SUNDANCE MAY BE LEAVING UTAH BUT THERE ARE STILL PLENTY OF OUTSTANDING FILM FESTIVALS IN THE STATE, DESERTSCAPE INTERNATIONAL AMONG THEM!
The 501(C)(3) nonprofit, Film and Media Alliance of Southern Utah, proudly presents the return of the 2025 Desertscape International Film Festival. DIFF 2025 will take place in beautiful St. George, UT from Wednesday, April 16th through Saturday, April 19th with the majority of the screenings and events taking place at the historic Electric Theater. The second half of this epic 4-day cinematic event will, once again, coincide with the long-running St. George Art Festival and this will only add to the magic of the proceedings. This celebration of independent cinema will feature over 40 films–shorts and features–from all around the world. Multiple countries and genres will be represented throughout the festival and programmers promise a little something for everyone.
In 2025, DIFF will showcase a record-breaking 10 features. Among them, the righteously hilarious UK comedy “Time Travel is Dangerous,” which will serve as the opening night film. From co-writer/director Chris Reading and screenwriters the Shakespeare Sisters comes this hilarious, high-energy laugh-fest about a pair of best friends who zip around time gathering items to sell in their vintage thrift shop. With a tone reminiscent of the works of Christopher Guest, Taika Waititi, and Edgar Wright, this immensely entertaining independent gem also lovingly tips its hat to just about every time travel epic you can imagine, most notably “Time Bandits” and “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.” This is the Utah premiere.
Tanner Christensen’s inspiring documentary feature “Standout: The Ben Kjar Story” traces the life of affable and accessible pro wrestler Ben Kjar who refused to let a craniofacial disorder keep him from achieving his goals. This is a rousing, uplifting winner that’s structured like a sports underdog movie but it’s so much more than that. It’s also a film about perseverance, determination, and family. Not only will Kjar be on hand for a post-screening discussion alongside Christensen, Colton Fielding, and a handful of team members behind this exceptional doc, but he’ll also be hosting a free wrestling clinic at Pineview High School on the morning of Saturday, April 19th. It should also be noted that Desertscape is fortunate enough to have the Utah Premiere of this must-see film.
Desertscape will close out its highly-anticipated 2025 fest with a screening of the crowd-pleasing North Macedonian import, “DJ Ahmet.” Fresh off of its Audience Choice win at the Sundance Film Festival this past January, this charmer from writer/director Georgi M. Unkovski tells the tale of a young 15 year-old Yurok boy who looks to escape the societal pressures of his small town life through the power of electronic dance music. DIFF is thrilled to bring this movie to you, lovable screaming sheep and all.
Also on the feature front, the world premiere of Sterling Andrew’s wonderfully offbeat comedy “Living in the Last Days,” the dark anthology comedy “Life’s a Bitch,” the hugely entertaining environmental doc “The Cigarette Surfboard,” the loving Larry Herbert tribute “The Pantone Guy,” the thought provoking sci-fi drama “Recollection,” and the Utah premiere of the provocative doc “Clear Sky” from directors Michael Del Monte and Shawn Clearsky Davis.
Additionally, Desertscape will showcase over 30 short films including Jacob Hamblin’s “Till Death Do Us Part,” a loving homage to the likes of old school monster movies and the works of Edgar Allan Poe, “Bottle George,” a breathtaking and often heartbreaking animated tale about the bond between a bottle-dwelling creature and a lovable youngster, “The Angel,” Barrett and Jessica Burgin’s pioneer folktale featuring the legendary Doug Jones, the hilarious “Somebody Cares” which made a big splash at Sundance earlier this year, “Tiger,” a moving mini-doc about a Native-American family that connects through the power of art, and many more.
The entire schedule and list of 2025 Desertscape International Film Festival official selections can be found by clicking here!
Awards in multiple categories will be handed out on the final night of the festival.
In addition to amazing films, you can also expect plenty of outstanding alternative programming. Desertscape will offer industry panels with special guests, a live script read, opening and closing night after parties, networking opportunities, an awards ceremony, and more. And with the second half of the festival coinciding with the venerable St. George Art Festival, there will be no shortage of artistic sights to see. Included; A live performance by Yachty By Nature.
It should also be noted that DIFF 2025 takes place in one of the most beautiful areas of the U.S. prompting the fitting catchphrase; Come for the films…Stay for the breathtaking sights!
Desertscape 2025 All-Access passes are currently on sale at $150. This All-Access pass will certainly offer the most cinematic bang for your buck. It includes admittance into all screenings and events, after parties, and VIP lounge. Additionally, it’ll come with an exclusive swag bag. Additionally, single film block tickets ($10), day passes ($35), and 4-day screening passes ($75) are also available. You can purchase all tickets by clicking here.
**Schedule and titles subject to change.
Desertscape 2025; Your adventure begins on April 16th!
Desertscape and FMASU wish to offer special thanks to their generous grantors, sponsors, and partners; St George City RAP Tax, Washington County RAP Tax, Greater Zion, The Utah Film Commission, Courtyard By Marriott, Clear Water Plus, Sunbrook Secure Storage, Riggatti’s, The Independent, and Holiday Inn and Suites
