For Immediate Release: February 16, 2026
The 2026 Flathead Lake International Cinemafest (FLIC) wrapped up its eventful
weekend on Sunday night, February 15 th at the Showboat Stadium 6 in Polson, Montana.
This year’s film entries — including narrative shorts and features, documentaries and
animated films – hailed from 21 countries, and included 13 Montana-made entries.
About two-dozen filmmakers traveled from across the US to attend this year’s festival.
The regional FLIC audience was characteristically enthusiastic and supportive of these
guests and their wide array of films.
FLIC Director David W. King shared, “Over its fourteen year run, FLIC has gained an
ever-expanding family of filmmakers and independent film enthusiasts. This year, five of
our out-of-state filmmakers were FLIC alumni, who make a point of returning to one of
their favorite festivals. That says a lot about how welcoming and hospitable this
community and region are.”
Highlights of the festival included a Friday afternoon kickoff reception, which took place in
the Showboat Stadium 6 lobby. On Saturday morning, the Polson Rotary Club provided
breakfast burritos to those attending FLIC’s annual children’s screening, which featured
the animated family film The Bad Guys 2. Saturday afternoon, the Showboat Stadium 6
hosted another social mixer featuring Kim Smart Catering’s delicious variety of hors
d’oeuvres and desserts.
A Sunday morning filmmaker social mixer at the Good Coffee Roasting Company was a
delicious way to begin FLIC’s final day. Several filmmakers have shared with event
organizers that FLIC’s emphasis on creating opportunities for them to interact with one
another makes this film festival special and invaluable, sometimes resulting in lifelong
friendships and collaborations.
On Sunday, following a full slate of screenings, awards were presented in numerous
categories. Many of the attending filmmakers were present to receive their awards, which
added to the fun and celebration. A dessert reception followed.
FLIC 2026 Awards
BEST ANIMATION
Mu
BEST MONTANA FILM
The Bullfighter
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Alexa Borden & Connor Cook, The Solution
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Ben Kurstin, The Solution
BEST ACTRESS
Karina Testa, Mothers
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Rebecca Lee, Eugene O’Neill’s The First Man
BEST ACTOR
Vincent Andriano, Eugene O’Neill’s The First Man
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Faran Tahir, Paper Flowers
IMPACT AWARD
Desiree Alexander
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT
SoCal Snowy Owl
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Ullberg: Wind in the Sails
BEST DIRECTOR
Mahesh Pailoor, Paper Flowers
AUDIENCE AWARD
Farmacy of Light
BEST PICTURE SHORT
Kidd
BEST PICTURE FEATURE
Paper Flowers
Looking ahead, FLIC 2027 is scheduled for February 12-14, 2027.
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See attached photos, which relate to the above content. The numbered photos are
described below: (All photos by Jesse Vargas Media.)
FLIC award winners present at this year’s festival included (L-R): Britt Crisp, Steve
Kniss, John Klein, Denver Holt, Desiree Alexender (kneeling), Mahesh Pailoor,
Ryan Wirick, Matthew Thornton, and Denise Thornton. (Photo by Jesse Vargas
Media.)
2. Matthew and Denise Thornton with the Best Documentary Feature award for their film
Ullberg, Wind in the Sails. (Photo by Jesse Vargas Media.)
3. Mahesh Pailoor’s film Paper Flowers received three awards, including Best Picture
Feature, Best Director (Mahesh Pailoor), and Best Supporting Actor (Faran Tahir). (Photo
by Jesse Vargas Media.)
4. Britt Crisp with her Best Picture Short award for her film Kidd. (Photo by Jesse Vargas
Media.)
5. The Solution, a film by Steve Kniss and John Klein (holding awards) received awards
for Best Cinematography and Best Original Score. FLIC Producers David and Jessica
King (middle) celebrate with Kniss and Klein. (Photo by Jesse Vargas Media.)
6. Ryan and Nikki Wirick with the coveted FLIC Audience Award for their film Farmacy of
Light. (Photo by Jesse Vargas Media.)
7. Denver Holt accepted the Best Documentary Shot award for the filmmakers of SoCal
Snowy Owl, which featured Holt. (Photo by Jesse Vargas Media.)
8. Sunday’s breakfast at Good Coffee Roasting Company was a hit with filmmakers,
including (L-R) Britt Crisp, John Klein, Stephanie Jones, Steve Kniss, and FLIC Producer
Jessica King. (Photo by Jesse Vargas Media.)
9. FLIC awards. (Photo by Jesse Vargas Media.)
