Montana PBS documentary ‘Jonnie’ set for national distribution

BOZEMAN - The Montana PBS documentary "Jonnie" about world champion bull rider Jonnie Jonckowski will make its nationwide streaming debut in October and become available to PBS stations nationwide.

The 90-minute film first aired on Montana PBS in May. It is now available to stream nationwide for free on pbs.org and the PBS app for six weeks. After that, a PBS Passport membership is required to watch the film online.

The film is also now available this month through the American Public Television Exchange, allowing PBS stations across the country to broadcast it. Viewers can check local listings for scheduled airings.

"Jonnie" tells Jonckowski's story using a blend of archival and unscripted footage; interviews with bull riding experts, including nine-time world rodeo champion Ty Murray; and flashbacks using sketch animation. The film chronicles Jonckowski's experience in the world of professional bull riding.

Raised in Billings, Jonckowski challenged gender stereotypes as she pursued a world title in the 1980s. The documentary also follows her life beyond rodeo, including her work rescuing horses and helping people in her community.

"Jonnie" will also be screened as part of Celebrate Ag week at Montana State University at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, in the Procrastinator Theater, located in the Strand Union Building. The event is free and open to the public.

After the screening, Jonckowski will participate in a discussion facilitated by Flint Rasmussen, an official arena entertainer for the Professional Bull Riders and National Rodeo Hall of Fame inductee.

More information on the documentary and a trailer are available at jonnie-film.org.