2024 Festival Highlights

Thank you for joining us for an unforgettable weekend at 2024 Utah Queer Film Festival!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center to celebrate queer storytelling, creativity, and community! This year marked the debut of our new festival name, and with it, a renewed spirit of inclusivity, diversity, and connection—making this year’s festival one of our most vibrant yet.

Over three days, the festival was alive with inspiring films, engaging panels, immersive workshops, and the incredible energy of creators and fans alike.

Highlights included our Opening Night film, A House Is Not A Disco, followed by a wildly entertaining HallowQueen-themed party; our centerpiece film Indigo Girls: It’s Only Life After All, an homage to the legendary folk-rock duo; and The World According to Allee Willis, a deep dive into the life of a groundbreaking creative visionary.

The festival concluded with our heartwarming Closing Night film, Chasing Chasing Amy, and the moving Life After Laramie: Matthew Shepard Memorial Concert, featuring musicians from the Ballet West Orchestra, NOVA Chamber Music Series, Utopia Early Music, and the Utah Symphony.

We closed out the weekend with a bang at the vibrant afterparty hosted by MILK+, sending off the festival in style!

We were especially proud to spotlight local storytelling, such as A Long Way From Heaven, a powerful exploration of Brigham Young University’s queer underground. Our Utah Queer Short Film Showcase featured unique films like Utah Drag, which offered a behind-the-scenes look at three incredible queens redefining what it means to “show up” in Utah’s dynamic drag scene.

This year, we’re especially ecstatic that our festival was completely privately funded, a true testament to the commitment of our generous donors. Their support enables us to host a community festival that is inclusive and exciting for the entire LGBTQIA+ community.

We want to extend our deepest thanks to all of our Lead Festival Sponsors, Supporting and Event Sponsors, and all Diamond & Ruby Pass holders who make Utah Queer Film Festival possible.

And finally, to all who attended, thank you for bringing your authenticity and enthusiasm. We hope you left feeling inspired, seen, and part of something extraordinary!

“Queer space is sacred. Together, we continue to inspire and uplift one another through the power of film and celebration of local talent. Thank you for sharing your voices and experiences, and for creating a space where diversity and inclusion thrive.”

—Cat Palmer, Festival Programming Director

If you would like to learn more about supporting future Utah Queer Film Festivals, please contact Development Director, Meghan Horner, at mhorner@utahfilmcenter.org.