Before having such a versatile space, Studio Elevn was a much smaller workplace, limiting the artistic freedom of those who wanted to create. Now, they have a complete, multiple-floor, New York City–style loft, perfect for any size of project or special event. … read more
When it comes to country music, it’s all about the song, the story, the emotion and, for the lack of a better word, the soul. That’s the thing that can’t be faked. So, when the real thing comes along, it is like a punch to the gut. That’s how I felt when I first heard Luke Bell, who comes to play Salt Lake City at The State Room on Aug. 2. … read more
Venezuelan director Lorenzo Vigas’ Golden Lion–winning feature debut is a terse and gripping story of two men and their relationship’s shifting dynamics of power, affection and closeness. … read more
In what may well be the most WTF-worthy film of the festival, Ben Charles Edwards’ Set the Thames on Fire is a beautifully dark fairy tale that calls to mind the films of Terry Gilliam and Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Taking place in a dystopic shadow of London, which has been drowned by the slow rise of the River Thames, Set the Thames on Fire introduces itself as “an agony in three acts.” … read more
Like the title implies, Closet Monster is a film about the deep, dark fears that are born somewhere in our childhood. In the case of the film’s main character Oscar (Connor Jessup) however, these repressed anxieties are attached to his own homosexuality. It’s a well-illustrated look at the sexual confusion that many young people face, especially when negative stereotypes continue to perpetuate among those they care about. … read more
For the better part of a decade, Salt Lake City was home to a thriving underground goth scene. It was goth before goth was pigeonholed into being something defined by Hot Topic or mainstream media. … read more
Southwest of Salem tells a shockingly similar tale of a trial that took place in San Antonio back in 1994. Both cases involved four lesbian women of color, and both cases clearly demonstrate how conservative mob mentality can hijack the criminal justice system.
Out Run illuminates the complexities of LGBTQ+ lives and identities and how they interact with political movements, cultural norms and global progress toward—or away from—LGBTQ+ equality. … read more
In her biographical doc, MAJOR!, director Annalise Ophelian celebrates the immense life and history of Miss Major. … read more
Star-crossed lovers in rural American towns is something that we’ve seen before, but Shoval’s portrayal of a potential army recruit named Joey and her illicit romance with local housewife Rayna manages to breathe new, melancholy life into the genre. … read more
Featuring films like Desde Allá (Lorenzo Vigas), Southwest of Salem (Deborah Esquenazi) and more, the Utah Film Center’s 13th annual Damn These Heels Film Festival continues to celebrate LGBTQ films, filmmakers and narratives. … read more
Cori Redstone is an L.A. contemporary artist—but her roots are based right here in Utah. Like many Utah children, Redstone was raised in a conservative home that denied her the right to self-expression; however, Redstone did not let that stand in the way of finding her authentic self. … read more
