The influential film festival in the Black Hills returns in October with new films, filmmaker insights, special guests, panels, networking, merchandise, and more. We are excited to promote the art of independent film throughout the Black Hills region. 

The Festival begins October 3rd at 7PM hosted exclusively by the Journey Museum with the special screening of Green & Gold. This feature film stars Rapid City actress, Madison Lawlor.  Saturday Oct. 4, from 10AM to 12PM are FREE discussion panels moderated by KOTA News anchor Alicia Garcia. Then music by the Walfish Music School Youth Violin Group at 12:30PM introduces the Saturday films including a full session of South Dakota films. Sunday Oct. 5, a full day of Native American films are introduced at 12:30PM, with music by Native American Flute player, Darren Thompson. 

Award sponsors have the opportunity to contribute to the awards for the winning films and present them to the filmmakers. This year, we've added film sponsorships and we hope every film in the festival will have a sponsor. Features will be $500 and shorts will be $250. To help your decision, trailers for all the films will be available to view below. For details, contact our Director Chris at blackhillsfilmfest@gmail.com.

Selected films come from South Dakota, North Dakota, California, Arizona, Wyoming, New York, Canada, Belgium, and France. Festival awards include Best Feature Narrative, Best Short Narrative, Best Feature Documentary, Best Short Documentary, Best Student Film and the crowd favorite, People's Choice.

Full Festival Passes and Individual Sessions will be available for purchase soon!