The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival opens Thursday, February 14 at Missoula's Wilma Theatre for the first of seven consecutive days and nights of world-class documentary cinema. The fifth annual event boasts 106 films from more than 40 countries, including many world premieres. In addition to screenings, the festival includes panel discussions, a Retrospective Series, Q&A sessions with dozens of filmmakers, as well as VIP events, receptions and parties. Since its 2004 debut, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival has matured into an internationally-recognized venue for showcasing innovative, contemporary, and classic works of documentary film. The festival has grown significantly over the past two years with major support from telecommunications provider, Bresnan Communications .

With additional support from HBO Documentary Films , the beautiful and controversial Opening Night Film from Albert Maysles and Antonio Ferrera, "The Gates," will be FREE and open to the public. "The Gates" will start at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, February 14. Moviegoers should arrive early as the event organizers expect a full theatre.

The Wilma Box Office opens for ticket sales at 9 a.m., February 14. Tickets and passes will also be sold at the Wilma Theatre Box Office during the week of the festival. Passes can be purchased online at .
Pass and ticket prices:
o Single Screening Ticket $6 matinee / $7 evening.

o All Screenings Pass $100 - Good for all screenings, including the Awards Night Screenings, as well as access to the VIP balcony. Does not include access to VIP events or the Big Sky Filmmaker Lounge.

o All Access Pass $250 - Good for all festival screenings, including the Awards Night Screenings, as well as all exclusive VIP parties, receptions and special events. Also includes access to the Big Sky Filmmaker Lounge and the VIP balcony.

Special Events
In addition to screenings, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival includes several special events where attendees can discuss the genre and interact with filmmakers.

Thursday, Feb 14, 6:00 p.m.
Montana Premiere of The Gates
Antonio Ferrera and Albert Maysles co-direct the latest feature following artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude's controversial project that took place February 2005 when 7500 gateways graced the walkways of Central Park, New York City for 16 days.
o FREE public admission, courtesy of HBO Documentary Films.

Friday, Feb 15, 8-11 p.m.
Filmmaker Welcome Party
Meet Big Sky's filmmakers and judges, listen to live music, have a drink and mingle with Filmmakers and industry reps. Music by The Found Artist Project. Big Sky Filmmaker Lounge, downstairs in the
Wilma's Red Light Green Room, (406) 541-FILM.
o Free to All-Access Pass holders, otherwise $5.

Saturday, Feb 16th, Noon
Panel Discussion - Short Form Documentary
In a market driven by high-profile documentary features, why make a short? What are the broadcast, exhibition and internet options for short-form docs? Find out in this panel discussion, moderated by Doug Whyte, Director of the International Documentary Challenge. Missoula Art
Museum, 335 N. Pattee Street, (406) 728-0477.
o Free and open to the public.

Sunday, Feb 17th, Noon
Panel Discussion - From Cable to the World Wide Web
As traditional television broadcast transitions rapidly toward the world wide web, what are the distribution opportunities for documentary filmmakers in this emerging market? What is the future of television and the world wide web? Find out in this panel moderated by Shawn Beqaj of Bresnan Communications. Big Sky Filmmaker Lounge, downstairs at the Wilma, (406) 541-FILM.
o Free and open to the public.

Monday, Feb 18th, Noon
Panel Discussion -The Business of Documentary
Learn how to market and distribute your independent documentaries in the world of mass media. Moderated by Danielle DiGiacomo, Head of Documentary Aquisitions at Indiepix Films.
Crystal Theatre,
515 S. Higgins Ave.
o Free and open to the public.

Tuesday, Feb 19th, 5 p.m.
Awards Press Conference
Festival Jurors announce the winners of the competitive categories over cocktails and appetizers. Filmmaker Lounge, downstairs in the Wilma.
o All-Access Pass holders only.

All Week
Perry Films Retrospective
The 2008 Big Sky Retrospective Series will feature the work of Hart Perry and Dana Heinz-Perry. Eight of their films spanning more than two decades will screen during the week, including the World Premiere of their latest doc, "Sex: The Revolution."

All Week
Filmmaker and VIP receptions and parties.
Open to All-Access Pass holders. Details at the box office.

Wednesday, Feb 20th 6:15 p.m.- Midnight
Award Screenings
This is your chance to see the best of the fest! Winners from each competition category will screen in front of a packed house to close the festival. See after 8 p.m. on Feb 19th for the list of winning films and screening times. Awards Night Screening tickets available at the box office all week long.

Competition Films
Big Sky Award Competition
A Snowmobile for George
Class C
Finding Normal
>From Prison to Home
Mexiphobia
River Ways
Wild Horse Redemption

Feature Competition
2nd Verse: The Rebirth of Poetry
Achieving the Unachievable
Bending Space
C.O.B. Civilians on the Battlefield
Che Guevara - The Body and the Legeend
Jimmy Rosenberg: The Father, The Son & The Talent
Oh My God! It's Harrod Blank!
Second Chance Season
Shadow of a House
The Linguists
The Sky Below
When Clouds Clear

Short Competition
Atlantis Unbound
City of Cranes
Conviction: The True Story of Clarence Elkins
Ma'rib
Pictograph
The End for Beginners
The Father, The Dearer
The Legend of Rosalie
The Ville
Ya Shadad

2008 Big Sky Documentary Film Festival Jury
Deborah Barkow - Documentary/TV Editor
Skylar Browning - Arts Editor, Missoula Independent
Danielle DiGiacomo - Head of Acquisitions, Indiepix Films
Simon Kilmurry - Executive Director, American Documentary / P.O.V.
Brian Liu - Founder and Creative Director, ToolboxDC
William Marcus - Director, Broadcast Media Center, University of Montana
Dana Heinz Perry - Filmmaker
Hart Perry - Filmmaker