Jon Jost: August Featured Artist and Bell Diamond(1985) on Big Screen!

Jon Jost is a fiercely independent artist known for his boundary-pushing work in film, photography, painting, and poetry. Since the 1960s, he’s carved a singular path through the arts, driven by curiosity - not commercial trends. With decades of work spanning the U.S., Europe, and Asia, Jon has called Butte home on and off since 1986, when he shot Bell Diamond locally.

Jost’s raw, poetic visual style captures overlooked communities and quiet emotions with honesty and power. His work has shown at major festivals including Berlin, AFI, and New Directors/New Films. But more than accolades, his focus remains on truth and human connection. Join us for a rare evening of art, conversation, and reflection, featuring both his paintings and a 30th anniversary screening of Bell Diamond, followed by a live Q&A.

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Bell Diamond tells the quiet, powerful story of a Vietnam vet in Butte, Montana, navigating isolation, love, and small-town life in the wake of trauma. Filmed entirely in Butte with non-professional local actors, the movie is an intimate, improvised portrait of a place and its people.

Praised for its realism and slow-burn emotional depth, the film is visually gorgeous and deeply moving. The 30th anniversary screening brings this rare gem back to the big screen - right where it began. Expect poignant scenes, striking imagery of Butte’s landscapes, and a storytelling approach unlike anything in commercial cinema. Stay after the film for a Q&A with Jon Jost and original cast members from the community.

------------ Uptown Butte Artwalk Artist Reception 5-8 PM | Cover @ $5: FREE POPCORN! Light refreshments provided

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30th anniversary film screening: BELL DIAMOND (1985) On the Big Screen Showtime at 7:00 PM Followed by a Q&A with filmmakers and local cast