Do Film Festivals Really Watch Every Film?
Yes — real festivals do. But not all festivals are the same, and that’s where a lot of filmmaker anxiety...
Info UIFF
If Everyone’s Telling the Same Story, How Will Yours Stand Out?
Every year, the Utah International Film Festival receives hundreds of submissions from storytellers all over the world. And while each...
Is My Film Good Enough for Film Festivals?
This might be the most common question filmmakers never say out loud. You’ve finished your film. You’ve watched it a...
What Length Should My Short Film Be for Film Festivals?
If there is one factor that influences your chances of getting into film festivals more than almost anything else, it’s...
Why Did My Film Get Rejected?
If you’ve ever opened a rejection email and thought, “What did I do wrong?” you’re not alone. Every filmmaker hits...
What Gets Selected — and Wins — at the Utah International Film Festival?
One of the questions we hear most from filmmakers is a fair one: “Is my film a good fit for...
When to Submit Your Film to a Festival
Are you really ready to hit that submit button to a film festival you have been following on IG or...
How to Prepare for Q&A’s at Film Festivals
For many filmmakers, the Q&A is more intimidating than the screening itself. You imagine tough questions, awkward silences, or being...
Genre Films Thrive at UIFF
When filmmakers hear the word “genre,” it’s often followed by concern: Will my horror, sci-fi, or thriller actually be taken...
What Should I Expect at My First Film Festival?
Your first film festival can feel intimidating if you don’t know what you’re walking into. Schedules, screenings, badges, Q&As, strangers...
Do I Need to Attend a Film Festival in Person If My Film Is Selected?
This is one of the most common questions filmmakers ask after they receive an acceptance. The short answer is: it depends...
What Should I Include in My Festival Submission Package?
When you’re submitting your film to a festival, the materials you include can really help your project stand out. Here’s...
A Rare Grand Alignment – Film Review
Recently, a film crossed my desk that immediately pulled me into a very specific moment in time and refused to...
I’ll Be Right Back – Film Review
I’ll Be Right Back places me in the middle of a quiet camping trip that turns tense fast. A father...
Filmmaker – Conrad Paur
I absolutely loved my experience with the Utah International Film Festival. Their love for all filmmakers both young and old...
And the Winners are…
UTAH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS JAN 5th, 2026 Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center Comedy A Ghosted Heart Connie & Clyde EL...
Filmmaker – Emily Rasmuss
UIFF is full of great opportunities and people. Venue, events, panels and, most of all, programming! I saw so many...
Filmmaker – Ben Coles
I cannot thank the festival team for such a wonderful film festival — I couldn’t have asked for a better...
Is my film Experimental?
Many filmmakers struggle with where to place their film when it doesn’t follow traditional storytelling rules. Narrative? Documentary? Music video?...