Amid the many film festivals held each week across the U.S. and around the world, Filmfort maintains its presence. Staying true to the indie roots of its parent event, Treefort Music Fest, a five-day arts and music celebration in Boise, Idaho, Filmfort, from March 26-28, is a three-day event showcasing the best of emerging independent cinema throughout downtown Boise at The Flicks, The Egyptian Theatre, and The Idaho Film Society.
Showcasing the best in contemporary, independent cinema, highlighting boundary-pushing stories and emerging voices from around the world, including daring debuts, audience favorites, and local gems, Filmfort offers a variety of cinematic perspectives for audiences of all ages. From the mysterious to the experimental and offbeat, there are also DIY film panels and Q+A sessions with attending filmmakers.
Taking on the role of the 2026 Filmfort Director and bringing his Pacific Northwest filmmaking connections, sensibilities, and ties to Boise, Thomas Phillipson is well-acquainted with Filmfort, having served as its programming consultant and presenter for over ten years. Still part of the Filmfort team are former directors Chelsea Smith and Sierra Padilla Huitt, along with co-founder and current director of programming Ian Clark, who is also the co-founder of the Eastern Oregon Film Festival.
“Filmfort, from March 26-28, is a three-day event showcasing the best of emerging independent cinema throughout downtown Boise at The Flicks, The Egyptian Theatre, and The Idaho Film Society.”
“Creating a great vibe for filmmakers, Filmfort is a carefully curated selection of films,” says Phillipson. “We are not obligated to show the 40 best films out there today. We look for overall balance and some spice that challenges our audience, who have shown they’re up for it, and no one complains about the wild stuff.” He adds, “While we love commercial films, hilarious comedies, and other easy-to-access content, we also enjoy things that confuse us and blow our minds, so we include a little bit of everything.”
Featured films at Filmfort this year include Sundance Film Festival 2026 film Joybubbles, a documentary about a blind man who discovers he can manipulate the telephone system by whistling a magic tone, unwittingly laying the groundwork for a subculture that influences the future of hacking and technology. Also, a SXSW 2026 film, Downbeat, directed by Danny Madden, tells the story of a struggling drummer who takes to the streets. The Scout, directed by Paula Andrea Gonzalez-Nasser in her debut at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2025, is a fast-paced dramedy following a location scout for a TV pilot shooting in New York City over 24 hours. Additionally, Assets & Liabilities, directed by Zach Weintraub, a Pacific Northwest filmmaker, explores the life of Zach, a suburban father haunted by the approaching middle age as he manages work, family, and the sale of an investment property.
