UIFF Gets a Bigger Venue

Forget Sundance, Utah’s true indie powerhouse, the Utah International Film Festival, marks 15 years by launching its most ambitious, filmmaker-focused event ever. We heard you loud and clear about the commute, so we’re ditching the long drives and planting our flag right in the SLC Valley at the Mid Valley Performing Arts Center in Taylorsville. Mark January 1-5, 2026 on your calendars and celebrate the new year in style, ’cause this ain’t your grand-pappy’s stuffy film fest. 

Sundance may be ditching Utah for Colorado and politicians are talking about needing a new festival, but UIFF’s been running the best TRUE indie film festival in Utah for 15 YEARS. We’re not curated by distributors looking for easy acquisitions like some other festivals; every single film submitted gets an equal shot because we believe in discovery. With the same leadership for the past 15 years, UIFF is poised to be the most prestigious and filmmaker-focused festival in the galaxy. Forget reinventing the wheel; UIFF is the wheel. We’re a transparent festival, focused on value, community, and celebrating filmmakers work.

Fifteen years of building UIFF means we actually listen to filmmakers. That’s why we’re bringing you five intense days of screenings across two theaters in our biggest venue EVER. We know connections are cash, so expect even MORE networking events and partiesand that’s not hype, that’s how stuff gets done at UIFF. Plus, say goodbye to snooze-fest panels that are just sponsor pitches or ego trips. We’re stacking the schedule with workshops and panels designed by filmmakers to actually help you level up your craft, get better, and get to that next stage.

“We’re excited to be celebrating 15 years of the Utah International Film Festival!” said Festival Director Dora Workman. “This means a lot to us.​ Moving to the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center is a big step forward. It gives us the space to host more film screenings, create better opportunities for people to connect, offer hands-on learning experiences, and put on an awards show that will be unforgettable.​ We’re committed to supporting Utah’s independent film community. Our goal is to highlight a wide range of voices and stories, showing that amazing talent doesn’t need approval from Hollywood studios to find an audience.​“

UIFF picks bangers. Our selection process is rigorous – each submission gets screened at least 3 times by filmmakers before even hitting the final judges. It’s why two UIFF alumni shorts nabbed Oscar® nods in 2025, and why “I’m Not a Robot” WON the Oscar® after its run here. We spot talent.

And if you are worried about your premiere status, chill. UIFF is non-exclusive. If your film makes sense for us to program, we want it. We’re here to support you, not restrict you.

If you’re a filmmaker grinding it out, working in this evolving industry, or just a fan of raw independent cinema, you NEED to be at the 15th Annual Utah International Film Festival. Experience the energy, the films, the genuine connections with fellow creators supporting each other. See why UIFF is the future – built by filmmakers, for filmmakers. Last year was epic; next year is gonna be colossal.

What’s UIFF:
For 15 years, the Utah International Film Festival (UIFF) has showcased indie films from across the globe while celebrating Utah’s own vibrant film scene. It’s built for filmmakers: a place to get seen, connect, learn practical skills, level up, and celebrate together. Recognized by indie filmmakers nationwide as the premier, most supportive film festival in Utah.

Got Questions? Ask:
Warren Workman
Utah International Film Festival
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://theutahfilmfestival.com/