Salt Lake City, Utah – The 49th Utah Arts Festival has unveiled its prestigious awards spanning visual arts, film, and literary programs, celebrating a diverse array of talent and creativity.
The Fear No Film segment, which celebrated its 22nd year, announced twelve awards, including a Grand Jury Prize, a Fearless Filmmaker Award, alongside several honorable mentions and audience-choice awards. Representing the state’s most significant short film event, this year’s program featured a selection of 78 short films—the second-largest collection in festival history. Few festivals nationwide can boast a peer-reviewed, juried film program of this caliber.
Under the coordination of Derek Mellus, the event showcased films from 14 countries, notably including nine from Iran—marking the largest representation from a single nation outside the U.S. Among the selection, 19 films originated from Utah, illustrating the emerging quality of local filmmaking, particularly in narrative shorts. The overall compilation included eight narrative films, six documentaries, and five children-focused films.
The Grand Jury Prize for Best in Show was awarded to “Confused Blood,” directed by James Cutler. Hailing from Australia, the film explores the identity struggles of a half-Korean man living in Seoul, deftly intertwining personal narrative with a significant Korean folktale about transformation and patience. Cutler, who draws from his Utah roots and familial experiences, employs a blend of documentary and narrative filmmaking.
The Fearless Filmmaker Award went to Mahtab Pishghadam for her short film “Inside.” This Iranian entry portrays the challenges of gender identity in sports, focusing on a young soccer player who faces scrutiny about her eligibility just before a crucial match, contrasting sharply with ongoing debates on the issue in the United States.
In additional categories, Joan Lyiola received an Honorable Mention for Best Direction for her poignant narrative “Mango,” which focuses on a florist struggling with fibroids while navigating the healthcare system. Her work is deeply personal, having drawn from her own experiences with this condition.
Honorable Mentions also recognized significant achievements in cinematography and production design. Kağan Kerimoğlu earned accolades for his cinematography in “Without Heaven,” which explores a daughter’s relationship with her mother against the backdrop of domestic violence. Meanwhile, Katarzyna Tomczyk received recognition for her work in “People & Things,” which captures a mother and daughter confronting the uncertainty of a missing relative amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Further awards were distributed in various categories, celebrating emerging artists and established filmmakers alike. The Audience Awards recognized standout entries in multiple genres, underscoring the festival’s commitment to diverse artistic expression.
The festival also announced nine awards for its Artist Marketplace, which showcases visual arts. Notably, winners of the Best of Show and People’s Choice categories will receive waived booth fees for the 2026 festival, allowing them to continue their artistic journeys.
The Utah Arts Festival also highlighted honorees from the Mayor’s Artist Awards, showcasing individuals and organizations making a significant impact in the local arts scene, such as Gretchen Dietrich of the Utah Museum of Fine Arts and Laura Durham, who champions community engagement through the arts.
Notably, the Salt Lake Film Society was recognized for its contributions in promoting independent cinema, further enhancing the cultural landscape of Salt Lake City.
The Utah Arts Festival celebrates not only the artistic community but also fosters an environment for connection and appreciation of diverse cultures and creative expressions.
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