Valentine’s Day weekend is just around the corner. If you’re looking for something
to do with your sweetheart, how about venturing out to an international film
festival? Cozy theaters, sweet ‘n savory snacks, new friends, and exceptional
independent films are all in the offing when the Flathead Lake International
Cinemafest (FLIC) celebrates its 14th winter film festival during the weekend of
February 13-15, 2026 at the Showboat Stadium 6, 416 Main Street, Polson,
Montana.
FLIC features a wide variety of full-length narrative and documentary features,
shorts, animation, and student films. FLIC 2026 once again offers a diverse slate
of domestic and international films, featuring a record number of entries from 23
countries as well as many homegrown Montana films. Many filmmakers plan to make the trek to Polson to participate in the festival in
person. FLIC has become a destination film festival, known for its enthusiastic
audience that supports independent cinema. Spirited discussions between FLIC
attendees and filmmakers follow most screening blocks, and friendships form at
social mixers as film lovers from across the globe converge in Polson to connect
over their mutual love of independent cinema.Producer/Director Kathy Kuras reviewed FLIC after attending:
“The FLIC festival is an incredibly special experience. We can’t say enough
about how welcoming the people of Polson are to filmmakers. It was a true
community experience…After 25 plus festivals over 18 months, FLIC stands
out as our best overall experience.”
FLIC 2026 gets underway at 4:30pm on Friday, February 13th with a catered
reception in the lobby of the Showboat Stadium 6, 416 Main Street, Polson.
(FLIC ticket or all-access pass required for participation.) FLIC screenings then
commence at 6pm on multiple Showboat Stadium 6 screens.
On Saturday, February 15th, at 9:30am, FLIC and the Polson Rotary Club host
their annual free animated children’s film, “The Bad Guys 2.” The Polson Rotary
Club is providing breakfast burritos, coffee, and juice in the Showboat Stadium 6
lobby beginning at 9am. FLIC film screenings then resume at 12:15pm and
continue on multiple screens into the evening. There is a break in screenings
from 4:30 to 6pm for another catered filmmaker/attendee mixer in the Showboat
Stadium 6 lobby. (FLIC ticket or all-access pass required for participation.)
On Sunday morning, February 15th at 9:30am, The Good Coffee Roasting
Company, 214 Main Street, Polson, hosts its annual FLIC light breakfast mixer
for filmmakers and festival attendees. A wide variety of drinks and delicious
Whistle Bake Shop baked goods and breakfast items are available for purchase.
Sunday’s screenings resume at noon. The FLIC 2026 weekend’s final event (free
to the public) is the Awards show and dessert reception at 4:30pm at the
Showboat Stadium 6. The Audience Award will also be given to the FLIC
audience’s overall favorite film.
If you miss FLIC weekend, the Showboat Stadium 6 is hosting FLIC 2026 encore
screenings from Monday, February 16 through Thursday evening, February 19th.
Check the online FLIC program at FLICPolson.com for screening schedules, film
descriptions, attending filmmakers bios, and additional information. FLIC 2026
All-Access Passes are also available for secure online purchase at
FLICPolson.com or at the Showboat Stadium 6. Pre-purchased FLIC All-Access
Passes will be held for pickup in the Showboat Stadium 6 lobby.
FLIC is also on Facebook, where information is updated regularly.
Email: contact@flicpolson.com.
Related FLIC press release photos
At FLIC 2025, FLIC Producers Jessica and David King (center) were flanked by
filmmakers John Klein and Steve Kniss, whose film The Solution is a FLIC 2026
Official Selection. Klein and Kniss are returning to FLIC this year. Photo: FLIC
Filmmaker Q&As follow most FLIC screening blocks. Photo: FLIC
Some of the filmmakers in attendance at FLIC 2025 last February. Photo: FLIC
The Showboat Stadium 6 venue, home to FLIC 2026. Photo courtesy FLIC.