DIFF 2021 Returns to The Electric Theater June 23rd-26th!
By Adam Mast
The Desertscape International Film Festival (DIFF) is making its highly anticipated return to St. George, UT this June. Now in its third year, this celebration of independent film will run from Wednesday, June 23rd – Saturday, June 26th at the historic Electric Theater. Presented by the 501(C)(3) nonprofit, Film and Media Alliance of Southern Utah (FMASU), DIFF 2021 will feature over 60 films–shorts and features–of multiple genres from over 20 countries.
Included; The opening night feature, “Take Out Girl,” an urban drama about a Chinese-American restaurant worker who takes on a dangerous side job in an effort to help her mother make ends meet. The closing night film, “Recovery,” a winning road trip comedy about a pair of directionless sisters who attempt to spring their grandmother from a nursing facility during Covid. “Zero Gravity,” a hopeful and inspirational gem about a diverse group of middle schoolers who engage in a nationwide satellite coding competition. “The Danger in Front,” an ingeniously crafted short about a barber’s reaction to imminent danger at his shop. “Flick,” an ooey-gooey midnight crowd-pleaser in which a man comes face to face with something not of this Earth. “Weirdos,” a locally shot feature that gives grand insight into the world of homeschooling. “Underdogs,” a moving look into how canines are used to help rehabilitate incarcerated individuals. “Flex,” a relentlessly offbeat and humorous little ditty that puts viewers into the headspace of a bodybuilder. “The Moon and the Hummingbird,” a beautifully shot student film about facing the dangers of the outside world in the name of love. “Snowy,” an affectionate if a tad eccentric mini-doc that delves into the bond between a man and his pet turtle. “The Washing Machine,” an observant look into race, relationships, and false pride. “Pilar,” a gorgeously animated short about an individual who discovers the wild animal within. Of course, these titles only scratch the surface!
In addition to films, DIFF 2021 will present plenty of alternative programming as well, including filmmaker Q&As, storyteller panels, a live script read, a VR station, a 3D Movie Alley, a 16mm pop-up theater, live music, and an Awards Gala. Further still, Desertscape will march out a couple of special industry guests; Actor/filmmaker Colin Cunningham (“Falling Skies,” “Preacher,” “Blood Drive,” and “Centigrade”) will be on hand as both a member of the DIFF Jury and as a panel speaker. This very gracious performer will share plenty of insight in regard to his many years in the business. DIFF 2021 also welcomes screenwriter, Jeff Robison. This undeniably talented and extremely accessible storyteller had a hand in adapting the beloved Nancy Pickard novel, “The Scent of Rain and Lightning,” to the big screen. He was also a major force behind the 2014 music-tinged father/son drama, “Rudderless.” In addition to serving on the DIFF Jury, Robison will open the festival with an optional, highly informative Screenwriting Clinic. He’ll also be on hand to host a special screening of “Rudderless.”
DIFF 2021 promises to be an incredibly entertaining and enlightening 4-day showcase for lovers of film and for supporters of the arts. To purchase All-Access badges, day passes, and single film block tickets, click here.
For a complete DIFF2021 schedule, click here.
DIFF2021…Your road to an independent movie oasis.
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