What to expect from the 2025 Desertscape International Film Festival: a selection of short and feature films, engaging filmmaker workshops, red carpet experience, photo opportunities, interviews, an exciting live script read, exclusive secret 16mm pop-up screenings, industry professionals, delightful food and drinks, prestigious awards, and much more. Our aim is to create a filmmaker's getaway, offering opportunities to connect with fellow creators, enhance exposure, and create lasting memories. Therefore if your film is accepted and you decide to attend, that is just but a taste of the magic that awaits you.

As was the case with the Desertscape 2024, the 2025 festival will align with the venerable St. George Art Festival meaning attendees will have plenty to experience. Desertscape: Year Seven will take place from Wednesday, April 16th to Saturday, April 19th in breathtaking Southern Utah, Along with its picturesque surrounding areas, this area is home of awe-inspiring desert landscapes making it an ideal location for a film festival. Come for the films…Stay for the sights.

The Desertscape International Film Festival invites and encourages filmmakers and screenwriters from all over the world to submit their work, including shorts, features, animated films, student films, music videos, and more. If you're proud of your work, don't hesitate to submit it! All genres are welcome.

Every film selected as an "Official Selection" will be showcased in a live theatrical setting (NO ONLINE SCREENINGS), captivating enthusiastic festival attendees over four joy-filled days in one of the most beautiful cities in the U.S. And yes, awards will be presented to honor the best of the best!

Since our inaugural festival in 2019, Desertscape has gained a reputation for featuring top-notch films from around the world. Many of these films have had successful festival runs at renowned events such as Cannes, Sundance, SXSW, and Tribeca, to name a few. In fact, each year since its modest beginnings, Desertscape has showcased one to three films that have gone on to become Oscar-shortlisted and Oscar-nominated. Included;

"Brotherhood," a powerful drama by Meryam Joobeur and Maria Gracia Turgeon (2020 Oscar Nominee)

"DCERA (Daughter)," a heartfelt stop-motion gem by Daria Kashcheeva (2020 Oscar Nominee)

"Sierra," a hilariously quirky animated short by Sander Joon (2023 Oscar Shortlist)

"Warsha," an intense and dazzling short film by Dania Bdier (2023 Oscar Shortlist)

"Ninety-Five Senses" a short film by Jared and Jerusha Hess is an ode to the body's five senses delivered by a man with little time left to enjoy them. (2024 Oscar Nominated)

Our 2024 fest showcased an impressive lineup of films, including Josh Margolin’s buzzed-about charmer “Thelma,” the world premiere of H. Nelson Tracey’s bittersweet relationship dramedy “Breakup Season,” Peter Flynn’s colorful ode to film collectors “Film is Dead. Long Live Film!,” and Joseph DeGolyer’s father/son drama “Chicken Coop” just to name a precious few.

Year Six also saw multiple industry panels including “A Conversation with the Team Behind Lucky Bastard Productions” and “A 100-Year Celebration of Film in Television.” This is to say nothing of amazing storytelling on hand to bask in the magic of independent film. Included; Chandler Riggs (“The Walking Dead”), Samantha Isler (“Molly’s Game”), and more!

Year Seven is already taking shape, and we're thrilled about what's in store! With the festival continuing to coincide with the St. George Art Festival, the event promises to be even more magical.

Filmmakers, what are you waiting for? Submit your film now! This is an excellent opportunity to share your work, network, and take part in the glory of the movies.
In short, this four-day independent film showcase is not to be missed! Engage in conversations with storytellers and like-minded individuals, attend filmmaker panels, meet special industry guests, enjoy live music, witness a live script read, attend the awards gala, and, of course, indulge in a wide variety of films for your viewing pleasure, all in the enchanting setting of Southern Utah!

Join us at the 2025 Desertscape International Film Festival, celebrating independent films from around the globe!

If you’re a filmmaker, submit today!

Awards & Prizes

Submitting your film or screenplay is not a guarantee of selection. All Official Selections and Award Winners will be listed on our website (www.fmasu.com/desertscape).

Trophies and/or certificates will be awarded to the best of the best in various categories. Awards will be chosen by a jury select made up of knowledgeable film industry professionals, enthusiasts, and experts.

Please be aware that if you are selected for the festival but unable to attend and are awarded, you will be responsible for the shipping and handling costs of the award. We want to ensure that filmmakers receive their awards, and the filmmaker will only be charged the exact cost of shipping and handling, with no additional fees.

Desertscape Film Categories & Awards are subject to change, but past awards have included:

Best of the Fest
Best Feature
Best Feature (International)
Best Short
Best Short (International)
Creative Spirit Award
Discovery Award
Making a "DIFFerence" Award
Best Student Short
Best Student Short (International)
Best Music Video
Best Animated Short
Best After Dark Film
Best "Made in Utah" Film
Best VR Short
Best Performance
Best Ensemble
Best Feature Screenplay
Best Short Screenplay

Rules & Terms

Attention Filmmakers and Screenwriters,

Before submitting your film or screenplay to the Desertscape International Film Festival, we kindly request you carefully review the following rules and terms. We assure you that each properly submitted film or screenplay will be given thorough consideration, with the entire work being viewed or read in its entirety.

