Provo's FilmQuest Festival Aims to Become Utah's Premier Genre Showcase

In the coming years, the Provo-based FilmQuest festival is expected to significantly expand its footprint in Utah as its industry counterpart, the Sundance Film Festival, relocates to Colorado after its 2026 edition. FilmQuest founder and festival director Jonathan Martin says the city of Provo is fully committed to supporting the festival's growth, and the organizers have cultivated relationships with key figures in the state legislature to solidify FilmQuest's position as the premier genre film festival in the region.

Launched in 2014, FilmQuest has established itself as a unique, independent-minded event that prioritizes discovering new voices and celebrating diverse filmmaking talents. Unlike some festivals that showcase films already slated for distribution, FilmQuest aims to provide a platform for up-and-coming creators. The festival also fosters a vibrant, inclusive community, encouraging filmmakers and fans to mingle and network in a relaxed, "rock 'n' roll-vibe" atmosphere.

As FilmQuest continues to refine its identity, the 2024 edition featured a lineup of intriguing genre films, from a metal band battling cannibals to a deadly health drink. The festival also places a strong emphasis on its unproduced screenplay competition and robust short film program, which has previously highlighted future award-winning works like the Oscar-winning "I'm Not a Robot."