What is OFF?
The Orem Film Festival: A New Celebration of Independent Cinema in Utah
The Orem Film Festival (OFF) is set to make its debut in 2025, bringing an exciting new platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with audiences. Founded by Orem local Trevor Allen, OFF aims to celebrate storytelling, artistic vision, and community engagement, offering a fresh opportunity for filmmakers both in Utah and beyond.
Submit Your Film to OFF 2025
As a brand-new festival, OFF is calling on filmmakers to submit their work for consideration. With a commitment to championing short films as legitimate artistic expressions, the festival welcomes a diverse range of voices and perspectives. Submissions are now open via FilmFreeway, with multiple deadlines for entry:
Earlybird Deadline: April 24, 2025
Regular Deadline: May 24, 2025
Late Deadline: June 24, 2025
Extended Deadline: July 24, 2025
Notification Date: August 24, 2025
Event Date: September 24, 2025
Compete for Cash Prizes
Filmmakers whose works are selected will compete for recognition and cash prizes in three distinct categories:
Audience Choice Award — $1,000
Attendees will vote for the film that resonates most deeply, with the winner receiving a $1,000 cash prize. This award celebrates the universal language of storytelling and the direct connection between filmmakers and audiences.
Jury Prize for Best Short — $1,000
A panel of industry professionals and cinephiles will evaluate each film based on originality, technical execution, narrative strength, emotional impact, and artistic vision. The highest-scoring film will be awarded $1,000. Open to all submissions, including non-Utah-based films.
Utah Emerging Filmmaker Award — $1,000
This award recognizes an outstanding early-career Utah filmmaker who demonstrates exceptional promise. We seek bold perspectives and fresh voices that represent the next generation of Utah storytelling. This $1,000 prize is limited to Utah-based filmmakers.
The Vision Behind OFF
Founded by Orem local Trevor Allen, the Orem Film Festival (OFF) was created out of a deep love for cinema and a desire to strengthen Utah’s local film community. In the wake of key cultural staples like Slamdance and Sundance relocating much of their programming outside of Utah, it’s more important than ever to champion local voices and celebrate independent filmmakers.
OFF provides an accessible opportunity in Utah County for people to come together and experience the power of film. Whether you're a dedicated cinephile, a casual moviegoer, or an aspiring filmmaker. With tickets priced at just $5, the festival is open to all who love great storytelling.
Ticket on-sale date coming soon.
Trevor Allen – Founder/Festival Director
A lifelong film enthusiast, Trevor Allen has three years of experience at Megaplex, where he has worked in film distribution and marketing as a website designer on their marketing team. As an independent filmmaker himself, Trevor created OFF as a space where film hobbyists and passionate movie lovers could gather for a cultural and community-driven event. His vision for the festival is to excite and support the local Utah County film community while reinforcing the importance of theatrical screenings in an era where streaming services dominate film consumption. Trevor is dedicated to ensuring that short films are recognized as legitimate art forms and not just stepping stones to feature filmmaking.
Davis Dial – Art Director
A key founding member of the Orem Film Festival, Davis Dial plays a crucial role in shaping the identity and presentation of the event. With a keen eye for visual storytelling and artistic direction, he notably designed the festival's official logo, establishing a strong visual identity for the inaugural event. His expertise in design and branding helps create an immersive and cohesive experience for festival attendees. As a fellow Orem native and creative, Davis is passionate about fostering a strong film culture in Utah and ensuring that OFF stands out as a premier event for emerging and established filmmakers alike.
Edward Pollei – Creative Producer
Edward Pollei is a filmmaker and cinematographer from Orem, Utah, serving as the Creative Producer for OFF. He leads the festival’s photography and video design efforts, helping to develop OFF’s distinct personality through promotional visuals and content. Edward also contributes to the programming team, helping curate the festival’s official selection with a focus on craft and creativity.
Join Us for the Inaugural Orem Film Festival
The 2025 Orem Film Festival will take place on September 24, 2025, at Megaplex’s Geneva location. This is a unique opportunity for filmmakers to gain exposure, engage with fellow creators, and have their work screened in a high-quality theatrical setting.
Filmmakers can submit their work via FilmFreeway and learn more about the festival at OremFilmFestival.com. For inquiries, please contact Festival Director Trevor Allen at trevor@oremfilmfestival.com.
Stay tuned for more updates as we gear up for OFF's inaugural year!
Other Community Events
In addition to the festival on September 24th, the Orem Film Festival is excited to partner with Classic Fun Center in Orem to host a series of community-focused events that extend the spirit of the festival beyond the theater.
Join us on August 22nd for a FREE outdoor movie night at Classic Skating and Fun Center in Orem featuring the beloved 2016 coming-of-age musical Sing Street (PG-13). This event will include food trucks, music, and a chance to connect with fellow film lovers, making it the perfect back-to-school celebration.
We also invite you to check out Classic Fun Center’s Summer Concert Series, which highlights talented local musicians and artists in a free, community-oriented setting. The series is proudly supported in part by the Orem Film Festival.
