Here's what submitting DIFF filmmakers can expect: 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.
In 2024, the Desertscape International Film Festival will undergo a date shift. Instead of late June, this epic cinematic celebration will now align with the long-running St. George Art Festival. Specifically, Desertscape: Year Six will take place from Wednesday, March 27th to Saturday, March 30th! St. George, UT, along with its picturesque surrounding areas, showcases awe-inspiring desert landscapes, making it an ideal location for a film festival. Attend the festival, and stay to explore the incredible sights and sounds of Southern Utah.
The Desertscape International Film Festival invites and encourages filmmakers and screenwriters from all over the world to submit their work, including shorts, features, animations, 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. Here are a few examples:
"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)
Our recent Year Five showcased an impressive lineup of films, including the stunning French import "Revoir Paris," the award-winning short "Ninety-five Senses" by Jerusha and Jared Hess, and the world premiere of the uproariously hilarious superhero parody "Villains Inc" by director Jeremy Warner.
Year Five also marked the beginning of a new partnership with industry professional Rey Reyes of SteadiCam® Ops and an amazing sponsorship with ARRI by providing the Steadicam® team a Trinity system, camera, and additional equipment for excellent hands-on workshops and insightful lectures for visiting filmmakers and guests. This partnership will continue annually, with talented industry professionals in attendance.
Year Six is already in the works, and we're thrilled about what's in store! With the festival now coinciding 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 and experience it in a live theatrical setting!
In short, this four-day cinematic extravaganza 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 Desertscape International Film Festival, celebrating independent films from around the globe!
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
FOR STUDENTS--READ ON;
We will also offer a special Rising Star Award, sponsored by Burning Lines Entertainment.
The award consists of a small trophy and two 90-minute script consulting sessions (via Zoom) with Mark Bracich, the Director of Burning Lines Entertainment. Mark has independent film credits as an actor, writer, and director, and holds a BS in Digital Cinematography and an MFA in Creative Writing (for film).
For 2024, the eligibility for the Rising Star Award has been expanded to recognize the student or first-time screenwriter or writer/director who demonstrates outstanding potential in visual storytelling through a short or feature screenplay or film.
To be considered:
• Students must submit proof of current enrollment in an accredited degree program in
any filmmaking discipline.
• Non-student first-timers must submit a statement that their submission is the FIRST
screenplay or film they have ever entered in a festival. Desertscape does not have to be
the first festival entered.
• For a film (short or feature) to be considered, the student or first-timer must be credited as both the writer AND director.
• If a student or first-time screenwriter for a submitted film wishes to be considered for
the award, the screenplay must be entered separately in the screenplay competition
and applicable entry fees paid.
• This is an individual award, so no “teams” will be considered.
There is no additional charge to be considered for this award.
In addition to submitting for the festival via the normal means, applicants for the Rising Star Award must submit their proof of student status or their “first-timer” statements to:
mark@markbracich.com for verification.