Jackson Hole, WY, became even edgier earlier this month when Mötley Crüe cofounder Nikki Sixx celebrated his 67th birthday at the Jackson Hole International Film Festival (JHIFF). The night of December 11th blended music history, documentary storytelling, and a community-driven film culture that continues to push JHIFF beyond the expectations of a regional festival.
Sixx, a board member of the festival, attended with his wife, Courtney Sixx, founder of Bouquet Box, for a screening of If These Walls Could Rock, directed by Tyler Measom and Craig A. Williams. The documentary digs into the Sunset Marquis as a behind-the-scenes epicenter of the rock era, where careers were shaped, legends crossed paths, and stories unfolded far from the public spotlight. Rather than romanticizing the past, the film captures the raw creative energy that made the hotel a fixture in music history.
Following the screening, Sixx led the post-screening conversation, offering an insider’s perspective on why places like the Sunset Marquis matter and how easily cultural landmarks can disappear if their stories are not preserved. The conversation quickly turned personal when festivalgoers surprised him with a birthday cake and a spontaneous chorus of Happy Birthday, giving the night an unscripted, communal feel.
- “If These Walls Could Rock” Screening and Panel @ the Jackson Hole Film Festival 2025
The audience included festival founder Stuart Suna, executive director Christy Fox, and Hamptons International Film Festival chief creative officer David Nugent, signaling the collaborative leadership shaping JHIFF’s programming and partnerships.
“My wife and I are so happy to be a part of the Jackson Hole International Film Festival supporting the arts in our community. I was honored to speak on the Q&A panel for the documentary ‘If These Walls Could Rock’ a tribute to the Rock era at The Sunset Marquis and buzz surrounding stories untold that will go down in the history books. This was a great way to share in my birthday celebrations this year,” Sixx said.
Why JHIFF Is Gaining Momentum
Now in its third year, the Jackson Hole International Film Festival has quietly built a reputation for access and authenticity. The festival prioritizes conversation over spectacle, pairing films with directors, creators, and cultural figures who stay in the room and engage with audiences.
This year’s festival opened with Cycle of Love, with director Orlando von Einsiedel in attendance, setting the tone for a lineup focused on human-driven stories. Screenings throughout the weekend reflected a mix of documentary and narrative filmmaking that leaned into character, place, and impact rather than formula.
The festival closed with Song Sung Blue, starring Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman, signaling JHIFF’s growing ability to attract high-profile projects without losing its independent edge, while providing an experience grounded in Jackson Hole’s unique spirit of community and creators.
For Courtney Sixx, the festival represents an opportunity to give back creatively. “We are super excited to be part of the JHIFF. Nikki and I love Jackson Hole and want to be reciprocal in the support we have received from this community. As entrepreneurs, it is our pleasure to support a new generation of art within our neighborhood. We look forward to continuing our support of JHIFF, and could not be more delighted to host the opening evening,” she said.
- Happy 67th, Nikki Sixx!
As the Jackson Hole International Film Festival continues to grow, the December 11th celebration affirmed its place as a festival where cultural history and contemporary storytelling take shape, without losing the grit that gives those stories their staying power.
