Boise, Idaho, is no stranger to independent film or film festivals. It has seen many film fests come and go in a town vibrant with filmmakers and industry-connected folks. Although lacking a film commission and production support, there’s an audience in Boise that embraces cinema and launched yesterday the Boise Film Festival (BFF), October 10-13, 2024.
With a highly curated list of 27 films, which includes 16 features and 11 shorts, BFF will also offer master classes on producing and screenwriting with filmmakers and film and television industry veterans, which includes prolific producer Mark Ciadi and CSI’s Anthony Zuiker to celebrate independent film for this four-day event. BFF was conceived to find, highlight, and celebrate new cinematic voices and faces and promote the next generation of filmmakers and artists. It will also focus on films created and shot in the Pacific Northwest. Films will be screened at Boise’s Egyptian Theater and The Flicks.
“We are thrilled with the inaugural lineup of films and special events our team has lined up for this first edition of the Boise Film Festival,” says BFF Founders and Executive Directors Christine and Mark Holder. “From the beginning, we have said we hope to be matchmakers here in our adopted city between film lovers and the type of films and filmmakers we have championed in our careers as producers and filmmakers. Following what should be a fun night of hockey on film with our 20th-anniversary presentation of Miracle will be a carefully curated and diverse group of films spanning several genres, as well as highly anticipated film industry panels, Q&As, and master classes, bringing a lot of top talent right here to Boise.”
“There’s an audience in Boise that embraces cinema and is excited for the launch of the Boise Film Festival.”
Programmed by veterans Ash Hoyle of Sundance Film Festival, Outfest LA, NewFest NY, Damn These Heels, Sun Valley Film Festival, Overlook Film Festival, and AFI Fest, and Caroline Bloom of Atlanta Film Festival, New Orleans Film Festival, and No Budget Film Festival, the depth of Boise Film Festival’s lineup has the look of a film festival several years into its run versus a year one debut.
“We’re excited to bring these films to Boise and to give our audiences a chance to experience some of the most exciting work out there on the circuit this year,” says Ash. “We’re proud to present films from Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca, Cannes, and the local filmmaking community. We think we’re off to a strong start.”
Bloom adds, “The inaugural Boise Film Festival features an exciting mix of inspiring documentaries, quirky comedies, acclaimed dramas, spotlights on women in media, journeys of social change, and new takes on the thriller and sci-fi genre. We’re equally thrilled about the short film program, which features a dynamic range of stories that celebrate the diversity and creativity of human connection. There truly is something for every type of moviegoer to enjoy.”
