‘Spirit of community’ alive and well at the Desertscape International Film Festival in St. George

Written by Stephanie DeGraw
April 3, 2024

ST. GEORGE — Community spirit and a passion for independent films were palpable last Friday as Southern Utahns and guests gathered in celebration of the 6th annual Desertscape International Film Festival.  

(L-R) John Pugh, Jessica Staples, James Morris, Michael Ballif and Adam Mast stand together at the Desertscape International Film Festival, St. George, Utah, March 29, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Torsten Bangerter, St. George News

Officials said this year’s attendance set a record for the film festival, which hosted over 40 films, including shorts and features from across the globe.

Adam Mast and John Pugh, directors/programmers of the event, told St. George News this was the festival’s most robust overall lineup featuring the strongest talent. And Mast said more filmmakers made the trip to the festival than ever. It was the first time the festival coincided with the St. George Art Festival.

“It really was a magical experience. Our goal has always been to create an intimate environment for filmmakers and filmgoers alike,” Mast said. “We want all who attend to feel welcome and to have the opportunity to engage in rich and lively conversations about the world’s greatest art form — Cinema! Further still, we’re always looking to present Southern Utah as a destination and the perfect place for these storytellers to return for future projects.”

James Morris, writer and director of “He Never Left,” told St. George News he’s been consistently impressed by Pugh and Mast and noted the difference he found with Desertscape.

“We’ve been to a lot of festivals in the last few months and the attendance and spirit of community at Desertscape really stood out,” he said.

The thriller, “He Never Left,” tells the story of Gabriel, a fugitive from the U.S. Marshals. With the help of his girlfriend, Carly, Gabriel takes refuge in an old motel. However, after hearing strange noises coming from an adjoining room, the two accidentally become the targets of the “Pale Face” killer, whose legend has haunted locals for decades.

“He Never Left” stars veteran actor Colin Cunningham (“Falling Skies,” “Stargate SG1” and “Preacher”) and local actress Jessica Staples, a featured extra on Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: an American Saga.” 

“Jessica was an absolute joy to work with from the first moment we met her,” Morris said. “And the fact that she was able to give such a powerful performance that held up to some veteran career actors really goes to show how talented she really is.”

The cast of “Breakup Season” at the Q&A of the Desertscape International Film Festival, St. George, Utah, March 29, 2024 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

The film is produced by Utah’s Witching Season Films, founded by filmmaker Michael Ballif in 2015. The company specializes in nostalgia-fueled Halloween and horror-theme projects. “He Never Left” won the Best Midnight Movie award.

Produced by the Film and Media Alliance of Southern Utah, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the art of cinema while nurturing local filmmakers, Desertscape allows filmmakers to share their work in a theatrical setting. Many of its screenings were held at the historic Electric Theater in downtown St. George.

On Friday, the world premiere of relationship dramedy “Breakup Season,” written and directed by H. Nelson Tracey, showcased. The film tells the story of a couple, played by Samantha Isler and Chandler Riggs, during an emotionally charged holiday season. Cast and crew members participated in a post-screening Q&A session.

In an email to St. George News, Tracey said it was a “huge emotional release” to have the premiere, after spending the last two years working on the movie nonstop. The entire cast, producing team, guests and family members attended the festival.

“It ended up being 50 people from our extended ‘Breakup Season’ community in the audience, plus a full house of festival attendees. Getting to share this with all these people who care about the movie so much was emotionally cathartic,” Tracey said. “It’s been a long time coming and the consensus has been resounding enthusiasm. I am deeply thankful to John and Adam of Desertscape for teeing up this experience.

Tracey said while they plan to attend more film festivals, this first one is the one they’ll never forget

“They did such a great job facilitating an unforgettable experience,” Tracey wrote. “I also must add, we had so much fun! Amid all these big emotions, it can’t be overstated how much fun this week was. Thank you, Desertscape and St. George, a place that will remain in my heart for the rest of my life.”

“Breakup Season” won four awards during the festival: Best Actress (Samantha Isler), Best Ensemble, Best Feature and Audience Choice for Best of Festival. The cast and crew include Chandler Riggs (lead actor), Isler (lead actress), James Urbaniak, Brook Hogan, Carly Stewart and Jacob Wysocki.

The festival began Wednesday with the comedy/thriller “Thelma,” written and directed by Josh Margolin, with lead actress June Squibb, a 94-year-old Oscar nominee. Desertscape also presented a retrospective screening of “Three O’Clock High,” a comedy shot at Ogden High School nearly four decades ago by director Phil Joanou.

Also, director Peter Flynn’s love letter to film enthusiasts “Film is Dead. Long Live Film!” was screened. The film takes a deep dive into film history and serves as a tribute to the individuals who preserve it. Flynn also attended a post-screening Q&A.

Cast members from the film “Breakup Season” (L-R) Chandler Riggs and Carly Stewart at the International Desertscape Film Festival, St. George, Utah, March 29, 2024 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

Another treat for festivalgoers was the 100-Year Celebration of Utah Film and Television panel, with guests James D’Arc (author of the “When Hollywood Came to Utah”), Joyce Kelly (with Greater Zion) and moderator Ryan Little (director of “Saints and Soldiers”).

“It was simply an unforgettable week and we’re hopeful that the Desertscape International Film Festival will be a Southern Utah staple for years to come,” Mast said.

2024 Desertscape International Film Festival winners
  • Best Actress: Samantha Isler, “Breakup Season”
  • Best Actor: Mark Bracich, “Chicken Coop”
  • Best International: “Rooster’s Crow”
  • Best Student Film: “Blue Hour”
  • Best Animated: “Tennis, Oranges”
  • Best Made-In-Utah: “To Err”
  • Best Short Documentary: “Oasis”
  • Best Feature Documentary: “Film is Dead. Long Live Film!”
  • Best Midnight Movie: “He Never Left”
  • Special Jury Prize: “In a Foreign and Unknown Land”
  • Discovery Award: Joseph DeGolyer, “Chicken Coop”
  • The Making a DIFFerence Award: “Free Play”
  • Best Ensemble: “Breakup Season”
  • Best Action Movie: “Thelma”
  • Best U.S. Short: “You Are Here”
  • Best Feature: “Breakup Season”
  • Audience Choice: “Breakup Season”

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  • Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephanie DeGraw is an award-winning journalist. For 25 years, she engaged in journalism, broadcasting and public relations. DeGraw worked for the Salt Lake Tribune, Associated Press and The City Journals. She was a reporter for a CBS television station in Twin Falls, Idaho. She graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Broadcasting.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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