JACKSON, Wyo. — Tight lines, hidden adventures and conservation challenges. Stoke around fly fishing continues to evolve, and the International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4) is a testament to the industry’s growing community and top-tier filmmaking of shorts. Presented by Jackson Hole One Fly Foundation and Jackson Hole Trout Unlimited, seven short films will be featured in the 2025 IF4 this Friday at the Center Theater.
The IF4 has gravitated earlier and earlier in the calendar year, evidence that year-round engagement is on the rise as anglers anticipate the upcoming season.
“I always feel connected to our local trout, even in the winter, because I keep close tabs on each winter storm and the state of our snowpack with anticipation for the water year ahead,” shared Leslie Bahn Steen, Trout Unlimited’s Wyoming State Director. “I’m looking forward to the 2025 IF4 screening next week because it’s always fun to gather as a community and start dreaming of the fishing season ahead, even in the dead of winter!”
Of the seven films, two trailers stood out: “Silent Spotter” and “Time Will Tell.” From award-winning filmmaker RA Beattie, “Silent Spotter” explores the extraordinary life of Tommy Batun, a deaf and mute fly-fishing guide in Xcalak, Mexico. With wit, honesty and a touch of irreverence, narrator Jesse Colten provides a glimpse into Tommy’s remarkable journey—one that questions what it means to be a “hero” in the world of saltwater fly fishing.
As for “Time Will Tell,” this one hits local. Paul Puckett’s impact on the fly-fishing, outdoor and creative worlds is no secret to insiders, but what’s not mentioned in the trailer is his deep roots with the waters of Jackson Hole and his involvement with the JH One Fly. Puckett taught this writer many things as a novice angler over 20 years ago. Getting to watch his rise to industry fame and popularity as an elite artist matched with ambition as an entrepreneur-conservationist-podcaster-musician is a testament to the idea of following a dream and showing perseverance. Award-winning filmmaker Hilton Graham tells the story.
Be sure to check out the raffle that will support a future One Fly/Trout Unlimited stream restoration or habitat reconnection project.
Jackson Hole One Fly Foundation and Jackson Hole Trout Unlimited present IF4, 7 p.m. Friday January 24 at the Center Theater. $26. JHCenterForTheArts.org.
