On May 25th, YDCCF and Yellow Dog Flyfishing hosted the Bozeman screening of the 2023 International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4) at the Emerson Center for the Arts. The screening was preceded by a festival in the main ballroom celebrating the local flyfishing community. A number of brands, businesses and local nonprofit organizations were present to talk with festival attendees and share information about their ongoing work.
Exhibitors included:Â Orvis, Scientific Anglers, Patagonia, Skwala, Thomas & Thomas, Tom Morgan Rodsmiths, Ro Drift Boats, Montana Fly Company, Sullivan Fly Rods
YDCCF partner organizations in attendance included: Upper Missouri Waterkeeper, Madison Gallatin Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Madison River Foundation, Casting for Recovery, American Rivers, Gallatin River Task Force, Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana, Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Fly Fishers International, Give Back to the Yellowstone and One Montana.
After a short introduction by YDCCFÂ Executive Director Brooks Scott and Yellow Dog co-owner Ian Davis, the program kicked off with a screening of the Xcalak English Project (XEP) film, shot by MSU film student Naomi Ohman in 2022 during the inaugural XEP at the XFlats Lodge in Xcalak, Mexico. The program connects Bozeman students and educators with the community of Xcalak to help teach English language skills. Lead Coordinator and curriculum developer Ellen Guettler from Bozeman Schools was in attendance and came up on stage after the film to talk with the audience about the program and its lasting effects on the community as well as the student facilitators. XEP serves as a prime example of the kind of programming that YDCCF is known for.
The IF4 program consisted of 8 films from across the globe and spectrum of fly fishing.
Emcee Rich Hohne of Skwala Fishing ably hosted the intermission and raffle, which featured over $10,000 of gear donated by the partners listed above, as well as NRS, Fishpond, Hatch Outdoors and Umpqua. Raffle proceeds benefited YDCCF programming.
Yellow Dog Flyfishing is a national sponsor of IF4 and the 2024 screening will be held at the Emerson on February 15, 2024.
