Description

The Yellowstone Film Festival will be taking place this October 9–11, 2026 in Cody, WY, one of America’s most iconic and historic Western towns. The festival will bring together filmmakers, production companies, cinephiles and students for a three-day celebration of storytelling, education, independent film and networking parties. In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, all films screened for this year’s festival will be made by American filmmakers and artists. The festival is hosted by Cody's own Big Horn Cinemas. At the core of the Yellowstone Film Festival is a commitment to elevating local and regional filmmakers. The festival will prominently feature work from filmmakers across the tri-state region of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, providing a vital platform for stories rooted in the landscapes, cultures, and communities of the American West. These regional selections will be showcased alongside select narrative features from award-winning filmmakers from across the United States, creating a dynamic program that balances local voices with national perspectives. In addition, our curated Classic Western Series will be offering audiences context and insight into the films that helped shape America’s cinematic and cultural identity. The festival will place a strong emphasis on film education and emerging young talent with dedicated short film categories for high school and college students from Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. All student submissions from the tri-state area are free to enter and must be no longer than 10 minutes. These student showcases are designed to encourage young filmmakers, introduce them to professional exhibition standards, and connect them with award-winning filmmakers through panels, workshops and mentorship opportunities throughout the weekend.