Great Falls Montana Tourism Launching International Film Festival

Great Falls, Montana Tourism is hosting the first-ever Great Beyond Film Festival from February 5–7, 2026. The three-day, international, in-person event celebrating cinema that ventures into the worlds of extraterrestrials, cryptids, and the paranormal. The festival’s immersive program offers film screenings, workshops, Q&A sessions, vendor fairs, and social events designed for curious minds and film lovers alike, both locally and from all over the world.

“The Great Beyond was created as a place for filmmakers, film enthusiasts, and curious minds to come together and share the experience of exploring the unknown,” said Liz Lauver, Festival Director. “This film festival is a great chance to highlight a theme that Great Falls is no stranger to historically, aliens, ghosts, and cryptids.”

The concept for the festival theme began with Great Falls’ history as being home to one of the first ever UFO sightings caught on film back in 1950, as well as the known paranormal activity in Downtown Great Falls.

Highlights of the festival include:

Screenings of short and feature films that explore themes of the paranormal, alien encounters, and cryptid lore. Films have been selected from not only Montana, but also from across the United States, Italy, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Taiwan.
Filmmaking workshops led by industry professionals such as Alex Raiman and Ross Lazar of Script Anatomy, and special effects makeup artist Kat Sketch.
Post-screening Q&A sessions with filmmakers and creators.
Vendor Fair showcasing art, merchandise, and experiences inspired by the festival’s themes.
Social events and after-parties offering opportunities to connect with fellow attendees.
The festival opens on Thursday, February 5, with registration, a vendor fair, and the first feature screening for all access pass holders, followed by a welcome party. Friday and Saturday include workshop blocks, film blocks with Q&A sessions, vendor fairs, and secret after parties. Late-night paranormal workshops will also be offered off-site for attendees looking to explore the unknown even further.

All events are in-person only — there is no online streaming — ensuring that audiences and creators can connect, experience, and discuss the films and ideas together in real time.

All Access Pass Purchasers are granted access to five workshops, nineteen films with a twentieth bonus feature film, the vendor market, and secret after parties.

Day Pass Purchasers are granted access to two workshops, nine films, and a one-day pass to the vendor market.

Film Only Pass Purchasers are granted access to all nineteen films.

The vendor market will also be available for non-festival goers for a cash door fee.

More details, including where to purchase tickets, can be found at https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/the-great-beyond-film-festival. Workshops do have a maximum occupancy, so attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets today!