FLIC returns with more cinematic adventures
The Flathead International Cinemafest (FLIC) opens this Friday at the Showboat in Polson. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)
About two-dozen filmmakers from across the country will trek to Polson this weekend to participate in the 11th Flathead Lake International Cinemafest (FLIC).
The festival showcases a diverse selection of domestic and international narrative and documentary films, shorts, animation, and student films Feb. 24-26 at the Showboat Stadium 6 in Polson. Screenings begin Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-9:45 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Encore screenings run Feb. 26-March 2 at 7 p.m.
“Over its decade of celebrating independent film in this region, FLIC has gradually earned a solid reputation as a special film festival that’s worth entering and attending,” says festival director David W. King. “Filmmakers tell us that they entered the festival based on rave reviews from their colleagues. It’s wonderful to hear from people we’ve never met that FLIC has gained that level of credibility.”
This edition features entries from 15 countries as well as 11 homegrown Montana films, plus a dozen Q&As with filmmakers.
Also on tap is a performance by Louisiana-based Cajun musician Jourdan Thibodeaux at 9:30 p.m. Saturday at the Durham. His show follows a screening of the award-winning documentary feature film “Roots of Fire,” about the rich history and cultural legacy of Cajun music, at 6 p.m. Saturday.
Other special events include:
Taste of Polson – 4:30 p.m. Friday in the Showboat Stadium 6 lobby; sample food and dessert from several regional eateries (Taste of Polson is limited to FLIC ticket and All Access Pass holders.)
FLIC Kids’ Breakfast and Screening – 9:30 a.m. Saturday; traditional free event is sponsored by Polson Rotary Club and features “The Bad Guys,” an action comedy from DreamWorks Animation.
Somewhere in Montana – 2:30 p.m. Saturday; “Somewhere in Montana” director Brandon Smith and producer Eden Bryant will present a short excerpt from their unfinished feature film, which was shot entirely in the Polson area last summer. Following the film clip, the filmmakers will share their respective experiences during the course of making the film.
FLIC Mixers – 4:30 p.m. Saturday at The Durham and 9:30 a.m. Sunday at Good Coffee Roasting Company; filmmakers and FLIC attendees mingle at popular local venues.
FLIC 2023 Awards Show – 5:30 p.m. Sunday; filmmaker nominees receive awards and the Audience Choice and Impact Awards will be presented. A dessert reception follows, and encore screenings begin at 7 p.m.
In addition to live question-and-answer sessions with filmmakers following screening blocks, the festival will also include pre-recorded Zoom-based videos. One such conversation features veteran U.K. actress/director Sarah-Jane Potts, who received Best Actress and Best Director nominations for her brilliant directing and acting turns in “The Magician,” which is also nominated for Best Picture – Short, Best Original Score and Best Actor.
In the video, Potts shares her inspiration for creating “The Magician,” which was sparked by the COVID lockdown.
For more information about FLIC 2023, attending filmmakers, special events, and this year’s films visit FLICPolson.com.