Badlands Film Festival 2023

Few film festivals capture the feel of the hunt quite like the Badlands Film Festival.

Written by Rachelle Schrute Feb 06, 2023 1:30 p.m. ET

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Each year for the past 10 years, Badlands has brought hunters together to watch the tales from the field. It’s the place where campfire storytelling becomes art on the big screen. This year was no exception.

From hitting the green to pulling heartstrings, emotions ran high at this year’s festival. Stories of hunting success, personal journeys, endless laughter, and heart-wrenching hardship filled the Old National Centre in Indianapolis.

Check out the full film festival lineup above, featuring the acclaimed winning submissions and more.

First Place: The Write Way – Matt Forsyth

Second Place: Chasing a Ghost – Jason Matzinger

Third Place: 20 Years and a Son – Elevate Stand Co.

Runtime: 1 hour, 32 minutes

Rachelle Schrute

180 articles

Based in Montana, Rachelle Schrute is an avid hunter, angler, amateur wild game cook, and professional wild game eater. She’s a competitive outdoor napper and occasionally writes about the experience.
Rachelle’s held leadership positions in multiple conservation organizations and often finds herself testifying in the capitol on topics ranging from wildlife management to habitat protection.