Kanab, Utah's most talked about Film Fest will return MAY 6-9, 2027.

At the Edge of Utah, Find the Heart of Film. Escape to the ultimate filmmaker and movie enthusiast retreat in Kanab, Utah—an iconic Western film hub since the 1920s, still prized for its breathtaking, sought-after landscapes.

Experience three unforgettable days of cutting-edge independent films, local cuisine, masterclasses, outdoor adventures, inspiring creative discussions, and exceptional hospitality—all in one place.

PERKS for FILMMAKERS
Each filmmaker accepted will get an All Access Badge, swag, discounted friend/crew passes and an opportunity to snag one of our complimentary hotel rooms (on a first come-first served basis). Throughout the weekend, you'll have all you can eat concessions, meals and drink so once you get yourself here, you can put your wallet away and just enjoy!

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
Each year, a unique theme sets the tone for the entire experience, weaving it into the imagery, décor, and events so you feel like you're part of a cinematic story.

The festivities kick off with Thursday’s Welcome Party, where guests step into character with themed costumes, enjoying a night of great food and drinks. Past themes have transported attendees to a Western Hoedown at Little Hollywood, a swinging 60s Pool Party at the retro Quail Park Lodge, and even a 1920s Gatsby-style Murder Mystery Soirée at The Heritage House, where the 'murder' unfolded in real time, making everyone part of the suspenseful plot with clues to help solve the mystery over the weekend.

INDEPENDENT FILM​
Discover a wide array of independent films from around the globe, spanning documentaries, student projects, micro shorts, and thoughtfully curated feature-length films. Over three days, these films are expertly judged and presented in six distinct film blocks, including the 'always sold out' standout block inside Moqui Cave.

MASTERCLASSES
Our engaging Masterclasses, led by industry professionals, bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience. Previous sessions have included Stunt Work demonstrations with Hollywood stuntman Antal Kalik, whose credits include Wonder Woman, A Quiet Place, and Logan; practical tips for Filmmaking with Jay Edwards, known for his work with Adult Swim and Sony Pictures, and immersive Special FX Makeup techniques with LA based artist Alyssa Holbrook.

LOCAL EATS
Indulge in a vibrant culinary experience, with catered meals by local fave go-to spots like Havana Cabana, Wild Thyme, and Sego. Pop-up cocktail hours add a touch of spontaneity, often hosted at unique and exciting locations around Kanab.

​ADVENTURE​
Kanab is a hotspot for great hiking and hidden gems and for those with a taste for adventure, you can look forward to a hike to awe-inspiring spots, a visit to our local animal sanctuary or a chance to relax and take a deep breath during a sound bath (just to name a few), providing a delightful sampling of what this area has to offer.

LOCATION

Held in scenic Kanab, Utah, just at the edge of Southern Utah, known for its remote beauty, proximity to six National Parks, including Zion, Bryce, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and its long and storied history of filmmaking going back to the 1930s. Kanab has been coined "Little Hollywood" and between 1930 and the 1990s, over 300 films have been made here and the list continues to grow! The Kanab Film Fest aims to celebrate this rich movie-making history and bring it into the current day.

JUDGING

We take to heart the amount of work put into each film. Therefore, we are careful to ensure each submission is reviewed at great depth and watched in its entirety. We like to be transparent in our process and judge the story over the production value. Our panel is made up of industry professionals, movie critics, and every day people who enjoy watching all kinds of movies.

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Please submit your film in the appropriate category. Kanab Film Fest organizers- Jeff and Britt Roth- can be reached through kanabfilmfest.com or by email to jeff@kanabfilmfest.com.

We value the power of a well-told story. We can’t wait for you to tell us yours!

Awards & Prizes

Best Student Film
Best Utah Film
Best Comedy Film
Best Animation
Best VFX
Best Feature Film
Best Documentary
Best Short Documentary
Best Short Film
Best Micro Short
Best Music Video
Best Actor
Best Cinematography
Cinema Verité
Best of the Fest
Audience Choice
....and maybe some more surprise categories!

