10th FLIC Film Festival coming to Polson in January
The Flathead Lake International Cinemafest (FLIC) is holding its 10th anniversary winter film festival during the weekend of Jan. 28-30 at the Showboat Stadium 6 on Main Street in Polson.
FLIC screens full-length features, shorts, animation, student films and documentaries. FLIC 2022 once again offers a broad selection of international films, featuring entries from 18 countries as well as homegrown Montana films.
As with previous years, many filmmakers plan to travel to Montana to participate in the festival in person. FLIC has become a destination film festival for all the right reasons, chief among them being that FLIC’s enthusiastic attending audience is so supportive of independent cinema. Spirited discussions between audience and filmmakers cap off most screening blocks, and lifelong friendships take root between screenings as film lovers from across the globe connect.
FLIC’s judges enjoyed discovering this year’s cinematic gems. Included among them is the documentary feature film “Open Field,” which provides a hard-hitting inside look inside the world of women’s tackle football and features NFL greats who have supported them, including Kyle Shanahan, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, and Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Famer Franco Harris.
“Open Field” tells the story of the women who leave everything on the field in their drive for greatness, earning recognition and respect. The film was shot on location over the course of six years, with full access to practice sessions, games, private conversations in locker rooms, and off-field activities. “Open Field screens at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28. (Times are subject to change, so check FLICPolson.com for updates.)
FLIC 2022 also features a full slate of exceptional documentary and narrative short films. One of top narrative shorts is the Academy Award-nominated ‘Feeling Through,” a coming-of-age story that follows teenager Tereek, who wanders the streets of New York looking for a place to crash for the night. He encounters Artie, a DeafBlind man in need of help getting home. From that initial awkward meeting between strangers an intimate bond is formed, and a very moving personal journey that forever changes Tereek.
FLIC kicks off on Friday, Jan. 28 with an informal gathering at the Cove Deli & Pizza. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served, with optional menu items available. FLIC 2022 screenings commence at 6 p.m. on multiple screens at the Showboat Stadium 6.
Screenings resume at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29 with a free animated children’s film (title TBA). Festival film screenings resume at 12:30 p.m. and continue on multiple screens into the evening. There will be a break in film showings from 4:30 to 6 p.m. for an informal gathering from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at The Lake Bar, 49494 US Highway 93.
The FLIC 2022 weekend draws to a close with an awards show and dessert reception from 5:30 to 6:30 Sunday, Jan. 30. The Audience Award will also be given to the FLIC audience’s overall favorite film. The event is free to the public.
If you miss FLIC weekend, the Showboat Cinema Stadium 6 will host FLIC 2022 encore screenings Jan. 30 through Feb. 3.
All films, times and events are subject to change. The FLIC 2022 screening schedule is available to view at FLICPolson.com, where festival passes and individual screening tickets may also be purchased. FLIC is also on Facebook, with information updated regularly. Email: contact@flicpolson.com.
