SXSW Film Review: Capturing Bigfoot

New documentary explores the legacy of the iconic Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot footage

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:55pm

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The documentary "Capturing Bigfoot" premiered at the 2026 SXSW Film Festival, exploring the legacy and controversy surrounding the iconic 1967 Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot footage. The film focuses on the personal story of Roger Patterson's son, Clint, as he grapples with the impact the footage had on his family. Director Marq Evans takes a balanced approach, examining both the possibility that the footage is real and the possibility that it was an elaborate hoax.

Why it matters

The Patterson-Gimlin footage is one of the most famous and debated pieces of evidence for the existence of Bigfoot. This documentary provides a unique perspective on the lasting impact the footage has had, not just on the search for Bigfoot, but on the people directly involved in its creation and aftermath.

The details

The documentary follows Clint Patterson, the son of Roger Patterson, who filmed the iconic Bigfoot footage in 1967. Clint is torn between wanting to believe his father's claims and acknowledging that the footage may have been faked. The film also profiles other key figures in the Bigfoot research community, including cryptozoologist René Dahinden and author Greg Long, who have staked their reputations on the footage's authenticity.

  • The Patterson-Gimlin footage was filmed in October 1967 in the Six Rivers National Forest in Northern California.
  • The documentary "Capturing Bigfoot" premiered at the 2026 SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas.

The players

Roger Patterson

The man who filmed the iconic 1967 Bigfoot footage, which has been the subject of intense debate and scrutiny ever since.

Clint Patterson

Roger Patterson's son, who is the central figure in the documentary as he grapples with the legacy of his father's famous footage.

René Dahinden

A cryptozoologist who staked his reputation on the authenticity of the Patterson-Gimlin footage.

Greg Long

An author who dedicated years of his life to trying to debunk the Patterson-Gimlin footage, nearly going broke in the process.

Al DeAtley

Roger Patterson's brother-in-law, who became the only person to profit financially from the Patterson-Gimlin footage.

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What they’re saying

“Sasquatch may not be real, but their feelings are.”

— Marq Evans, Director of "Capturing Bigfoot" (The Austin Chronicle)

What’s next

The documentary "Capturing Bigfoot" will continue to be screened at film festivals and events, potentially sparking renewed interest and debate around the Patterson-Gimlin footage and the search for Bigfoot.

The takeaway

This documentary provides a nuanced and human perspective on one of the most famous pieces of evidence for the existence of Bigfoot. By focusing on the personal stories of those involved, it explores the lasting impact the footage has had, regardless of its authenticity.