International film festival is coming to Utah, picking Ogden as it’s home
Aug 27, 2025, 1:19 PM | Updated: 8:16 pm
People gather at a Raindance screening in the U.K. (Raindance)
(Raindance)
SALT LAKE CITY — A film festival based in the U.K. is set to make it’s American debut in Odgen.
Raindance is based in the UK and has been running for over 30 years. The festival jump-started the careers of filmmakers like Edgar Wright (Baby Driver, Last Night in Soho), Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes, The Gentlemen), and Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer, Inception).
“I think Raindance is probably best known for emerging talent in independent film,” says Creative Development Director Dawn Hauptner.
When it came to choosing a U.S. location, she says Ogden checked all their boxes.
“First thing is we knew that Utah really has just a good, strong film industry here, a wonderful film commission, you know, just very supportive in growing film in Utah, and we saw that as an opportunity.”
Raindance noted Ogden’s commitment to the arts
She says in Ogden she saw a commitment to the arts.
“We like that they’re growing their art district, and it’s a good emerging district. And to us, that’s exciting because we want a community that we can grow with and that we can combine what we have and make it stronger.”
Hauptner says they were also drawn in by how active the city is.
“They love their events and have good participation, and the community embraces their events, and we like that.”
She says they also just really love the look and feel of the city.
Raindance already has a good relationship with The Monarch, Ogden Contemporary Art, and Weber State, all potential locations for viewings and other events.
Raindance will be more than a film festival. They plan to have:
- World & U.S. Premieres of independent films from around the globe.
- Industry Panels & Workshops led by award-winning filmmakers and producers.
- Film & Technology Showcases highlighting virtual production, AI, and emerging media.
- Community Events designed to engage local audiences and spotlight Utah’s film talent.
- Student Film Events & Workshops for students in grades K-12.
- Year-round programming for students and adults.
Their first festival will be held in March 2027, but as soon as next summer they will start year-round programming for students and community members.
Related: ‘Think Sundance meets Coachella’: A new first-of-its-kind festival plans to take root in Utah
