ZIFF Celebrates 25 years

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Zion’s Indie Film Fest here in Utah.

It reminded me why gatherings like this matter.

Introducing “THRIFTERS” at the Zions Indie Film Fest in Orem, UT.

Film festivals aren’t just red carpets and awards. They are meeting grounds. They are places where first-time filmmakers sit nervously in the back of the theater, where seasoned directors test new ideas, where audiences lean forward in their seats not because the marketing budget told them to — but because the story did.

Independent film is fragile.

It doesn’t have the machine of a billion-dollar studio behind it. It doesn’t have global ad campaigns or fast-food toy tie-ins. What it has is belief. It has creators who feel called to tell a story — and communities willing to show up.

At Zions Indie Film Fest, I watched filmmakers share stories that would never survive in a purely commercial system. Stories about faith. Stories about family. Stories about struggle and redemption. Stories rooted in place.

Filmmaker Rob Diamond during the premiere for “Gabriella”

I watched a full theater go through a broad range of emotions during the world premiere of Rob Diamond’s “Gabriella.” I loved seeing audiences react during the jump-scares of Rob York’s really fun ‘80’s horror-tribute, “Curse of Crom 2.” And I celebrated as a first-time filmmaker lived their dreams of putting their film on the big screen, when Connor McFarlane screened the low-budget crime drama “Thrifters.”

Over 6 days, 100+ movies, and countless Q&A sessions, audiences were inspired, and stories made an impact.

That’s the kind of storytelling we believe in at Help Them See.

When you support local film festivals, you’re not just buying a ticket.
You’re encouraging risk.
You’re validating voices.
You’re helping someone’s first project not be their last.

Screening “The Lost Marble” at Zions Indie Film Fest in Orem, UT.

And here’s something I was reminded of this weekend: today’s festival filmmaker is tomorrow’s industry leader. The relationships formed in those hallways and lobby conversations shape the films we’ll all be watching five and ten years from now.

For us as a foundation, supporting independent film isn’t just about donating to the cause. It’s about showing up. It’s about participating in the ecosystem. It’s about building community.

Because healthy storytelling communities don’t happen by accident. They’re cultivated.

If you care about meaningful, values-driven storytelling — attend a local festival. Watch an indie film. Share one with a friend. Encourage a filmmaker.

The future of film doesn’t only live in Hollywood.

Sometimes it’s screening in a small theater in Utah, with a filmmaker sitting quietly in the back row, hoping their story connects.

And when it does — that’s magic.

Thank you for being part of a community that helps stories be seen.

— Garrett
Help Them See Foundation