Wild and Scenic Film Festival benefits Columbia Falls academics

The Wild and Scenic Film Festival is returning to Columbia Falls on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. at the high school Little Theater. The event is a popular annual fundraiser for the Columbia Falls Academic Foundation.

This year’s festival features eight films from around the world, including new adventures from the remote Baffin coast and a story about new ways scientists are fighting to save bat populations from white-nose syndrome. 

“This is a great line-up for anyone who loves outdoor adventure and inspirational stories about personal perseverance and the future of our natural world,” said foundation chair Kate Foley. “It’s going to be a great night for people to come together and support education in Columbia Falls.” 

Glacier National Park superintendent Dave Roemer will return as emcee this year. A complete film lineup is available at the foundation’s website.

A new addition is a raffle for two, three-day passes to the 2027 Under the Big Sky music festival, donated by Outriders. All entrants will receive a free raffle ticket, with additional tickets available for purchase. Raffle tickets may only be obtained at the event, and entrants must be present to win.

The Columbia Falls Academic Foundation has provided enhanced educational opportunities for Columbia Falls students since 2015. 

Last year, they provided more than $100,000 for projects in music, science, culinary arts, speech and debate, social studies, and foreign languages at the high school and junior high. In addition to the annual film festival, the foundation raises funds through grants and donations. This summer, the group participated in the Great Fish Community Challenge for the first time, bringing in more than $53,000. They also received a generous donation from Stockman Bank at last month’s recent ribbon-cutting in Columbia Falls.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased by visiting the foundation’s website or Facebook page.

Festival sponsors include Columbia Falls Eyecare, Freedom Bank, Lary’s Fly and Supply, and OrthoRehab Columbia Falls.