Robert Lester Premieres Roadless Documentary in Billings
The filmmaker documents a 211-mile expedition through a proposed mining road corridor in the Alaskan wilderness.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Documentary
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Filmmaker Robert Lester presents his new documentary, Roadless, at the Babcock Theatre in Billings. The film chronicles a 211-mile expedition through the Brooks Range in Alaska.
Why it matters
The project intends to show audiences the pristine wilderness landscape before potential changes occur due to proposed mining road construction in the region.
The expedition for Roadless spanned 26 days and covered 211 miles. This follows the filmmaker's previous 52-day journey for The Columbia River Canoe Project.
The players
Robert Lester
He is a filmmaker known for producing documentaries that highlight vast wilderness journeys.
Ben Kaden
He served as the videographer for the expedition, capturing footage across the diverse Alaskan terrain.
Babcock Theatre
It is a historic venue in Billings that hosts local film premieres and community cultural events.
The details
Lester and videographer Ben Kaden crossed rivers, tundra, and forests while navigating terrain north of the Arctic Circle. The filmmakers captured extensive landscape footage to document the area for viewers.
Timeline
The expedition through Alaska's Brooks Range began in mid-June 2026.
The expedition concluded on July 10, 2026.
The film premiered at the Babcock Theatre in Billings on October 25, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This project continues the trend of immersive wilderness documentaries, following the precedent established by the director's own The Columbia River Canoe Project. It highlights the growing focus on environmental advocacy through long-form, on-the-ground filmmaking.
Local residents in Billings can view the film at the Babcock Theatre following its premiere. Additional screenings are planned for audiences in Helena and Butte to provide further access to the documentary.
The takeaway
Documentaries like this provide viewers with a visual record of remote environments that may face future development. Audiences can follow the filmmaker's tour schedule to catch the film in upcoming locations.
What happens next
Roadless is scheduled for additional upcoming screenings in the cities of Helena and Butte.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest projects in the regional Documentary scene.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Q2 News (KTVQ).
Live Poll
Should the government prioritize industrial development over preserving large sections of intact wilderness?
