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, script competitions, table reads, 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.

Congratulations on getting your film project 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 and 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
Short Screenplay Competition (5-30 pages)
* The winners of the screenplay competition will receive cash prices

Audience Choice Awards are announced in all the categories listed above.
ZIONS 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 award finalists will receive a festival bag of goodies, 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.

Submissions open 07|01|2023 and ends 12|30|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, or a barrage of offensive language. 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. Details will be sent in an email to the filmmaker.

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 30, 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 two All-Festival Access Filmmaker badge to the 23rd Annual ZIONS INDIE FILM FEST. Your pass will provide access to the Filmmaker Lounge, festival screenings, Picture's Up panels/workshop series, Filmmaker's Breakfast, Award Show, and Festival After Party.

We look forward to seeing each submitted project and thank you for choosing ZIFF as part of your festival journey.

** A film not submitted by the DecemShorber 30, 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.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • It was a great experience to be part of this festival. I can´t thank enough the programming team for selecting our short film "From the Dark" for the 2024 edition.

    March 2024
  • Our experience in the past as been as an audience member and we have enjoyed all events. Now as a participant we got to know more of the festival staff and the goings on behind the scenes. The staff could not have been more gracious and Marshall and Michelle more welcoming. Whether viewer or participant we will continue to come every year.

    March 2024
  • Bryson Alejandro

    Wow. What an incredible festival. I love the offerings, the connections, networking, and the new relationships I make each time I attend. It really makes me feel like our film community here is family and I'm excited for the collaborations that will come from it.

    March 2024
  • Milton Kaka

    What an awesome experience we had attending this festival. Was a great first time experience and everyone so friendly. Thanks to Michelle and Marshall and all those who helped with this. Thank you very much.

    March 2024
  • I’ve had three different projects play at this festival and it’s very unique and special. It 100% has a local feel but it’s expanding and they want to have more films from all over - it’s a fun location and the Utah film community is thriving and some of the best people you could meet. This is NOT a festival for cinephiles or films with an edge. This is a festival that celebrates movies that unite people and celebrate the human spirit. But if you think you have a great film and want to see it play in front of a 700 seat theater with a massive screen and passionate film enthusiasts, this is an under the radar festival that I believe will become more and more prominent as filmmakers from outside Utah learn what those of us in state already know, this is THE BEST festival in Utah celebrating truly independent movies!

    March 2024