Festival to Showcase Filmmakers from Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho This August
The Yellowstone Film Festival is proud to announce its upcoming festival, taking place August 21–23, 2026 in Cody, Wyoming. The three-day event will celebrate independent filmmaking while providing an important platform for filmmakers from Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho to share their stories with audiences in one of the American West’s most iconic and artistic communities.
Founded by life-long Cody native, cinephile, filmmaker, and musician, Jacob Graham, and with the mission of supporting regional filmmakers, the Yellowstone Film Festival was created to help elevate the voices, cultures, landscapes, and experiences that define the Rocky Mountain West. While the festival welcomes submissions from across the United States, special emphasis will be placed on filmmakers from the tri-state region surrounding Yellowstone National Park.
The not-for-profit festival will be presented by Big Horn Cinemas and feature narratives, documentaries, shorts, and student films. In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, all films screened during the 2026 festival will be created by US-based filmmakers.
The festival is accepting entries in the following categories for all residents of WY, MT, and ID in our Local Categories below:
- Local Narrative Feature
- Local Documentary
- Local Shorts
- Local College and High School Student Shorts (under ten minutes)
“Outstanding filmmakers are creating remarkable work throughout Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, yet many do not have enough opportunities to present their films to audiences,” said Festival Director Brett Straniere, a 30-year veteran of the film and entertainment industry. “The Yellowstone Film Festival was created to help showcase the best local talent by giving regional filmmakers a place to screen their work, connect with audiences and celebrate storytelling in the American West.”
Filmmakers are encouraged to submit their projects through the FilmFreeway site.
Founded by William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody in 1896, the Cody, Wyoming, community provides an ideal backdrop for a festival dedicated to storytelling and the spirit of the American West. Located just outside the East entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Cody offers visitors a unique combination of Western heritage, arts, culture, outdoor recreation, and historic charm.
Award-Winning filmmaker and Festival Consultant, Preston Randolph added, “Having the Yellowstone Film Festival take root here in Cody is a significant step forward for filmmakers across our region. It creates an opportunity to showcase their work alongside films from around the country while helping strengthen a community that supports and celebrates independent storytelling.”
The Yellowstone Film Festival is extremely grateful to the Park County Travel Council for their enthusiastic support.
The Yellowstone Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization actively pursuing volunteers, sponsors, partnerships and local community support throughout the tri-state area. If interested, please contact us at [email protected]
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