The Covellite International Film Festival Kicks Off A Celebration Of Stories

This Thursday is the kick-off of the 2026 Covellite International Film Festival (CIFF) and man, is this year going to be a good one.  Whether you're a filmmaker, a writer, an actor or simply someone who loves film the CIFF has got plenty to offer at The Covellite at 215 W. Broadway but the way it came about is just as intriguing as the festival itself.

The festival actually started as an unexpected roadside breakdown as filmmakers Don Andrews and Brian Boyd became stranded in Butte while filming a road trip movie.  What they discovered was a city rich in character and untapped creative potential that led to the formation of the CIFF which in its first five years screened more than 600 films from 36 countries, turning Historic Uptown Butte venues into hubs of storytelling and connection.

In 2026 the Covellite International Film Festival is leaning into its roots.  Organizers describe this years theme as a return to "honesty, resilience and the everyman experience."  The festival continues to position itself as a welcoming space where filmmakers and audiences meet on equal ground--no gatekeepers, just genuine storytelling.

With its slogan "A Vein of Truth", CIFF reflects the mining heritage of Butte while carving out a future centered on authenticity.  For attendees, it's more than a festival--it's a place to arrive as you are and leave a little changed.

Throughout the week we will be taking a closer look at what's planned for each day and the fun that you can expect in Uptown Butte.