utah film

Not just a Utah film, By His Hand, by the Paur brothers, hits elegantly on escaping from the pessimistic gloom of the zeigeist to find new journeys for kindness, community, self empowerment

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By His Hand is a film made in Utah by local filmmakers who also are brothers that incorporated their own experiences about living in Utah. Set in rural portions of the Beehive State, the film follows a young woman who escapes a fundamentalist sect, only to realize that her story is more than just survival. … Read more

Utah Arts Festival at 50: Awards announced for Artist Marketplace, Fear No Film, People’s Choice for Performing Arts

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The 50th Utah Arts Festival announced awards for the Artist Marketplace and Fear No Film, along with the People’s Choice Performing Artist Award. “This 50th anniversary Utah Arts Festival proved what’s possible when we invest in artists and invite the public into the experience. From BANDALOOP’s breathtaking vertical dance on the Main Library glass wall … Read more

Utah Arts Festival at 50: Constance Anderson’s multidisciplinary profile: Sissy at Fear No Film; Phantom Limb performance by Sock Opera Dance

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EDITOR’S NOTE: For preview coverage of the 50th Utah Arts Festival, which runs June 18-21, The Utah Review is presenting individual or group profiles of artists, performers, entertainers and some newcomers to the event. The curtain raiser highlights the history of the Festival which is marking its golden anniversary. BANDALOOP, among the most prominent pioneers … Read more

Utah Arts Festival at 50: 23rd Fear No Film set for 84 short films from 20 countries, second largest in program history; 15 from Utah; 10 from Iran

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EDITOR’S NOTE: For preview coverage of the 50th Utah Arts Festival, which runs June 18-21, The Utah Review is presenting individual or group profiles of artists, performers, entertainers and some newcomers to the event. The curtain raiser highlights the history of the Festival which is marking its golden anniversary. BANDALOOP, among the most prominent pioneers … Read more

Sundance 2026: Comprehensive dive into a fascinating, diverse slate of short films

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This was a signature year of short films at Sundance. Four program tracks highlight the incredible spectrum of approaches in this compact format. For The Utah Review’s feature reviews about the remainder of the short film slate, see these links: Animated Short Film Program, Documentary Short Film Program, Midnight Short Film Program and Short Film … Read more

Sundance 2026: Hot Water, Episodic Fiction Pilot Showcase offer solid comedic moments

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Comedy also has its place on this year’s Sundance slate, including the feature-length Hot Water and three selections in the Episodic Fiction Pilot Showcase.  A boilerplate road comedy but anchored with some unique features to captivate the audience’s attention, Hot Water is a Sundance feature-length narrative debut for director and screenwriter Ramzi Bashour. Utahns also … Read more

Sundance 2026: Septet in Short Film Program 2 is marvelous offering of excellent acting performances

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The septet of juried offerings in the second track of the Sundance Short Film program reiterate the strength of this year’s slate in this cinematic format, particularly in the quality of acting across the board. Seniors, directed by Adam Curley, shows promise as a comedic feature-length film. It is the morning of the day when … Read more

Sundance 2026: Three masterfully crafted documentaries to contemplate contemporary moral, ethical challenges: One in a Million, Kikuyu Land and Seized

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With different subjects and geographical locations, three Sundance Film Festival documentaries are masterfully crafted contemplations of our greatest contemporary moral and ethical responsibilities, when considered together.   ONE IN A MILLION One In A Million (directed by Itab Azzam and Jack MacInnes) is an exceptional documentary. The documentary chronicles the experiences of Isra’a from her preteen … Read more

Sundance 2026: An octet of short animated films ingeniously highlights the emotional punch of animation

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Superbly demonstrated in an octet of animated films as part of this year’s 2026 Sundance short film program, a viewer should never underestimate the emotional power that can be expressed through animation.  The films comprised a first-class cinematic tasting menu.The opener, 1981, rightly tickled the audience. This naughty  and very witty death-of-innocence story, inspired by … Read more

Sundance 2026: The Lake documentary meets the demands of a complex creative brief in guiding how Utah might rescue the Great Salt Lake from a total collapse

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Whatever collaborating powers that can make it happen, The Lake documentary, which has received a full-bodied positive response at its Sundance premiere, should be made available for viewing by every single Utahn, including the 104 members of the Utah Legislature’s two chambers. Directed by Abby Ellis, the film approaches the Great Salt Lake’s existential crisis, … Read more