and others explain how the power of skateboarding has built lasting relationships and a strong network of skate park enthusiasts in all corners of the state.
OUTSIDE - directed by Violet Kreilick
From the streets of Japan, where stance cars caught their name, to the rustic roads of Montana, OUTSIDE explores the layered world of stance culture and the car enthusiasts behind it all.
SUNK: A TALE FROM FLATHEAD LAKE - directed by Amy Boote
A family goes to their grandparents’ lake house for the summer on Flathead Lake, but when things go too far they’re forced to grapple with the consequences of reckless summer fun. SUNK: A TALE FROM FLATHEAD LAKE delves into the whimsy of summer and asks the age-old question—When things turn bad, is it more than just another great story?
OLD GROWTH - directed by Leo Schneider
A short dive into Montana’s long history of forestry and logging. Using interviews from people who experienced that history first hand, Old Growth gives a window into how they lived and worked in a more wild and dangerous time.
MOTHER AND DAUGHTER, FATHER AND SON - directed by Gus Darty
Two women from different generations, a mother and a daughter, struggle with a family loss.
COMPOSITIONAL LIFE - directed by Ezra Meyer
Artist Caleb Meyer shares what it means to be a full time oil painter and all of the ups and downs that come with it.
A COSMIC BAND - directed by Finley Wolferman
A rockin’ local band with big aspirations explores the experience of creating and performing music for the community. Cosmic Sans is keeping the local band scene alive in the heart of Missoula.
FRIEND POOL - directed by Douglas Lautzenheiser
With college fastly approaching, an attempt is made to recapture the filmmaker’s favorite high school memory.
TEENS IN CARS - directed by Jadyn Fordah
Let’s talk. Teens in Cars presents the parking lot thoughts of teenagers in 2022.
TWO MAN BAND - directed by Kolja Gerstenkorn
Ex-Gourds frontman Jimmy Smith and blues musician Pat McKay are no ordinary two-man band; Jimmy is best known for his two decades performing with the famed alt-country outfit, The Gourds as one of the principal songwriters and bass players, and Pat is fames for his folk-inspired, bluesy tunes in the band Two Minute Puzzle. Though the days of The Gourds and Two Minute Puzzle have come to an end, the two have come together for a whole new sound.
UNTIED - directed by Mackenzie Cummings
Untying the social strings enabled by social media, a teenager attempts to create a new normal by removing themself from social media entirely. Will they become an outcast or finally out an end to a technology addiction?
WITHIN THE WALLS - directed by Hollin Keintz
Within the Walls centers around a collection of female paranormal investigators and why they keep coming back to the Old Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge, Montana.
MY ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL - directed by Maren Mace-Dyck
Willard is a “school of choice” designed for students who want to earn a high school diploma and who want to participate in an educational experience preparing them for their adult roles and responsibilities in the 21st Century. Following Maren, a high school student at Willard Alternative High School, My Alternative School explores the benefits of alternative learning styles and smaller classrooms amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
THE COVID CLASSROOM - directed by Catherine Waddell
Following the Waddell family as they navigate teaching from home, The Covid Classroom explores what it means to learn through the screen with a family of 6.
LOST INNOCENCE - directed by Maire Odermann
Generational trauma seeps into our everyday lives as both old and young explain how the most famous tragedies affected them.
DRUM - directed by Sam Pelger
John Wicks is a business owner, drummer, husband, and father. In the past ten years he has made Missoula his home and the community has felt his love and hard work. How does he successfully balance work and family while maintaining passion for everything he does?
INSPIRE - directed by Abby Rhoderick
Erik Pallister is a beloved climber, rock climbing route developer, and friend in his local outdoor community in Missoula, MT. When faced with unexpected adversity, Inspire tells the story of his journey through recovery, and the community of people that helped him along in the process.
SEPERATE TOGETHER - directed by Rhiannon Moreland
Horses brought these two together and horse have kept them together. From their struggles, Jeff and Darlene started a program where they tapped into their dark path from their wealth of experience to help others work through trauma. Now, across the country, their program Herd 2 Human uses the four-legged animals to bring people together, just as they did for them.
MY GRANDPA IS A PUNK - directed by Sage Chimo
One of the first adopters of snowboarding and founder of ‘Edge of the World’, Greg Barrow, explains what it was like to see the winter sport blossom into what it is today. Following the story of a snowboarding legend with a variety of quirky hobbies, MY GRANDPA IS A PUNK offers a witty portrait of a grandfather and the charming family unit that help keep his legacy alive.
MUSIC COMPOSED ME - directed by Lizz Dellinger
Follow local high school and university musicians as they describe how the hard work, mentally draining practice, and physically demanding requirements of band have led them to be the people they are today.
THE ROOKIE - directed by Luke Nicholson
Missoula firefighter Matt Wheeler reflects on a childhood event that changed his life, as well as the way in which a positive act can have far-reaching impacts.
URBAN NATIVE - directed by Sheltah Chase
URBAN NATIVE follows Native American teenagers living across the U.S., as they navigate between traditional life and urban life.
AN ANONYMOUS REBELLION - directed by Michael Workman
An Anonymous Rebellion follows a local teenage graffiti duo. The two are not looking for personal fame, but rather a reputation through their aliases while proving you don’t need a gallery or permission to exhibit your art.
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