Utah Screenwriters Spotlight

We’re just days away from the November 2nd submission deadline for the Utah International Film Festival, which makes this the perfect moment to shine a spotlight on some of the incredible screenwriting talent right here in the Beehive State.

Utah is packed with writers—far more than I could fit into one post—but these are local storytellers who have submitted their scripts to UIFF this year, and I can’t wait to see many of them pitching live at PitchTank. We won’t know which projects are officially selected for the festival until December 7th, but while we wait, here’s a look at a few of the exciting screenplays being developed across Utah.

“The Paper Daughter” – Written by Howard Lun Hong
UIFF alumni Howard Lun Hong returns with his short screenplay The Paper Daughter, set in early-1900s San Francisco during a period of intense anti-Chinese discrimination. The story follows a trafficked girl whose bravery sparks a dangerous rescue mission led by two unlikely saints willing to defy powerful Chinese gangs. Rooted in a little-told chapter of American history, the script highlights courage, cultural resilience, and the fight to protect the “Paper Daughters.” A gripping, socially conscious narrative that blends suspense with heartfelt advocacy for forgotten voices.

“Uncle David” – Written by Ashley Coles
Ashley’s recent short screenplay Uncle David follows a reclusive novelist whose quiet life is thrown into chaos when his image-obsessed niece is dropped off for the weekend. This Drama-Comedy leans into the awkward hilarity of family relationships while keeping the story appropriate for all ages. The script has a strong emotional transformation and satisfying ending, clever character-defining slang, and clean formatting. The heart and humor shine through in a story about breaking barriers and finding connection.

“When in Shelter” – Written by Spencer White
Spencer’s latest television script When in Shelter follows a faith-driven family who, after inheriting overwhelming debt from a missing relative, are forced into a homeless shelter where they must rebuild their lives and strengthen their bond. The script focuses on themes of resilience, family unity, and hope amid struggle, grounded in realistic dialogue that reflects working-class strength. I really appreciated the emotional nuance between the parents and the moral center of the story. The piece delivers a heartfelt look at how adversity reshapes a family’s purpose and community.

“The Jello in Room 913” – Written by Justin Wheeler & Natalie Lynch
This short screenplay centers on an unlikely bond between a grieving man and a sharp-tongued teen in a shared hospital room. Equal parts comedic and heartfelt, the script explores connection through dark humor and the stages of grief. What worked most for me was the witty, emotionally layered banter and the believable intimacy between the characters. This is a screenplay that is touching, human, and full of personality.

“The Hammer” – Written by John D. Farmer & Alicia O. Farmer
The Hammer is a feature film script about Francis—wrongfully thrown into the system as a child—who grows into the fierce leader of his own outlaw motorcycle club. The gritty narrative blends Action and Drama with a grindhouse edge while exploring loyalty, trauma, and chosen family. The vivid world-building and consistent tone, along with the compelling transformation of Francis into his hardened alter ego really worked for me. This is a high-octane character study of a man shaped by love, violence, and vengeance.

“Tuning Heartstrings” – Written by Heather Jensen (Southern Utah)
Heather’s feature Tuning Heartstrings follows a brilliant surgeon devastated by tragedy who rediscovers purpose through a rock musician hiding a life-threatening heart condition. Romance meets medical drama as the pair navigates vulnerability, fame, and healing. I loved the fully realized characters and authentic medical detail. The emotional journey is tender and resonant.

“The Wolves of Mount Saturn” – Written by Derek Hutchins
Derek’s feature plunges into a brutal post-apocalyptic wasteland where a mute woman fights to rescue her husband before a Cannibal King devours him. Packed with combat and world-mythology, the script feels like a genre mash-up of Action, Sci-Fi, and Road Warrior-style survival. I’m into the characters and high-energy action. This wild desert odyssey has the makings of a cult-classic adventure.

“When We Show Up” – Written by Trish Walker (Salt Lake City)
Trish’s docudrama When We Show Up follows a team of volunteers delivering disaster relief in a storm-battered town, turning service into hope.It is tightly written, emotional, and filled with authentic compassion, with a unique perspective by spotlighting the responders instead of the victims. The short stands as a tribute to ordinary people showing up when called.

“Checked Out” – Written by Sara Siggard & Amy Santos
This feature script Checked Out is a twisted dark comedy in which three women fall for the same man… who ends up dead. Suddenly, they’re dodging the mob, the killer, and the police in a chaotic scramble for survival. This is funny, female-driven, and full of potential for a wildly entertaining crime caper. With its strong premise and comedic bite, this story embraces the messy fallout of loving the wrong guy.

“Pirates of Vengeance” – Written by Shane Morrisun (Park City)
Shane’s short Pirates of Vengeance sails into a 1738 Caribbean adventure where a runaway pirate steals treasure—and his future—while racing his ruthless captain to freedom. The script’s fast pace and tight story left me eager for more as I love Shane’s structure and the cinematic vibe. This is a high-stakes pirate tale that delivers swashbuckling thrills.

