CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Prepare for a cinematic experience in a state park. The 17th annual Red Rock Film Festival will make its grand return to the picturesque landscapes of Cedar City Tuesday, Oct. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 15 with a special ticket package for readers of St. George News.
Film enthusiasts, directors, actors and storytellers from around the globe will gather to celebrate the power of independent cinema under the enchanting Western skies beginning Tuesday with two world premieres: “Breath” from Turkey and the animated short “Gene’s 6th Symphony.” Plus, explore a twist on Shakespeare with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Prison” and enjoy a night of music and dance films starting with the Jamaican ska documentary “Patou: In Black & White.”
Also on opening day, in the afternoon, are offerings from the Utah Film Market, from the short film “Mendo’s Carousel” to the feature “The Art Whisperer.” Over the five days, attendees will be enlightened and educated by a diverse array of films, seminars, panels, ghost tours, games, parties and events to ignite the imagination, such as the new costume and cinema gear vendor expo called The M.A.R.S. Bazaar with food trucks, memorabilia, arts and crafts themed to the many genres of film.
The Red Rock Film Festival, with The M.A.R.S. Bazaar and sister festival the Utah Film Market, serves as an artist’s retreat, offering a blend of film and cuisine in the unforgettable setting of the Frontier Homestead State Park and Museum. The festival is fostering an environment where professionals and aspiring talents can connect, exchange ideas and draw inspiration amidst the awe-inspiring vistas of Southern Utah.
With selections chosen by three dozen previewers, films will engage all ages with the independent spirit of film and several celebrities to embrace the screen in support, such as Carol Burnett, Olivia Newton-John, Suzanne Somers, Belinda Carlisle, David Letterman, Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien, Steve Martin, Alice Cooper and country singer Chase Rice. This year’s festival features an eclectic mix of genres, from the imaginative sci-fi feature “Phi 1.618” to the 10,000-mile road trip documentary feature “Out There: A National Parks Story,” which includes a Q&A with director Brendan Hall.
Other filmmakers in attendance include producer Heather Wilk of “Show Business is My Life, But I Can’t Prove It (A Film about Gary Mule Deer),” Josh Underhill, a cast member of “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Kevin Sharpley, director of the animated short “Above Ground,” local actor/producer Natalie Lynch of the short “Social AnnXiety” and others.
Nestled just a 2 1/2-hour drive north of Las Vegas, Cedar City, aka “Festival City USA,” opens its arms to welcome film aficionados to a world where art and nature converge. The three main venues include outdoor screenings in the Homestead Courtyard, indoors in the museum and in a smaller venue at the visitor center.
Tickets are now available for purchase, with options ranging from individual tickets, day passes, all-access VIP experiences and special ticket packages. As each day begins at 1 p.m., the festival will grant Bazaar Bucks to use at the vendor booths to the first 17 attendees that use their ticket or pass. The festival is also offering progressive ticket packages for just $25 to the first 17 buyers by entering the code “News2023” at redrockfilmfestival.eventive.org/passes/buy, plus surprises for the other passes.
For media inquiries, ticketing information and the complete festival schedule, visit redrockfilmfestival.eventive.org or drop by the new venue at the Frontier Homestead State Park at 635 N. Main St. in Cedar City. The festival runs from Oct. 10-15 from 1-11 p.m. each day.
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