The DOCUTAH International Film Festival at Utah Tech University brings together filmmakers and film lovers for an electric weekend celebrating the art of documentary, seeking to open hearts and minds to the world through beautifully crafted stories on film, promoting education while creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and community.

In its 16th season, DOCUTAH brings the best documentaries from around the world to the red canyons of southern Utah. Founded by 30-time Emmy Award winning filmmaker, Phil Tuckett, DOCUTAH was dubbed one of the “25 coolest film festivals” by Moviemaker Magazine. Submit your film for 2026 and join us in our mission to actively change the world through the creative business of filmed storytelling.

Awards are offered in the following categories:
Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best International Film, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, Activist, Enlightenment, Humanitarian, Environmental, Distinctive Piece, Production Design, Emerging Artist, Best Score, Audience Favorite Feature, and Audience Favorite Short.

A distinguishing award, the Trailblazer, is also given to recognize the recipients' contribution to society.

Rules and Regulations
1. The festival is open to all motion picture makers throughout the world.
2. The language of the festival is English and dialogue or narration must be in English, dubbed in English or with English sub-titles provided by the producer.
3. Entries must have been released within the past two years.
4. Entrants will be advised of the projection format if their entry is accepted into the festival.
5. Entries may be entered into one of four documentary categories: Professional Feature, Professional Short, Student or Foreign.
6. If a documentary is part of a series only one episode can be entered in the appropriate class.
7. The producer must secure all copyright clearances where applicable and hold DOCUTAH harmless against any infringement.
8. Only one submission per entry.
9. Filmmakers are required to include with their submission: a short synopsis of the film, details of the producer and crew, photographs and a trailer. Photographs should be submitted as jpeg files and text as word files.
10. The judge’s decisions are final and binding on the entrants and the organizers.

Entry Requirements

1. Payment of entry fees may be in US dollars payable to DOCUTAH by credit card.
2. Receipt of entries will be acknowledged by e-mail.
3. Whilst great care will be given to all entries neither the Festival nor its sponsors or organizers is responsible for damage or loss.
4. DOCUTAH is granted permission to make copies of short clips for promotional purposes.
5. A list of the winning entries will be published on the DOCUTAH website and in appropriate journals.
6. Entries and screening copies will be returned ONLY if filmmaker includes request and paid return shipping labels. Copyright permission forms relating to films being housed in the university library are contained in the Filmmaker Acceptance Packet. Films will be housed in the Utah Tech library should the filmmaker choose to grant permission.
7. Foreign entries should be submitted digitally with screening copies sent by Air Parcel Post or Air Small Package. Please check your local postal regulations for shipping and let us know if any special regulations apply.
8. Please allow at least one week for US entries, three weeks for Canadian entries and one month for air mail International entries. When entries are received after the closing date we will notify the entrant and hold them for next year's Festival.
9. Filmmakers must provide a film synopsis of 35 words or less, promotional stills, a film trailer, director’s bio, and list of previous screenings and awards (be brief.)
10. It is suggested that your submission includes press materials, film and filmmaker stills. (Any digital images should be tiff, gif or jpeg format. 300 dpi. No image larger than 1 MB.)

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Caroline Boyd

    Experiencing the thoughtfully-curated film selection at DOCUTAH 2025 was a remarkable and inspiring experience. The programmers were kind enough to accommodate our two-person team with passes to the festival and we each walked away from the event full of excited ideas and moved by so many compelling, important, and timely stories.

    The filmmakers in attendance were a joy to meet, and the panels were informative and insightful. I wish there had been a greater variety of opportunities to connect with the incredible talent involved in the fest.

    Megaplex venue's high quality sound and luxury seating elevated the film going experience.

    The films at DOCUTAH were of the highest quality I've experienced in a local festival, and I highly recommend attending for those who want to experience these beautiful and important than you may not be able to see anywhere else. It was an honor to screen our short doc among the amazing films and artists at the festival.

    March 2025
  • Kathrin Jahrreiss

    Docutah was a great experience. Though a small festival it had a very good selection and I saw some really powerful films. It‘s only a few people who organize the whole event, but they are obviously extremely passionate and dedicated. My accommodation was eccelent and everybody was very welcoming. At first I was a little disappointed that they had forgotten to put my film on their list of feature films on their homepage, so some people kept calling me saying they couldn‘t find my film at Docutah and also not the trailer for which I had extra provided english subtitles. But the whole experience at Docutah while I was there really made up for anything! I felt honored to have been invited and really enjoyed my stay! Thank you again! 👍🏻

    March 2025
  • David Sant

    Just a really solid festival all around. Organized, well-run, super friendly, and the smaller size made networking even easier in my opinion. I would recommend this festival to literally anyone interested.

    March 2025
  • Jon Tinsley

    DocUtah was by far the best experience I've had during this current festival run. Strong community. Strong stories. Ample opportunities to network with people who are telling stories that are changing the world. Thanks and congrats to everyone involved!

    March 2025
  • Gabrielle Kardon

    Tisa and Karman did a great job organizing. The three theaters were excellent screening venues. Folks were friendly and welcoming.

    March 2025