Desertscape 2.0, is a curated mini-film festival featuring an exciting selection of films handpicked from the acclaimed Desertscape International Film Festivals of the past.
This Easter weekend, a film component is coming to the St. George Art Festival, courtesy of the City of St. George and the 501 (C)(3) nonprofit, Film and Media Alliance of Southern Utah (FMASU.) This is a first for this years-in-the-running arts showcase which started way back in 1980. The aforementioned film component is called Desertscape International Film Festival 2.0: A Best of Showcase From Past Years and it will spotlight independent shorts and features from all around the world over the course of two days.
This outstanding event will take place on Friday, April 7th, and Saturday, April 8th during the legendary St. George Art Festival. If you happen to be in the area taking in all the amazing sights and sounds this beloved Art Fest has to offer (paintings, pottery, photography, sculptures, live music, great conversation, etc.), then be sure to make this independent film showcase a part of your magical experience because yes, it’s true; Film is art, too!
The collection of films playing will be comprised of titles that have appeared at Desertscape events of the past dating back to the festival’s inception in 2019. This independent movie lover’s dream will also serve as a primer for the upcoming Desertscape International Film Festival: Year 5 which will take place in Southern Utah from June 21st thru June 24th.
Throughout St. George Art Festival weekend, Desertscape 2.0 will feature two short film blocks, two feature film blocks, and a filmmaker panel designed to give attendees a look at the ultimate art form that is cinema. Additionally, a handful of filmmakers will be on hand for post-screening Q&As. What’s more, the first 100 visitors to attend Desertscape 2.0 will receive a free gift!
As if you needed another reason to attend…
All screenings are free and will take place at the St. George Library, located at 88 W. 100 S., St. George, UT, 84770. The majority of the films are of the PG variety but there are a few that enter PG-13 terrain.
The Desertscape International Film Festival 2.0 lineup is as follows;
FRIDAY, APRIL 7TH–
11 AM-Shorts Block #1-
“Underdogs” (17 min)
Directed by Alex Astrella
This award-winning documentary explores the bond between prison inmates and the canines that serve as their support animals.
“Dandelion” (15 min)
Directed by Paula Blanco Perez
An effectively abstract exploration into the life of a woman living with Alzheimer’s.
“Sierra” (15 min)
Directed by Sander Joon
This whimsical and altogether surreal animated short tells a father/son tale set against the backdrop of the car racing world.
“Snowy” (12 min)
Directed by Alexander W. Lewis and Kaitlyn Schwalje
A gentle and affectionately offbeat mini-doc about a man and his unshakable bond with a pet turtle.
“Bethesda” (18 min) (plus Q&A)
Directed by Jennifer Baker
Beautifully shot with a stunning Utah wilderness serving as its backdrop, this student film finds a spiritual man (effectively played by Mark Bracich) fighting the elements and searching for his faith after tragedy strikes.
“Traces” (15 min)
Directed by Sébastien Pins
Over the seasons we follow a logger and his horse in the depths of the Ardennes forest and see him live his passion through the eyes of an odd young girl.
“Raspberry” (7 min)
Directed by Julian Doan
A moving story of grief, family, and death punctuated by honesty, pathos, and unexpected humor.
3 PM-Feature Film Block #1-
“Zero Gravity” (1 hr 14 min)
Directed by Thomas Verrette
This inspirational documentary follows a diverse group of middle school students from San Jose, CA as they compete in a nationwide tournament to code satellites aboard the International Space Station.
SATURDAY, APRIL 8TH–
11 AM-Shorts Block #2-
“Trouble” (6 min) (plus Q&A)
Directed by Ben Hurst
During the dying days of the Pony Express, this proof-of-concept finds a young girl and her family facing off against an unforeseen enemy while at a remote Wyoming-based outpost.
“Shiny Shiny” (6 min) (plus Q&A)
Directed by Jeff Sanders
A quirky tale of an axe-wielding individual who just wants to be understood.
“The Sounds of the Outdoors” (6 min) (plus Q&A)
Directed by Austin Schadewald
A couple on a camping getaway can’t seem to catch a break.
“Gilead” (6 min) (plus Q&A)
Directed by Caleb Hatton
A man experiences an existential crisis in this experimental, expertly shot mood piece.
“Life Support” (5 min) (plus Q&A)
Directed by Dan Fowlks and Sandi Catten
A moving drama about hitting rock bottom and finding support in the most unexpected of moments.
“Heart of a Lion” (4 min)
Directed by Jake Clayson
A music video about courage and fortitude set to the musical stylings of Alex Boye.
“The Great New Depression” (4 min)
Directed by Will Kindrick
Set to a song by The Moth & the Flame, this effective music video creatively recalls the likes of “Where the Wild Things Are.”
“El Mono” (7 min)
Directed by Luis Fernando Puente and Lizde Arias
A magical tale of a young girl who discovers that socks, coins, and toys aren’t the only things that can easily be lost.
“Rustlers” (15 min) (plus Q&A)
Directed by Rob York
A pair of modern-day cattle thieves find themselves in hot water in this authentic, funny, and thrilling tale of old-school justice.
“Storm” (11 min)
Directed by Will Kindrick
An inventive, briskly-paced love story about fate set against the backdrop of technology.
1 PM- Filmmaker Panel: A conversation with filmmakers Ben Hurst, Joseph DeGoyler, and Barrett Burgin-
3 PM-Feature Film Block #2-
“Cryo” (1 hr 50 min) (plus Q&A)
Directed by Barrett Burgin
A crafty, thought-provoking sci-fi-tinged whodunnit featuring a group of scientists who awake from cryo sleep in an isolated bunker only to discover that there might be a saboteur among them.
*SUBJECT SCHEDULE TO CHANGE
For more on Desertscape 2.0, CLICK HERE!
For more on The St. George Art Festival, CLICK HERE!
For more on the Film and Media Alliance of Southern Utah (FMASU), CLICK HERE!