“American Prophet” – Written by Conor Long & Walter Mirkss
This short film takes a provocative look at a young Joseph Smith staging a resurrection before his followers—walking the razor edge between devotion and deception. I was impressed with the punchy period dialogue, vivid imagery, and a sharp depiction of charisma used as power. This is a narrative that humanizes a controversial figure while leaning into the theatricality of belief.

“The Mark of Eve” – Written by Melody Brown Welch
Melody’s feature The Mark of Eve reclaims the story of artist Lee Krasner, exploring her turbulent marriage with Jackson Pollock while reframing the myths of art, gender, and creation. I was most drawn into the honest, emotionally charged portrayal of Krasner’s evolution—the decision to center her rather than the more famous man beside her. Poetic, bold, and rich with meaning, this script paints a necessary portrait of a woman history overlooked.

“Nothin But Bogeys” – Written by Alan Lucchetti (Salt Lake City)
Alan’s comedic short Nothin But Bogeys centers on a husband whose golf obsession pushes honesty—and his marriage—to the edge. This short has a fun premise and strong pacing, and is multi-layered beneath the comedy. The humor and relationship tension offer a relatable and entertaining watch. This is a spirited take on what happens when hobbies tee off into trouble.

“Swimming in the Rain” – Written by A.J. Moss
This feature blends fantasy and romance as Kaleb—a teen terrified of thunderstorms yet mysteriously connected to them—falls for a girl who only appears when it rains. I was struck by the originality and emotional heart of the script, and am impressed with AJ’s creative worldbuilding and themes. A tender supernatural love story that asks whether healing can be found in the storm.

“Turns Out It’s The Apocalypse… We Think” – Written by Natalie Lynch & Tara Jayn
This feature pairs two lifelong friends in a bunker during what may—or may not—be the end of the world. When the prepper boyfriend never shows, cabin fever, secrets, and survival instincts take over. I LOVED the fast, funny dialogue and the clever use of movie knowledge to decode what’s happening outside without feeling self-referential. This is a buddy comedy with heart that proves sometimes the hardest disaster to survive is each other.

“War” – Written by John Cheney
John’s short political thriller War follows a campaign manager who backs an underdog candidate to take down a corrupt government—and his own former boss. I liked the clear direction, thematic punch, and smooth pacing. The script delivers an intelligent exploration of power, betrayal, and the steep cost of winning. I like the sharp reminder that political victories rarely come clean.

“Neb of the Spiral” – Written by AJ Moss
This feature fantasy-drama centers on Neb, a girl from the spirit realm who breaks sacred rules to save a mortal boy and experience the life she never had. Another banger from AJ with the emotional core and imaginative concept, the visuals are vivid and the supernatural idea compelling.  What AJ does really well is crafts a story that is a heartfelt crossing of two worlds that explores hope, sacrifice, and second chances.

“Lily and the Kid” – Written by Shane Morrisun (Park City)
Shane’s television pilot Lily and the Kid reimagines the rise of Billy the Kid as a coming-of-age journey told through flashbacks, with his loyal horse Lily ever at his side. I liked the historical detail, strong world building, and emotional bond at the heart of the story. The result is a grounded Western adventure that reveals the boy behind the legend.

“Obsession’s Rising” – Written by Andrew DeBennett & Shane Nolan
This feature thriller follows a coffee shop owner whose infatuation with a customer escalates into violence and horror. The atmosphere is engaging and the premise is darkly intriguing. Obsession’s Rising is a  chilling look at obsession that taps into fear, isolation, and the danger of a love that consumes.

“#BecauseOf” – Written by Julie Johnson Oliver (Ogden Valley)
Julie’s feature #BecauseOf is based on a 2014 true story from Utah, where a teen channels grief into action after her best friend’s suicide, fighting to protect others and break silence around mental health. I appreciated the clear emotional core and clean writing style Julie used here. The intention is powerful—a call for community, compassion, and courage in the face of unspoken struggles.

“Cure for Creativity” – Written by Steve Capone Jr.
Steve’s short Cure for Creativity explores a desperate father-writer who undergoes radical psychological treatment to save his relationship with his daughter—only to discover creativity has a horrifying cost. What stood out to me was its originality, building tension, and polished formatting.  This is a clever and unsettling horror concept that asks what we would sacrifice for the people we love.

Utah’s screenwriting community is packed with stories waiting to be discovered. Whether these projects ultimately land in this year’s festival or continue developing on their own trajectory, every one of these writers represents the creative spirit celebrated at UIFF.

If you’re a screenwriter in Utah—or anywhere, really—and you’re ready to take the next step, I’d love to see you at PitchTank during the Utah International Film Festival. Bring your log-lines and stories (more than 1 encouraged). So many screenplays got the green light last season, yours may be next.

Keep writing and keep pushing those scripts forward.

The world needs your story.