Film Review: SLCC End of Semester Student Documentary Screening

A nearly daylong marathon of student films came to a close with a screening of three 30-minute documentaries.

The Panto Connection: A Different Kind of Theatre
Directed by Elizabeth Pope Dealan, this film follows Jords Shami, a Utah transplant from the UK with aspirations to introduce British pantomime, a style of musical stage comedy, to U.S. audiences. Dealean delivers a lighthearted look at Shami’s efforts to start a theatre company, write a musical and find a venue to share his vision.

True to its comedic subject matter, the film captures both the humor and heart behind the production, blending scenes from the musical with amused — and sometimes bewildered — reactions from children in the audience. The crew even steps out from behind the camera at times, breaking the fourth wall with commentary and reactions to what they’re filming. The result is an immersive experience: we watch the audience interact with performers while also engaging with the filmmakers themselves.

As Shami’s story unfolds, we see not just how this form of theatre has shaped him but how art, expression and creativity impact everyone involved. The Panto Connection ultimately feels like an invitation — not just to experience British pantomime but to reconnect with your own creative instincts.

Ikigai: Exploring a Reason for Living
Directed by Brooke Giles, this film shares the stories of two individuals who have faced profound adversity and reshaped their lives.

After losing a close friend and the end of a major relationship, competitive boulderer Tanner Mack fell into deep depression. Following struggles with addiction, mental health and a suicide attempt, he reflects on how he rediscovered a drive to keep living — and pushing himself.

Two near-fatal accidents forced Fischer Olpin, proprietor of Fish-Ski Designs, to reconsider his path as an engineer. He instead chose to build his own company, hand-sewing bold bike accessories designed to complement colorful, adventurous lifestyles.

Giles pairs these stories with sweeping visuals of the natural environments that ground her subjects — fields, rivers, boulders and mountains. Even without dialogue, the film makes a compelling visual case for seeking meaning. Her interviews feel casual and familiar, layered with close-up looks at climbing holds and the careful craftsmanship of Olpin’s bags. These tactile, detailed practices mirror the internal work both men have done to survive and to build lives worth living.

Devil in God’s City
Directed by Riley Hastings, Devil in God’s City features interviews with local bands and musicians — P.S. Destroy This, Baghead, Valhalla, DJ Dazzle, DJ Domino and Sabbatage — as they explore the role of hardcore music within Utah’s heavily conservative and religious culture.

Hastings presents a rich community of expression and belonging, showing how cultural outsiders create their own microcosm of noise, art and chosen family. The artists speak candidly about their motivations and the importance of coming together — not just to perform but to cope with the challenges of living in a place where they often feel misunderstood and unheard.

Visually, the documentary is striking. It moves fluidly between guerrilla-style street footage and vividly composed, highly stylized music video sequences. This contrast captures the duality of the scene itself: chaotic mosh pits alongside meticulously crafted music and fashion. It’s messy and precise, raw and intentional — all at once. —Ben Trentelman

Read more film reviews by Ben Trentelman:
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Slamdance Film Review: Darla in Space