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International Films WIN at UIFF
While most of the films submitted to the Utah International Film Festival come from the United States, we’ve seen a...
Demystifying Film Festival Programming
Do you feel festival programming is mysterious and maybe a bit arbitrary? Why did one film get a prime evening...
Hidden Cost of Over-Ambitious Scripts
At some point, every filmmaker writes an over-ambitious script. Big cast. Multiple locations. Complex scenes. On the page, it feels...
Write Within Your Resources
One of the biggest mistakes early filmmakers make is waiting for the “right” resources to appear. The better approach is...
Write with Cast in Mind
When you’re writing a script, it’s easy to imagine the perfect cast. The ideal age range. The perfect look. The...
Shorts Don’t Need To Be Perfect
When you’re making your first film, it’s easy to feel like it has to be perfect. The perfect script. The...
Write with Location in Mind
When you’re writing your first script, it’s tempting to think big. Multiple locations. Big set pieces. Constant movement. But one...
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...
What Does “Oscar-Qualifying” Actually Mean for Filmmakers?
“Oscar-qualifying” is a misunderstood phrases in the film festival world. It sounds like a golden ticket. Like if your film...
Do Film Festivals Help Filmmakers Get Distribution?
This is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — questions filmmakers ask. The honest answer is: sometimes,...
How to Get the Most Out of Your Film Festival Experience
Long before you attend a festival — even before you submit — it’s important to understand why you’re doing this...
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...
Sister Wives – Film Review
Louisa Connolly-Burnham’s Sister Wives just wrapped up an impressive festival run, picking up the W at the Utah International Film...
The Pearl Comb – Film Review
The Pearl Comb picked up Best Narrative Short Film at the Utah International Film Festival and has gone on to...
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...