The Flathead Lake International Cinemafest (FLIC) premieres its ninth annual winter film festival during the weekend of Jan. 29 to 31, at the new Showboat Stadium 6 on Main Street in Polson.

FLIC screens full-length features, shorts, animation, student films and documentaries. FLIC 2021 offers a broad, international slate of films, featuring entries from 17 countries and many from Montana.

Most FLIC 2021 films will also be available for online viewing on a virtual screening platform for about a month following the Showboat Stadium 6 in-person encore week. This will enable people who miss the live event to purchase individual screening blocks (or full festival passes) to enjoy the films that spark their interest in the online FLIC 2021 program.

This year’s standout documentary films include the feature film “More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story.” Morita played Mr. Miyagi, who ran the diner in the popular TV show “Happy Days.” “More Than Miyagi” is a painfully revealing autobiographical record of Morita’s much-too-brief time here on earth, tracing his journey from being bed bound as a boy to the bright lights and racial discrimination in Hollywood. Deep inside that generous, multi-talented performer was an army of demons that even alcohol and drugs couldn't mask. The film’s director Kevin Derek plans to attend and participate in a Q&A following the screening.

Another fascinating documentary film this year is “David Mirisch, the Man Behind the Golden Stars,” a documentary about the storied career of press agent David Mirisch. Mirisch is a member of the family behind the legendary Mirisch Film Company, the producers of award-winning classic movies including “Some Like It Hot,” “West Side Story,” “The Pink Panther,” “Fiddler on The Roof” and “The Magnificent Seven.”

During his 50-plus years in entertainment, Mirisch made a name for himself as a publicist of Hollywood’s elite stars. He discovered Farrah Fawcett in 1968 when she was still a student at the University of Texas, and created publicity campaigns for some of the most beautiful and talented young actresses that went on to ignite the silver screen, including Raquel Welch, Ellen Burstyn, Lynda Carter, Barbara Eden and Lindsay Wagner. He was also instrumental in public relation campaigns for musicians such as Johnny Mathis, Pat Boone, The Fifth Dimension, Perry Como, Merv Griffin, Della Reese, and Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass.

Mirisch’s humanitarian contributions also set him apart. He is responsible for raising over $35,000,000 for charitable organizations and nonprofits throughout the United States and many foreign countries. Mirisch plans to attend FLIC 2021 and will participate in the audience Q&A following the screening.

From Montana, comes the documentary short “Last Tracks.” After shedding a lifetime of belongings, moving to an assisted living facility with his ailing sweetheart, and now coping with losing his mind, former world-class athlete Alan Jackson, 87, embraces his last tracks, and what remains despite the losses.

FLIC kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, in the new Showboat Cinema 6 in Polson. Covid distancing guidelines that may be in effect at that time will be followed.

On Saturday, Jan. 30, film screenings resume at 9:30 a.m. and continue on multiple screens into the evening. (The previously announced traditional Saturday morning children’s screening will not occur this year.)

The FLIC 2021 weekend draws to a festive close with an Awards Show and prepackaged, Covid-observant dessert reception on Sunday, Jan. 31, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Showboat Stadium. The Audience Award will also be given to the FLIC audience’s overall favorite film. The Awards Show is free to the public.

Showboat Stadium 6 will host FLIC 2021 encore screenings from Jan. 31 through Feb. 4 at 4:30 and 7 p.m. on two screens. There is a virtual festival component to FLIC 2021 that will also be available from Feb. 5 through March 4. CinemaSafe COVID-19 safety protocol will be followed. Visit CinemaSafe.org for details.

All films, times and events are subject to change.

The FLIC 2021 program and screenings schedules will soon be available for download at FLICPolson.com, where festival passes, individual screening tickets and FLIC merchandise may

also be purchased.