Every February the lights in Missoula theaters are turned down and the curtains go up on the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival. Showcasing about 150 documentaries every year, the event is a celebration of non-fiction filmmaking. The entries come from all around the globe, highlights families, events, and cultures that aren't often depicted in Hollywood movies.

Along with the screenings, the festival hosts industry events that give enthusiasts and burgeoning documentary filmmakers the chance to work with industry veterans. The five-day DocShop includes panel discussions, workshops, and The Big Sky Pitch Session where unknowns get the chance air their ideas for studios such as HBO Documentary Films and Participant Media.