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Utah Film Festival

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  • Testimonials

Filmmaker – Conrad Paur

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Filmmaker – Emily Rasmuss

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Featured

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Filmmaking with Friends: On the set with Director John Lyde

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65 Story Prompts For Your Next Film

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Exploring Utah’s Enchanting Filming Locations: A Cinematic Journey

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Abandoned Western Movie Sets

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The Top 20 Most Financially Successful Independent Films of All Time

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  • News

What Should I Expect at My First Film Festival?

January 22, 2026 0

Your first film festival can feel intimidating if you don’t know what you’re walking into. Schedules, screenings, badges, Q&As, strangers...

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Do I Need to Attend a Film Festival in Person If My Film Is Selected?

January 21, 2026 0

This is one of the most common questions filmmakers ask after they receive an acceptance. The short answer is: it depends...

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What Should I Include in My Festival Submission Package?

January 20, 2026 0

When you’re submitting your film to a festival, the materials you include can really help your project stand out. Here’s...

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How Do Film Festivals Actually Judge Films?

January 19, 2026 0

For many filmmakers, the judging process can feel like a black box. But at the Utah International Film Festival, we...

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Q and A
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What Kind of Festival is Right for My Film?

January 18, 2026 0

Once you’ve got a finished film in hand, the big question is: Where does it belong? Not every festival is...

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Should I Submit My Film to Big Festivals or Smaller Ones?

January 17, 2026 0

It’s the classic filmmaker dilemma: do you go big and aim for the star-studded festivals, or do you keep it...

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How Many Film Festivals Should I Submit My Film To?

January 16, 2026 0

When filmmakers ask how many festivals they should submit to, what they’re really asking is: How do I do this...

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What Makes a Film Stand Out to a Festival Programmer?

January 15, 2026 0

When filmmakers imagine a festival programmer, they often picture someone hunting for perfection. That’s not what we’re doing. We’re hunting...

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Why Did My Film Get Rejected?

January 14, 2026 0

If you’ve ever opened a rejection email and thought, “What did I do wrong?” you’re not alone. Every filmmaker hits...

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  • Film Reviews

Sister Wives – Film Review

January 13, 2026 0

Louisa Connolly-Burnham’s Sister Wives just wrapped up an impressive festival run, picking up the W at the Utah International Film...

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Do Film Festivals Really Watch Every Film?

January 13, 2026 0

Yes — real festivals do. But not all festivals are the same, and that’s where a lot of filmmaker anxiety...

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  • Film Reviews

The Pearl Comb – Film Review

January 12, 2026 0

The Pearl Comb picked up Best Narrative Short Film at the Utah International Film Festival and has gone on to...

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What Length Should My Short Film Be for Film Festivals?

January 12, 2026 0

If there is one factor that influences your chances of getting into film festivals more than almost anything else, it’s...

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Is My Film Good Enough for Film Festivals?

January 11, 2026 0

This might be the most common question filmmakers never say out loud. You’ve finished your film. You’ve watched it a...

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  • Film Reviews

A Rare Grand Alignment – Film Review

January 8, 2026 0

Recently, a film crossed my desk that immediately pulled me into a very specific moment in time and refused to...

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  • Film Reviews

I’ll Be Right Back – Film Review

January 8, 2026 0

I’ll Be Right Back places me in the middle of a quiet camping trip that turns tense fast. A father...

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  • Testimonials

Filmmaker – Conrad Paur

January 8, 2026 0

I absolutely loved my experience with the Utah International Film Festival. Their love for all filmmakers both young and old...

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  • Festival News

And the Winners are…

January 8, 2026 0

UTAH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS JAN 5th, 2026 Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center Comedy A Ghosted Heart Connie & Clyde EL...

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  • Testimonials

Filmmaker – Emily Rasmuss

January 8, 2026 0

UIFF is full of great opportunities and people. Venue, events, panels and, most of all, programming! I saw so many...

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  • Testimonials

Filmmaker – Ben Coles

January 8, 2026 0

I cannot thank the festival team for such a wonderful film festival — I couldn’t have asked for a better...

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Experimental
  • News

Is my film Experimental?

December 27, 2025 0

Many filmmakers struggle with where to place their film when it doesn’t follow traditional storytelling rules. Narrative? Documentary? Music video?...

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Welcome to the 16th Annual Utah International Film Festival, Utah’s premier film festival celebrating international independent cinema.

We like to have fun with words, but the Utah International Film Festival (UIFF) is serious about one thing—celebrating cinema that makes an impact. Our mission has always been to Inspire, Create, and Innovate, but most of all, to connect filmmakers from around the world in one unforgettable experience.

From the moment your film is selected, you’re part of a community that genuinely cares. Filmmakers, screenwriters, and actors gather here not just to showcase their work, but to share ideas, form partnerships, and grow together.

🎬 “It was such a great experience to screen my film So Much for Solidarity at UIFF! The festival was so well-organized, people were very friendly, and Dora and Warren are such excellent hosts. I had a blast meeting other filmmakers and attending the various panels and networking events.” — Alexandra Christensen

✨ “Premiering my feature film at the Utah International Film Festival was an unforgettable experience. The team worked hard to keep things running smoothly, and Dora personally responded to my questions—which made the process even better. What really stood out was how they brought together such a diverse group of industry professionals. It was inspiring to connect with so many talented people.” — Spencer Fackrell

📜 “I absolutely LOVED attending the Utah International Film Festival. My short script Delphy was there, and it was so wonderful how much they celebrated screenwriters. The table reads, panels, and networking events made it such a special experience. Dora and Warren put so much love, dedication, and passion into the festival—it truly shows!” — Lea Pfandler

Filmmakers who attend UIFF walk away with new friendships, career opportunities, and the kind of recognition that lasts. Whether you’re premiering your first film or your tenth, UIFF is a place where every storyteller feels at home.

At UIFF, the fun doesn’t stop at the theater doors:
🎭 Workshops & Panels
📜 Screenplay Competitions
🍳 Filmmakers’ Breakfast
🎤 PitchTank
🏆 Awards Show & VIP Dinner and so much more.

⭐️ “As a filmmaker, I couldn’t be more grateful for the experience. From selection to screening, the festival team showed incredible enthusiasm and support. The panels, including PitchTank, were well-organized and full of valuable insights. Winning Best Music Score for ARTIFEX made it all the more unforgettable.” — Alan Lucchetti

From humble beginnings in 2010 to now hosting filmmakers from across the globe, UIFF has become one of Utah’s most dynamic and filmmaker-focused festivals. Our alumni have gone on to earn major industry recognition—including Academy Award nominations and a win for I’m Not a Robot – Best Live Action Short Film.

Over the years, the festival has also featured icons like Taylor Sheridan (Yellowstone), Lily Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon), Danny Trejo (Machete), Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon), and Margaret Cho (The L Word).

But the real magic happens in the moments between screenings—the conversations, the laughs, and the friendships formed over the 5 days.

💡 “It was my first time attending a film festival, and the entire event was amazing. I felt so welcomed, met lots of incredibly talented people, and learned valuable skills that will help me move forward in my screenwriting career.” — Cari Stewart

🎞 “Brilliant festival run by a brilliant team. They really care about all the participants and make the whole festival a great experience.” — Michael Winter

Your film belongs at UIFF.
Your voice deserves to be heard.
And we can’t wait to celebrate it with you.

Contact us

Info@UtahFilmFestival.com

Utah International Film Festival | CoverNews by AF themes.