JHIFF Announces Opening & Closing Night Films for 2025 Festival
THE CYCLE OF LOVE to Open the Festival • SONG SUNG BLUE to Close
Plus: New Films Added to the Third Annual Lineup, December 11–14, 2025
The Jackson Hole International Film Festival (JHIFF) is thrilled to reveal its Opening and Closing Night films, along with an exciting slate of new titles for the 2025 festival taking place December 11–14 in Jackson, Wyoming. Now entering its third year, the festival continues its mission of bringing world-class cinema and unforgettable storytelling to the Tetons.
This year’s curated lineup blends adventure, creativity, resilience, and the depth of the human experience, featuring both celebrated filmmakers and rising voices from around the world.
Opening Night Film: THE CYCLE OF LOVE
Thursday, December 11 • 8:00 PM • National Museum of Wildlife Art
Director Orlando von Einsiedel will join audiences for a post-screening conversation.
Synopsis:
In 1977, PK—a 23-year-old Delhi street artist from a poor, “untouchable” family—picked up a few paintbrushes and a second-hand bicycle and pedaled off on a 6,000-mile cross-continent journey to find Lotta, the woman who captured his heart. This true, extraordinary tale is part epic love story, part self-discovery, and entirely unforgettable.
Closing Night Film: SONG SUNG BLUE
Sunday, December 14 • 3:00 PM • National Museum of Wildlife Art
Synopsis:
Based on a true story, two struggling musicians, played by Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band that proves it’s never too late to find love or chase a dream. Directed by Craig Brewer, this musical-hearted story is the perfect way to close out the festival weekend.
Festival Kickoff Screening: IF THESE WALLS COULD ROCK
Thursday, December 11 • 5:00 PM • National Museum of Wildlife Art
The festival will officially kick off with Tyler Measom and Craig A. Williams’ documentary IF THESE WALLS COULD ROCK, a wild, intimate, and emotional look inside the legendary Sunset Marquis hotel—the epicenter of rock ‘n roll mythology.
JHIFF Board Member and Mötley Crüe musician Nikki Sixx and his wife, Courtney Sixx, will attend the screening. Nikki will lead both the introduction and a post-film conversation with the filmmakers.
Synopsis:
Featuring icons like Ringo Starr, Slash, Cyndi Lauper, Morrissey, and Dave Grohl, the film dives into decades of music history, mayhem, and magic. But beyond the chaos lies a moving story of family, creativity, reinvention, and the power of a place where artists have gathered for over sixty years.
Additional Film Highlights
REBUILDING
Friday, December 12 • 1:00 PM • Movieworks
A quiet, deeply human portrait of resilience from director Max Walker-Silverman (A Love Song). Starring Josh O’Connor, Meghann Fahy, and Lily LaTorre, the film follows a father rebuilding his life after a wildfire destroys his home.
SENTIMENTAL VALUE
Saturday, December 13 • 1:00 PM • Movieworks
Director Joachim Trier delivers a warm, sharp exploration of family ties as two sisters reunite with their charismatic filmmaker father, only to find themselves caught in the middle of his attempted comeback.
Previously Announced Feature Films
The 2025 festival will also screen:
AN AUTUMN SUMMER – Saturday, December 13 • 3:00 PM • Jackson Hole High School
ANDRÉ IS AN IDIOT – Friday, December 12 • 6:00 PM • Jackson Hole High School
ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE – Saturday, December 13 • 12:00 PM • Caldera House, Teton Village
CHARLIEBIRD – Sunday, December 14 • 12:00 PM • National Museum of Wildlife Art
SWIFT. SILENT. DEEP. – Saturday, December 13 • 6:00 PM • Jackson Hole High School
Short Film Program
Friday, December 12 • 12:00 PM • Caldera House
Featuring:
INACCESSIBLE (David Byars)
#MELISSA (Kayla Arend)
AN OCEAN’S DREAM OF ITSELF: THE MAKING OF A WORLD PREMIERE (Grand Teton Music Festival)