FLIC unveils new slate of "hidden movie gems"

The 13th annual Flathead Lake International Cinemafest (FLIC) brings a wide array of cinematic adventures to Polson’s Showboat Stadium 6 Feb. 14-16.

“If attending a film festival isn’t on your bucket list, consider adding it,” advises FLIC director David W. King, who produces FLIC with his wife, Jessica King. “People routinely report how much they love FLIC weekend – and the adventure of discovering hidden movie gems as they enjoy attending one screening block after another.”

He notes that many FLIC attendees and sponsors have been ardent supporters of the festival since it’s inception 13 years ago.

Notable 2025 films include the Montana-produced narrative feature film “Water Girl,” in which a mother discovers that her daughter is bound to the cyclical existence of the Ọgbanje — a spirit child trapped in the maze of life, death and rebirth.

“Water Girl” writer, producer and director Nnamdi Kanaga describes the film as a “supernatural drama” based on the Ọgbanje mythology about a child spirit who repeatedly comes and goes at will to the same parents through their secretly buried earthly treasure called "Iyiuwa."

Nnamdi, who was born and raised in Nigeria, says her film pays homage to old Nollywood – the Nigerian movie industry – while exploring new horizons of modern-day cinema. “I am also happy to be able to share elements of the Igbo culture – spirituality, folklore, music, language, and belief system – with the world,” she writes.

Nnamdi and others associated with the film will attend FLIC and participate in a Q&A following their screening, which is scheduled at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15. “Water Girl” garnered five FLIC nominations, including Best Picture Feature, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Montana Film and Best Original Score.

Another standout FLIC 2025 film is the 33-minute documentary, “Cycling the World,” in which intrepid adventurer McKenzie Barney embarks on a multi-year journey to experience the world from the seat of her bicycle. The film follows McKenzie as she treks more than 18,000 miles across five continents and 28 countries by way of Africa, South America, Europe, Southeast Asia, New Zealand and Australia.

McKenzie hopes the film leaves viewers “with goose bumps and chills, imagining their big, audacious dream and realizing that it's worth seeking.”

“Cycling the World,” which is nominated for Best Documentary Feature, screens at 8:15 p.m. Feb. 14, along with other documentary films.

The narrative feature film “Never Not Yours” features an ensemble cast in its telling of a story about 30-something siblings Michael, Ellie and James. The trio, after driving to their family cabin to visit their parents, are shocked when their mom and dad unexpectedly announce their impending divorce. Chaos ensues as each young adult copes with the emotional repercussions of this realignment of their respective universes.

“Never Not Yours” co-directors/co-writers John Klein and Steve Kniss, who will be on hand to share their film with FLIC’s audience, say their goal was to write something they could film together in two weeks or less.

The result, they say, “is about finding yourself again when everything feels wrong. Sometimes, it takes making a radical change in your life to set yourself on a new path.”

“Other times,” they add, “it takes a cast of five, a crew of seven, and eight magical days in Indiana to make a new family of your own.” 

“Never Not Yours” (rated R for language and adult themes) screens at 8:15 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15.

Thrills and chills are also on the FLIC 2025 menu, courtesy of the U.K.-produced feature film “Control.” A British Home Secretary has her self-driving car remotely hijacked by a mysterious man (voiced by Kevin Spacy) who contacts and torments her on her cell phone while her car speeds on a runaway rampage through London.

Produced with slick aplomb, “Control” (rated R for language) screens at 2:15 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, and is nominated for Best Picture – Feature, as well as a Best Actress for female lead Lauren Metcalfe.

The FLIC 2025 weekend draws to a festive close with an Awards Show and dessert reception Sunday at 4:30 p.m. The Audience Award will also be given to the audience’s overall favorite film.

Encore screenings follow the festival weekend, running from Feb. 16-20.

Visit FLICPolson.com for information about films, schedules, tickets and guest filmmakers, or find the festival on Facebook. 

    In 33-minute documentary, “Cycling the World,” intrepid adventurer McKenzie Barney embarks on a multi-year journey to experience the world from the seat of her bicycle.
  

    The narrative feature film “Never Not Yours” was filmed in under two weeks, and tells the story of siblings navigating news of their parents' impending divorce.