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Alex Lawson

Alex Lawson

Stranded – Film Review

May 12, 2025 0

You can tick all the boxes, a good education, maybe even a fancy degree, get yourself a successful career –...

Welcome to the Utah International Film Festival

The Utah International Film Festival (UIFF) is Utah's premier international independent film festival, celebrating exceptional short films and a carefully curated selection of feature films from around the world.

For sixteen years, UIFF has brought together filmmakers, screenwriters, actors, producers, and film lovers to celebrate powerful storytelling in a world-class theatrical setting. Whether you're premiering your first short film or showcasing your latest feature, our mission is simple:

Create an unforgettable festival experience where independent filmmakers are celebrated, supported, and inspired.

Unlike many regional festivals that rely on hotel conference rooms or temporary venues, UIFF believes great films deserve a true theatrical presentation. Every official selection is screened in a professional cinema before an engaged audience of filmmakers, industry professionals, and movie lovers.

But what makes UIFF truly different isn't just where we screen films—it's how we treat the people who create them.

More Than an Official Selection

Being selected by the Utah International Film Festival is more than earning a screening.

It's an invitation into a community built by filmmakers, for filmmakers.

From the moment your project is accepted, you'll become part of a festival experience designed to help independent artists connect, learn, and grow. Throughout the festival you'll have opportunities to participate in:

Educational panels and workshops
Screenplay competitions and table reads
PitchTank presentations
Filmmaker networking events
The Filmmakers' Breakfast
Awards celebrations and VIP events

Whether you're attending your first festival or your fiftieth, you'll find an environment where conversations continue long after the credits roll and where lasting creative relationships begin.

Carefully Curated Independent Cinema

Every year the Utah International Film Festival reviews submissions from talented filmmakers across the globe.

Our festival proudly showcases outstanding independent short films while presenting a highly selective lineup of feature films chosen for exceptional storytelling, craftsmanship, and artistic vision.

Every official selection represents work that reflects the creativity, passion, and innovation driving today's independent film industry.

Built Around the Filmmaker Experience

For over fifteen years, UIFF has earned a reputation for creating one of the most filmmaker-focused festival experiences in the region.

Our goal isn't simply to screen films.

Our goal is to celebrate the artists behind them.

That philosophy is reflected in every part of the festival—from personal communication before the event to educational programming, networking opportunities, and the relationships that continue long after the festival concludes.

Many of our filmmakers return year after year, not only because of the quality of the festival, but because of the community they've found here.

🎬 “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

💡 “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

Submit your film today and discover why filmmakers from around the world choose the Utah International Film Festival.

Since opening our doors in 2010, the Utah International Film Festival has welcomed filmmakers from around the world while continuing to grow as one of the leading destinations for independent cinema in the Mountain West.

Festival alumni have gone on to receive major industry recognition, including Academy Award nominations and an Academy Award-winning short film.

The festival has also welcomed respected filmmakers and artists including Taylor Sheridan, Lily Gladstone, Danny Trejo, Danny Glover, Margaret Cho, and many other influential voices from across the entertainment industry.

As we continue pursuing Academy Award qualifying status for our short film program, our commitment remains unchanged:

To discover exceptional independent films and give every selected filmmaker an experience worthy of their work.

Your Story Belongs Here

Whether you've created your first short film, completed an award-winning documentary, or produced an exceptional independent feature, we invite you to become part of the Utah International Film Festival.

Your film deserves more than a screening.

It deserves an audience.

A community.

An experience.

Submit your film today and discover why filmmakers from around the world choose the Utah International Film Festival.