Desertscape International Film Festival Submission Rules:

1) Eligibility:

• Films/screenplays completed after June 13, 2021, are eligible.
• Films/screenplays previously submitted or screened at other festivals are eligible.
• Films with distribution are eligible.
• Screenplays must not violate any previous sale or option agreements.
• Festival personnel and judges are ineligible to submit for the competition.

2) Language:

• Films not in English must be subtitled. Screenplays must be in English.

3) Genres:

• All genres are eligible for submission. You do not have to submit your films multiple times. We are not that kind of festival. One and done. If selected, we will have your film find a place in the program where it may best fit.

4) Length:

• Feature Films: 45 minutes and above (including credits)
• Short/Student Films: Under 45 minutes (including credits)
• Feature Screenplays: 45-150 pages
• Short Screenplays: 44 pages or less

5) Submission & Fees:

• Submissions must be made through FilmFreeway.
• Each title requires a separate entry form, fee, and digital file.
• Do not submit the same title more than once.
• Submission fees are nonrefundable.
• Incomplete submissions will be disqualified. (Without

6) Format:

• Films must be in MP4 or .MOV format. (We are working towards DCP but at this time the theater specs are set for - H.264 | Prores files, 10-bit 1080p output, and 2.0 Stereo
• Screenplays must be in PDF format, without identifying information.
• Only digital files through FilmFreeway are accepted.

8) Judging:

• Films and screenplays are judged anonymously.
• Minimum scores and determine "Official Selection" status.
• Jurors and Festival Directors help rank and select winners.

9) Notifications:

• Official Selections will be published by the end of March 2025.
• Screenplay Semi-finalists and/or finalists will be announced by early April 2025.
• Screenplay Award Winners revealed no later than mid-April 2025.
• Filmmaker Award Winners will be revealed at the 2025 Awards Ceremony on the Closing Night of the Festival in April!

10) Rights:

• Desertscape reserves the right to accept, reject, or disqualify any submission.
• Filmmakers retain ownership but grant usage rights for promotional materials for the upcoming festival and years to come.
• Legal disclaimer releases Desertscape from liability.

Please refer to these full DESERTSCAPE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL RULES AND TERMS to be considered for this year’s film festival.

FINAL NOTE:

BY SUBMITTING THE MATERIAL, I/WE HEREBY AGREE TO DEFEND THE DESERTSCAPE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, FMASU, ITS EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND AFFILIATES FROM ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS, AND DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE SUBMISSION AND FROM ANY FEES AND EXPENSES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES, THAT ANY OF THEM MAY INCUR IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.

Now, what are you waiting for? Submit a movie! The cinematic adventure that is the Desertscape International Film Festival awaits you!

65 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Craig Stewart

    What a wonderful festival in beautiful St. George. Thank you for awarding my Native American screenplay, Three Rivers Meet, with best screenplay. This was one of the best festival experiences I've had and the Electric Theater was the perfect venue for films, readings, festivities and the award ceremony. They were welcoming and helpful to everyone - and are great promoters of local, emerging talents. It was a pleasure to be there and to work with Adam, John, Melanie and Jason who pulled together a great table reading with so many talented actors. Desertscape is a model of how to organize and run a festival like clockwork. Thank you for an incredible experience. I look forward to future involvement with everyone at Desertscape.

    May 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Craig! It was such a pleasure having you at the festival. Further still, thank you so much for the kind words. Our team wishes you all the best with Three Rivers Meet and we sincerely hope that after it makes the leap from the page to the big screen, you'll consider submitting the movie to Desertscape. Beyond that, we can't wait to see what's next from you. Thanks again!

  • Richard Levine

    A Goldilocks festival: enthusiastically supported, not too small, not too big, in a great venue. All communication was prompt and clear. I enjoyed it all, met people, and hope to return.

    April 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for the kind words, Richard! We certainly can't wait to hear more about your future projects and we hope you'll make it out to the fest again.

  • Sean Pecknold

    A truly fantastic festival in St. George. Adam and John were incredible hosts and we were thrilled to receive the Best Animated Short this year. Would love to bring another film there someday. They've got the true independent film spirit alive in that beautiful part of Southern Utah. Can't wait to return.

    April 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for the kind words, Sean! Of course, we're bummed that you couldn't make the trip out but we were thrilled that Tennis, Oranges went on to win Best Animated at this year's fest. Additionally, we loved your acceptance video! Thank again for all the support. It goes without saying that we can't wait to see what you do next!

  • Jonathan Zarantonello

    Awesome experience, cool festival, thank you!!

    April 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Hello Jonathan! Thank you so much for the kind words and thank you for all of the support. We hope you'll continue to share your talent with us. On a final note, we greatly look forward to seeing what's next from you. Thanks again.

  • Ben Vasion

    Desertscape never disappoints, and this was the best year yet! The films that were programmed were great. I really enjoyed all the panels I was able to attend. I can’t wait for next year’s festival!

    April 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Ben! Thank you so much for the kind words! You're such a supporter but beyond that, you're quite the talented storyteller yourself. We look forward to seeing what's next from you and we certainly always look forward to seeing you at the festival. Thanks again!