Filmfort showcases the best in contemporary, independent cinema, spotlighting boundary-pushing stories and emerging voices from around the world. From daring debuts to audience-favorites and local gems, Filmfort is your destination for up-and-coming independent cinema at Treefort Music Fest.
Whether you’re a lifelong cinephile or just looking for a cozy break from the music, join us as we experience films that push boundaries, spark conversation, and stay with you long after the credits roll at Filmfort.
Featured films include: JOYBUBBLES, documenting the life of a blind man who discovers he can manipulate the telephone system by whistling a magic tone, unwittingly laying the groundwork for a subculture that shapes the future of hacking and technology; DOWNBEAT about a struggling drummer taking to the streets; and THE SCOUT, a fast paced dramedy that takes place over 24 hours in the life of a location scout for a TV pilot shooting in New York City.
Don’t miss out on all the shorts, including: CVNT, a farcical tale about a struggling single mother turning to an unorthodox side hustle in an attempt to make a better life for her child; DRAGGED, a riveting local documentary featuring two local drag queens and a Republican lawmaker who offer their perspectives pending Idaho legislation; FINE BLACK FRAME, a man explores his Blackness, queerness, and masculinity through dance; and MY BILLIONAIRE, a timely social satire about a working-class man who kidnaps a billionaire and redistributes his wealth to social causes.
Filmfort takes place Thursday, 3/26 through Saturday, 3/28 during Treefort Music Fest 2026. Films will screen at The Flicks and Idaho Film Society. All films are included with a 1-day or 5-day Festival Pass or a Filmfort Badge, which are $45 and are on sale NOW.
Please note that not all Filmfort content may be suitable for younger audiences, and we advise 18+ to attend.
COMING SOON: details on director Q+A sessions, panels, and more! 🎥
PREVIEW FILMFORT 2026 FEATURE FILMS:
DOWNBEAT
In this engaging and energetic feature, down and out drummer Mauro has to flee the south and crash with his sister Isa in Boston. He takes to the streets, drumming with buckets and pans in an attempt to make money and stay in Isa’s good graces, but he can’t stop screwing things up.
DIRECTOR: Danny Madden // 1hr 31min
JOYBUBBLES
Joybubbles (né Joe Engressia, 1949-2007) was a curious genius with perfect pitch who broke the code of the international telephone system by whistling. Born blind, he found telephones to be great equalizers socially and became obsessed with learning how they worked. This childhood fascination launched a groundbreaking journey into the secret world of the 1960s–70s “phone phreaks”—the original hackers of the global telecom network. Through illustrative archival footage and audio conversations with our very honest and open subject, the film celebrates this charming visionary who redefined connection and challenges perceptions of disability.
DIRECTOR: Rachael Morrison // 1hr 19min
THE SCOUT
Sofia works as a location scout for a TV pilot shooting in New York City. The nature of her job is often high-pressured and unpredictable. She’s often alone during her workday—exploring and documenting the streets, businesses, and residences of the city. The film takes place over a twenty-four-hour window in the lead-up of the show beginning its principal photography. Throughout the day, Sofia asks to enter the private space of a handful of the city’s residents and in doing so, steps into the fabric of their lives. These brief voyages into the lives of others are intimate yet transactional, enlightening but one-sided—a source of both potential connection and alienation for Sofia. Over the course of a day, she struggles to find her footing in this mess of contradictions and the endless momentum of her unusual job. “The Scout” explores a modern world caught in paradox, both connected and disconnected, together and alone.
DIRECTOR: Paula Andrea Gonzalez-Nasser // 1hr 30 min
PREVIEW FILMFORT 2026 SHORTS:
DRAGGED
Two local drag queens and a Republican lawmaker offer their perspectives on a pending bill that would limit drag performances to 21 and over audiences only.
DIRECTOR: Claire Cunningham // 14min
CVNT
In this adult-themed farce, a struggling single mother turns to an unorthodox side hustle in an attempt to make a better life for her baby daughter.
DIRECTOR: Nicole Higgins // 18 min
FINE BLACK FRAME
One man explores and defies the definitions of Blackness, queerness, and masculinity in a kinetic self-portrait. Thomas Antony Olajide’s text for “Fine Black Frame” was first written for the Canadian theatrical production of “Black Boys.” This is a cinematic adaptation of the piece, centering its bold, poetic, and physical investigation of being a Black man in a white world.
DIRECTOR: Leah Doz // 7min
MY BILLIONAIRE
In this timely social satire, a working-class man kidnaps a billionaire and redistributes his wealth to social causes.
DIRECTOR: Aidan Brezonick // 13 min
