Unlike last year, neither snow berms nor icy streets greeted movie fans when the annual Flathead Lake International Cinemafest (FLIC) kicked off last Friday in Polson.

The 14th annual festival began with catered treats for ticket holders Friday evening at 4 p.m. in the lobby of the Showboat Stadium 6 before film lovers hit the first section of movies from 6 to 8 p.m. and a later screening from 8:15 to 10 p.m.

Saturday morning kids received a special valentine from Polson Rotary in the form of a free screening of “The Bad Guys 2” from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Rotary also provided a free breakfast and juice.

Screenings continued Saturday with three time blocks and again Sunday with two sessions of films.

FLIC has many dedicated viewers, and Kristin and Dale Nelson are two in that group. For the past 13 years, they’ve attended every session and try to see every film. Kristin’s a whiz with scheduling, but if there is some movie or short film they just can’t fit in, they’ve asked Becky Dupuis to screen it for them early on Saturday.

“The facility is great,” Kristin said.

Some of the Nelsons’ particular favorites this year were documentaries “Farmacy of Light,” “The Real Yellowstone,” and “Ullberg: Wind in the Sails.” Dale commented on the great cinematography, and they both enjoyed the question-and-answer sessions with the filmmakers.

Documentary feature director Matthew Thornton, who, with his wife and executive producer Denise Thornton, brought “Ullberg: Wind in the Sails” to FLIC had praise for the loyal crowd of locals.

“It’s all film makers at other festivals,” the Texan said. “Here, the whole community comes."

According to the FLIC program, entries were submitted from France Switzerland, Japan, Italy, Azerbaijan, Taiwan, Sweden, Romania, Netherlands, Israel, India, Greece, Egypt, Denmark, Germany, Spain, Cyprus, China, Australia, Austria, and the USA, as well as 13 made-in-Montana offerings. A crew of four judges winnowed the crop down to about 52 films to be screened at FLIC.

FLIC aficionados vote for their favorite, write their choice on a ballot and slip it in the box to be tallied for audience choice awards.

David King, FLIC director, said many films received votes this year. “2026 is the most diverse spread we’ve had,” agreed his wife and festival co-producer Jessica King.

Jessica and David put in long hours and work hard to make FLIC a success. The Kings thanked Gary and Becky Dupuis, owners of Showboat Stadium 6, for graciously hosting FLIC for 14 years and for all their time and effort. Both couples praised all of the hardworking volunteers and concession workers who bolster the event.

Desiree Alexander received the Impact Award. She’s a volunteer “wonder woman,” according to the Kings, keeping the festival running smoothly by handling complimentary tickets, selling FLIC merchandise, answering questions from visitors, organizing clipboards, keeping the Kings hydrated and fed, handing out ballots for audience favorites, and any other tasks – all with a smile.

The following is a list of festival award winners:

Audience Awards: “Chasing Tables,” “Farmacy of Light” and “The Last Picture Shows”

Best Picture: Feature, “Paper Flowers” and Short, “Kidd”

Best Documentary: Feature, “Ullberg: Wind in the Sails,” and Short, “SoCal Snowy Owl”

Best Animation: “Mu”

Best Montana Film: “The Bullfighter”

Best Cinematography: Ben Kurstin, “The Solution”

Best Original Score: Alexa L. Borden and Connor Cook, “The Solution”

The award for Best Director went to Mahesh Pailor for “Paper Flowers”; Karina Testa was named Best Actress for her role as Sabira in “Mothers” and Rebecca Lee, who played Lily in “The First Man,” was named Best Supporting Actress.

Vincent Andriano, who played Curt Jayson in “The First Man,” was named Best Actor while the Best Supporting Actor nod went to Faran Tahir as Jay Shah “Paper Flowers.”

For fans who couldn’t attend or missed a block or two, encore screening week wraps up Feb. 19 with screenings at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

    Filmakers Matthew and Denise Thornton won Best Documentary at FLIC for their film "Ullberg: Wind in the Sails." (Berl Tiskus/Leader)