Founded in 2001 and reimagined in 2022 with a new name and focus, the ZIONS INDIE FILM FEST is a premiere presenter of cinematic stories from independent filmmakers around the world. Set alongside Utah’s spectacular Wasatch Mountains, the 23rd Annual ZIFF will take place February 26 - March 2, 2024

ZIFF brings together a sophisticated and diverse audience of movie-goers, film industry leaders, movie critics, film students, government leadership, and sponsors. The time-honored programming standards that were established over two-decades ago will continue under the new organization.

Films selected and presented will cover a wide range of trending topics that uplift and inspire, as well as films with the simple intent to entertain and provide a much-needed laugh. (See terms and conditions).

ZIFF is a major event that showcases an impressive array of feature films, documentaries, special screenings, short films, music videos, valuable industry panels, and keynote presenters. Festival organizers are dedicated to helping filmmakers have the best festival going experience possible. Special media opportunities will be arranged for final selected films, Q&A after their movie screenings, Filmmaker VIP Lounge, Filmmaker swag bags, networking, and much more.

Awards & Prizes

Congratulations on getting your film ready for festivals. Our festival team and a group of film industry professionals look at every submission critically and intently.

First, second, and third place awards are announced in each category. Filmmakers are strongly encouraged to attend the festival to network with connect with other likeminded individuals. We promise a wonderful festival experience!!

The 2024 categories include:
Feature Film
Documentary Feature
Short Film
Short Documentary
Music Video
Audience Choice Awards are announced in all the categories listed above.
ZION SPIRIT AWARD is presented to the film that best embodies the festival mission.

Second and third place awards are given in the form of framed certificates. First place winners receive an elegantly engraved trophy and framed certificate. All finalists will be announced online and in a press release distributed to media and film industry professionals. Winners will be announced at the closing night Red Carpet Award Show.

Rules & Terms

Submissions open 07|01|2023 and ends 12|15|2023.

Due to the nature of the festival, we hold to standards that exclude the use of gratuitous nudity or sexually explicit scenes, over the top violence, offensive language, or horror films. Any film having these elements will be automatically disqualified.

Films must be available for screening during February 26 - March 2, 2024. If selected, delivery of the film needs to be sent to the Program Director no later than January 20, 2024.

By submitting your film, you grant permission to ZIONS Indie Film Fest to include your film in the 2024 programing if said film is officially accepted. You also agree to allow excerpts of your film (i.e. trailers and highlights) to be placed on the ZIFF website as well as other marketing or promotional purposes.

All films must be submitted through FilmFreeway by December 15, 2023. The filmmaker can only submit original contact and certify there are no disputes regarding ownership with the film. The festival does not pay screening fees or split revenue for screenings to a live theater audience.

The entry fee is non-refundable. Once an entry payment has been processed our industry judges will start screening and rating your film. We cannot provide a refund.

Notification of selections will be announced on January 8, 2024.

Selected Films will receive one All-Festival Access Filmmaker badge to the 23rd Annual ZIONS INDIE FILM FEST.

We look forward to seeing your submitted film and thank you for choosing ZIFF as part of your filmmaking journey.

** A film not submitted by the December 15, 2023 due date that would like to still show at the festival but NOT participate in the competition can send a special request to the festival director for consideration.

27 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Dan Davis

    Zions Indie Film Fest was the most intimate festival we have been to. We are so grateful for the opportunity to showcase our film at this festival and even more grateful to have been with incredible humans who truly care about the filmmakers. The owners, staff, and community of filmmakers that attended created a culture full of support. Would 100% recommend this festival. And it's only going to get better as it continues to grow. It was the perfect environment to premiere our feature film.

    May 2023
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  • Margaret Young

    I have attended film festivals all over the world, and the ZIFF is honestly my favorite. Two ample theaters make for excellent screening, with conference rooms in convenient locations for filmmakers to chat and even collaborate. I love the intimate feel of the festival and the friendliness of the people, who all seem to be rooting for each other. I intend to attend the festival every year for as long as I can. Brilliant1

    April 2023
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  • Paul Cartwright

    To date one of the best and most valuable festivals I've ever attended. Will DEFINITELY be returning!

    April 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for being part of the magic this year. We loved having your projects in our program! Can't wait to see what you submit for next year!

  • Ben Hurst

    I had such a great time at ZIFF. Michelle and Marshall did a fantastic job and it was great to connect with them. Marshall was the first guy to hire me in the industry so it was amazing to see him after all these years. I was also able to meet lots of new people and reconnected with so many great friends and filmmakers from past years. Looking forward to coming back soon.

    April 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Ben for attending and submitting your film. We have a long history of industry experience and love reconnecting and supporting each other in their current endeavors! Can't wait to see what you're able to do with your film!

  • Joeseph Quesada

    I want to send out a big thank you to everyone who worked and organized the Zions Indie Film Festival. My family and I had a blast, and Michelle and Marshall made us feel right at home. The venue was wonderful, and having all the movies screened, as well as panels in one location, added to the feeling of community, camaraderie, and family.

    My only regret is not having a new movie ready to submit for next year, but when I do, I hope I make the cut again. It was truly an honor.

    April 2023
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    Response from festival:

    It was our pleasure to get to know you and your work! WOW!! Can't wait for your next project. We'd still love to see you next year even if you don't have a new project... just yet! Consider being part of our workshop series. We'll be in touch!