'Born in Montana' film series returns to the Wachholz College Center

Five films, whose actors or directors were born in Montana, will be featured as part of the Wachholz College Center's "Born in Montana" summer series. 

Handpicked by Flathead natives and cinephiles Clayton McDougall and Wachholz College Center Technical Director Dwight Camilluci, the films will be shown at 7 p.m. Aug. 12 through Sept. 9. 

The series highlights artists such as Academy Award-winning actor Gary Cooper, Michelle Williams and directors John Dahl and David Lynch. Each screening features an introduction by McDougall and Camilluci. An informal discussion will be held after each screening. 

"We decided to highlight some talent that originated in our state with the goal of expanding our viewers' taste in film. By joining us for this series, as well as future series, we hope our community is ready to venture further and further into the wide world of cinema," McDougall said. 

The series kicks off Wednesday, Aug. 12 with “Viva Knievel!" starring Butte-born motorcycle icon Evel Knievel as a fictionalized version of himself who foils a drug smuggling plot with the daring stunts and fearless spirit that made him an international legend.  

On Aug. 19, the series continues with the Academy Award-winning Western, “High Noon," starring Cooper, a Helena native, whose iconic performance as Marshal Will Kane anchors one of cinema's greatest tales of courage and conviction. 

“Wendy and Lucy,” starring Williams, a Kalispell native, will be shown Aug. 26. This independent drama follows a young woman on a cross-country journey that unravels after a series of setbacks leave her searching for her beloved dog.  

The spotlight then turns to Billings-born director Dahl's stylish neo-noir thriller “Red Rock West" on Sept. 2, where a drifter becomes entangled in a dangerous web of deception, mistaken identity and murder.  

The series concludes with Missoula native David Lynch's acclaimed psychological mystery “Mulholland Drive,” a haunting, dreamlike exploration of identity, ambition and illusion on Sept. 9 

Tickets are $10 each. A series pass is also available for $40. Tickets may be purchased at wccmt.org or by calling 406-756-1400.