Beyond Sundance: The Ultimate Guide to Utah's Hidden Film Scene

Every January, the world turns its attention to Utah as the Sundance Film Festival transforms Park City and Salt Lake City into a buzzing hub of independent cinema. For 10 days, Hollywood stars trade their designer suits for ski jackets, movie lovers crowd Main Street and the next breakout film could be playing in any theater. But when the festival lights dim and the celebrities head home, Utah's love affair with film is just getting started.

From historic art house theaters tucked into downtown Salt Lake City to a vintage drive-in beneath the stars of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the Beehive State offers movie buffs experiences as dramatic and diverse as its landscapes. Here, cinema comes alive in unexpected ways, creating memories that last long after the credits roll.

Where to Watch Films Like a Local

When it comes to catching a film in Utah, forget everything you know about standard movie theaters. Take the Broadway Centre Cinemas in downtown Salt Lake City, carrying forward the legacy of the historic Centre Theatre that once stood in its place. Under the thoughtful stewardship of the Salt Lake Film Society, this cultural hub specializes in foreign and independent films you won't find elsewhere, complemented by filmmaker panels and seasonal programming highlighting everything from Czech New Wave masterpieces to Pacific Island storytelling.

The Broadway's commitment to diverse programming means you might catch an award-winning Iranian film one week and a restored classic the next. Their special event screenings often include discussions with filmmakers, film scholars and community leaders, creating an atmosphere where cinema becomes a springboard for meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange.

For the 21+ crowd, Brewvies Cinema Pub offers one of Salt Lake City's most distinctive movie-going experiences. This locally-owned theater combines first-run and classic films with craft beer, cocktails and a full food menu. Complete with pool tables and comfortable couches, Brewvies adds special screenings of grindhouse, arthouse and cult classics to create a uniquely social cinema experience. It's become a favorite gathering spot for film enthusiasts who appreciate the combination of casual atmosphere and serious movie dedication.

Cinema Under the Stars

Perhaps Utah's most unforgettable movie venue awaits at Ofland Escalante, a luxury hotel and glamping destination nestled within the dramatic landscape of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Here, where a drive-in theater experience is recreated beneath some of the darkest skies in Utah, cinema takes on a magical new dimension. Visitors choose from a carefully curated collection of vintage cars — each one a character in its own right, lovingly restored and equipped with modern amenities like working radios and heaters for those crisp desert nights. 

Picture yourself tucked into a pristine '57 Chevy or classic Ford Thunderbird, surrounded by towering red rock formations and an endless expanse of stars. The concession stand serves up free popcorn (yes, free!) and the evening's feature flicks range from timeless classics to beloved family films. It's not just watching a movie — it's an experience that combines Utah's natural vistas with Hollywood magic in a way you won't find anywhere else. (Read: Filmed in Utah: 7 Itineraries Through Hollywood's Most Iconic Settings)

Ofland Escalante is open from March to October, and the drive-in experience becomes even more special during the spring and fall, when the desert air turns crisp and the stars seem to shine even brighter. Many visitors make an evening of it, arriving early to watch the sunset paint the red rocks in brilliant hues before settling in for the show.

Festivals for Every Film Lover

While Sundance may be Utah's most famous film festival, it's far from the only one. The Utah International Film Festival (UIFF) in January, transforms Provo's Experience Event Center into a hub of independent cinema. UIFF has crafted its own identity as a festival where innovation and accessibility go hand in hand. This is where you'll find emerging filmmakers taking creative risks, where post-screening discussions turn into passionate debates about storytelling, and where the next generation of Utah's film community comes together to dream big

UIFF's commitment to nurturing new talent extends beyond the festival itself. Throughout the year, they organize workshops, networking events and educational programs designed to support up-and-coming filmmakers. Their dedication to discovering and developing emerging voices has made them an important stepping stone for independent cinema in Utah.