Film

BIG EARS 2026 FILM PROGRAM

Our film programming at the Big Ears Festival is one of the great highlights of the weekend, a perfect way to start each day before the music starts to play. Once again, we seek to showcase a dynamic mix of cinema that complements the festival’s spirit of artistic collaboration.

This year’s program is especially compelling. Among many highlights, we’re screening Ellis Park, longtime Bad Seed, Nick Cave collaborator and Dirty Three founder Warren Ellis’ documentary about an animal sanctuary he’s opened in Sumatra, including a Q&A with Mr. Ellis after the screening; director Robert Gordon will join us in conversation with Joe Boyd for the second US screening of his documentary, Newport and the Great Folk Dream; Boyd will also join musicologist and curator of the renowned Ethiopiques music series, Francis Falceto, for a screening of Ethiopiques: Revolt of the Soul…plus documentaries about John Zorn, Sun Ra, Jeff Buckley and so much more.

While all film presentations are included in a 4-Day or Single-Day festival pass, this year, we’re excited to continue a Film-Only Pass, granting access to all film screenings without the need for a full festival pass. Whether you’re a cinephile or just looking to dive into the cinematic side of Big Ears, this pass offers a tailored experience that puts the festival’s diverse and groundbreaking films front and center.

Buy Film Only Pass