Filmmakers accepted to the Fest will receive an All Access Film Pass and Swag plus a first-come-first-serve complimentary hotel room. Once you get yourself here, you're well taken care of with catered meals, all-you-can-eat concessions, themed parties, and the best networking in the most beautiful town where you'll truly make friends and business connections for life! Our networking wrap party is responsible for several features and short films.

Rules & Terms

UPDATE: to screen in Moqui Cave please submit directly to that category

KANAB FILM FESTIVAL FILM COMPETITION RULES

1. KFF screens films as digital files during the Festival. Please submit films in 2048×1080 29.97 fps H.264 format, under 10GB please.
To upscale to 2K from 1080 follow this tutorial: https://tinyurl.com/upscalefrom1080

2. All films must be in English or have English subtitles at the time submitted. During final screening the film must only have English subtitles.

3. Submissions must be accompanied by the applicable submission fee per entry and a completed online entry form.

4. We will not screen films with a watermark. If that’s a deal breaker, don’t submit.

5. Films must have been completed within 3 years of the festival date. Films must be available for screening by the final deadline.

6. Selection for screening will be determined no later than one month prior to the festival.

7. We prefer that films not be publicly available online.

8. KFF reserves the right in its sole discretion to reject or disqualify any ineligible entries, without a refund.

9. Kanab Film Fest reserves the right to show a portion of your officially selected film in our promotional material.

10. Films must be the original work of the applicants.

11. We strongly encourage filmmakers to submit their film only after it is fully finished. That said, because KFF’s focus is on story, minor technical changes will not affect the final decision of any film. Should the film be accepted to play during the Festival, the filmmaker will have the opportunity to supply the Festival with their most recent version no less than 7 days before the event begins.

12. Once an entry payment has been received we cannot provide a refund. If a payment is disputed by an entrant for any reason, the entrant may be subject to any transaction fees or similar amounts incurred by KFF in connection with the dispute.

13. Official selected films will be downloaded once so please be certain that is the file you would like us to screen.
45 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Laura Patterson

    An absolutely amazing festival experience - I can't say enough good things about Jeff and Britt. The films were fantastic and the social experiences they curated for the filmmakers - from meals together to hiking with goats - were wonderful. I made connections I'll maintain far into the future. Don't hesitate to submit to Kanab Film Fest!!!

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Dalton Call

    Great festival tucked away in a small southern UT town. They will take care of you if you submit!

    September 2025
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  • Luke J. Salewski

    A solid festival well worth the trip from LA. The programming was top notch and it was so cool to see how many Utah filmmakers were featured (I'm not even from Utah I was just impressed with their work). The location is absolutely stunning and I appreciate that the screenings are broken up with events, panels, and meals rather than 10hrs of back-to-back screenings. A must-go for both filmmakers and attendees. Will definitely be back.

    May 2025
    Helpful
  • Robert Gamperl

    What a festival! Great food, hiking with goats, a supporting program that involves local people and businesses—all set against the backdrop of a stunning red rock landscape. A really good film selection, including movies that have also been shown at supposedly bigger festivals. Amazing people, fantastic connections, and an atmosphere that truly motivates you to keep making films. Simply wonderful. An absolute recommendation for film lovers, as well as for anyone just looking to have a great time and enjoy good food with friendly people.

    May 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks Robert! We’re so happy you made the trek from Austria to be with us this year. You’re one hell of a cinematographer and a “badass” like Darlin’. Hope to see more films from you in the future.

  • Hamilton Pevec

    i have been going to film festivals for over 20 years and this was the first time there were more films i enjoyed than ones i didn't. EXCELLENT production, hospitality, Community, and films. it was an actual honor to be among them. i will def be trying to get back and make KFF part of the regular circuit.

    May 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks Hamilton! We loved your film and are so happy you could come out and experience such an awesome weekend with us. Your questions to the Q&A's were always helpful. Hopefully we see you again, as a filmmaker or VIP, at the next fest!!