What is OFF?
The Orem Film Festival: Year Two
The Orem Film Festival (OFF) is back for its second year on September 23, 2026, at Megaplex Theatres at Geneva in Vineyard, Utah. After an incredible debut in 2025 that welcomed 600+ guests to celebrate independent cinema, OFF is returning with the same mission: bring great short films to the big screen and build a community around the people who make them.
Whether you’re a filmmaker looking for a platform to showcase your work, or someone who just loves a good movie night, OFF is for you.
What to Expect in 2026
OFF 2026 will follow the same format that made year one so special. Expect a curated selection of short films screened in a real theater with premium sound and projection, the way filmmakers intended their work to be seen. There will be live Q&A sessions with filmmakers, giving audiences a chance to hear directly from the creators about their process and inspiration.
Tickets will once again be just $5, because we believe everyone should have access to great films and the magic of the theater experience. OFF is not an industry-only event. It’s a community gathering for anyone who cares about storytelling, creativity, and supporting local artists.
The festival takes place at Megaplex Theatres at Geneva (600 Mill Rd, Vineyard, UT 84058), the same venue that hosted our debut.
For Filmmakers: Submit Your Work
OFF welcomes short films across all genres and formats, including narrative, documentary, animation, and music videos. We’re looking for bold, original work from students, emerging talents, and established creators alike. Films must be 40 minutes or under (with submissions under 20 minutes preferred).
Selected films will compete for $3,000 in total cash prizes across three award categories: Audience Choice Award ($1,000), Jury Prize for Best Short ($1,000), and Utah Emerging Filmmaker Award ($1,000).
Submission Deadlines
Earlybird Deadline: April 23, 2026
Regular Deadline: May 23, 2026
Late Deadline: June 23, 2026
Extended Deadline: July 23, 2026
Notification Date: August 23, 2026
Event Date: September 23, 2026
There are two submission categories on FilmFreeway: Short Film and Local Utah Short Film (with reduced entry fees for Utah-based filmmakers). Submit your work at filmfreeway.com/OremFilmFestival.
What Happened in Year One
The inaugural Orem Film Festival took place on September 24, 2025, and it exceeded every expectation. Ten short films screened at Megaplex's Geneva location to a crowd of 600+ people, with every guest receiving a free Swig courtesy of Swig. Filmmakers joined live Q&A sessions after their screenings. Munn Powell, the cinematographer behind Napoleon Dynamite, gave a talk about the importance of local festivals that champion original and unique films.
We also want to thank our 2025 sponsors, whose support was crucial in creating such an immersive event: Megaplex, Swig, Vessel Kitchen, Utah Film Studios, Classic Fun Center, and Utah Film Center.
Rat Rod – Jury Prize The highest honor of the festival went to Rat Rod, an intimate and haunting documentary following mechanic Jorge Ramirez, directed by Carly and Jared Jakins. Jared joined us alongside Jorge for the live Q&A. The film was selected for its originality, technical execution, narrative strength, emotional depth, and artistic vision.
Them That's Not – Audience Award Mekhai Lee's moving short film Them That's Not closed the night and won the Audience Award. The story follows a Deaf girl grappling with loss and rising family tensions. Gorgeously made and emotionally raw, it earned the most votes of the night.
Braids – Emerging Filmmaker Award Directed by Elise Beers, Braids tells the powerful story of a young Native American boy navigating cultural prejudice on school picture day. During our Q&A, we had the honor of speaking with director Elise Beers, producer Bryson Alejandro, and lead actor Julius Sweet Tsosie.
To learn more about OFF 2025, check out our recap from last year or visit one of our features by clicking the logos below.
OFF was founded by Trevor Allen, a filmmaker and film lover from Orem, Utah. The idea came from a simple desire: to create a space where film students, hobbyists, and passionate storytellers could come together and share their work with a real audience in a real theater.
With festivals like Sundance and Slamdance shifting much of their programming outside of Utah, there’s a growing need for events that champion local voices and independent filmmakers right here in the state. OFF fills that gap in Utah County, offering an accessible, community-driven experience that puts both filmmakers and audiences first.
In an era of remakes, formulaic blockbusters, and AI-generated content, audiences are looking for something real. OFF is about celebrating genuine art, emotionally resonant storytelling, and the creative voices that make independent film so exciting.
Stay Connected
Follow us on Instagram at @OremFilmFestival and join the conversation with #OFF2026. For inquiries, contact Festival Director Trevor Allen at trevor@oremfilmfestival.com.
