DESERTSCAPE FILM FESTIVAL ‘26 REVEALS FULL LINEUP
Thursday, March 19 – St. George, UT– The Desertscape International Film Festival has revealed the full lineup for its 2026 edition, announcing that Sundance selection “If I Go Will They Miss Me”, starring Danielle Brooks, will open the festival while Lionsgate’s “Power Ballad” from director John Carney will serve as the Closing Night film. The 8th annual event, presented by the Film and Media Alliance of Southern Utah (FMASU), runs April 1–4, 2026, with screenings and events centered at the historic Electric Theater in downtown St. George, Utah.
DIFF 2026 will showcase over 50 feature and short films from around the world, representing a wide range of genres, perspectives, and storytelling styles.
“Desertscape is back, and we’re celebrating its momentous 8th year with a lineup that promises to be the strongest yet,” says John Pugh, FMASU Vice President and Desertscape 2026 Festival Director. “We carefully curated a selection of films, engaging workshops, and enlightening filmmaker panels to make year eight an unforgettable experience for film enthusiasts.”
The festival will open with Walter Thompson-Hernandez’ “If I Go Will They Miss Me”, following its buzzed-about premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. This lyrical (and sometimes surreal) coming-of-age tale finds a young boy trying to connect with his distant father while navigating life in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. The film was recently acquired by Rich Spirit in a near $1 million deal that includes U.S. rights and select international territories, with a fall theatrical release being planned.
The festival will close with Lionsgate’s “Power Ballad” from director John Carney, following its North American premiere at the 2026 SXSW Film Festival. When Rick (Paul Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny (Nick Jonas) during a gig, the two bond over music and a late-night jam session. But when Danny turns one of Rick’s songs into the hit that reignites his career, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is a feel-good story about music, self-respect, friendship, and the price of ambition.
Adam Mast, FMASU President and Desertscape 2026 Festival Co-Director added; “Desertscape 2026 features a fantastic mix of shorts and features from around the world, offering a little bit of something for everyone. We’re also thrilled to, once again, run in tandem with the legendary St. George Art Festival, bringing so much creative energy to our city. It’s a chance for audiences to experience incredible independent films while also enjoying the natural beauty and vibrant arts community of Southern Utah.”
Other highlights from the 2026 lineup include the SXSW-premiering survival documentary “The Ascent”, which follows a bilateral amputee attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the world premiere of “The Strawberry”, an emotionally powerful drama from the Plummer Brothers featuring an unforgettable performance by “M*A*S*H” star Mike Farrell.
Festival attendees will also have the opportunity to see legendary character actor Doug Jones (The Shape of Water, Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy, Hocus Pocus), who will appear at the festival in support of two films making their world premieres at Desertscape: the feature “The Strawberry” and the short “Pretty Boys”.
Beyond film screenings, Desertscape will also host a range of special events, workshops, and panels throughout the weekend. Among them is an independent film finance workshop hosted by Stephen Mastrocola of Buffalo 8, who will also discuss the upcoming feature “Alfalfa,” written and directed by Jack Fessenden, which is slated to film in Southern Utah. Fessenden will be in attendance during the festival. In addition to filmmakers and industry guests, attendees can expect panel discussions, networking opportunities, a live script read, opening and closing night after parties, and the festival’s annual awards ceremony.
The second half of DIFF will once again coincide with the St. George Art Festival, adding to the celebratory atmosphere throughout the city. Art Festival events will include a free live performance by The Aquabats on the evening of Friday, April 3rd.
DIFF 2026 FEATURE FILMS OFFICIAL SELECTIONS:
“Power Ballad” directed by John Carney | Ireland/USA
When Rick (Paul Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny (Nick Jonas) during a gig, the two bond over music and a late-night jam session. But when Danny turns one of Rick’s songs into the hit that reignites his career, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. POWER BALLAD is a feel-good story about music, self-respect, friendship, and the price of ambition.
“If I Go Will They Miss Me” directed by Walter Thompson-Hernandez | USA
Following its buzzed-about 2026 Sundance Film Festival premiere, this lyrical (and sometimes surreal) coming-of-age tale finds a young boy looking to connect with his distant father, all while navigating day-to-day life in a Los Angeles Watts neighborhood.
“The Ascent” directed by Edward Drake, Scott Veltri, and Francis Cronin | USA | Utah Premiere
Fresh off its world premiere at South By Southwest, this intense and inspirational survival documentary about a bilateral amputee who sets off to climb the highest peak of Kilimanjaro is all about resilience and the human condition.
“The Strawberry” directed by the Plummer Brothers | USA | World Premiere
The World Premiere of a poignant, sobering, and altogether emotionally-charged drama featuring an unforgettable performance by Mike Farrell (of “M*A*S*H*” fame) as a man who looks to reconnect with his family after he discovers he’s terminally ill.
“I’ve Seen All I Need to See” directed by Zeshaan Younus | USA | Utah Premiere
This artistic, beautifully photographed, nonlinear character drama about a woman returning to her hometown after the untimely passing of her estranged sister is as haunting as it is understated.
“Crusty Fouler” directed by John Giacobbe | USA | Utah Premiere
While in a state of mourning, a couple (played by Giacobbe and Anabelle LeMieux) set sail in the middle of nowhere, and before long, it becomes clear that they both have secrets to hide in this strange, provocative, and unique two-character piece.
“The Last Picture Shows” directed by Rustin Thompson | USA | Utah Premiere
A heartfelt and often heartbreaking look at the decline of the all-too-rare single-screen movie houses of the American West.
DIFF 2026 SHORT FILMS OFFICIAL SELECTIONS:
“Candy Bar” directed by Nash Edgerton | Australia
After making its debut at Sundance, this sweet and sour gem of an Australian import about a chance encounter between a man and a grief-stricken child in a movie theater snack bar makes its way to Desertscape.
“Morgan” directed by Connor England | USA
An inspirational, beautifully shot mini-doc about a charismatic young woman who uses rock climbing as a way of life.
“No Left Turns” directed by Douglas Ryan | USA | Utah Premiere
With a tone akin to Locke and the works of Michael Mann, this short takes place almost entirely within the confines of a car and follows a recovering addict as she does her best to stay clean.
“Pretty Boys” directed by Sof Puchley | USA | World Premiere
Matt Edwards (who also wrote and produced) stars alongside the legendary Doug Jones (Pan’s Labyrinth) in this heartfelt (and funny) father/son story about an actor reconnecting with his fading movie star of a dad while on a road trip.
“Serenity” directed by Frank Tremblay | Canada | Utah Premiere
An incredibly moving drama about the bond that develops between a funeral home employee and a woman suffering from the loss of a loved one.
“The Seeing Eye Dog Who Saw Everything” directed by Eric Jackowitz | USA | Utah Premiere
Fresh off its debut at SXSW, this righteously hilarious send-up of Giallo films makes the perfect Desertscape After Dark entry.
Full Short Film program can be found at www.fmasu.com/desertscape
**The DIFF 2026 schedule and titles are subject to change. Awards in multiple categories will be handed out on the final night of the festival.
All-Access Passes for Desertscape 2026 are currently available for $199, providing admission to all screenings and events, after parties, and access to a VIP lounge along with an exclusive festival swag bag. Four-Day Movie Lover Passes are available for $99, while individual film block tickets ($10 each) will go on sale in mid-March.
Full Festival Lineup and Screenplay Semi-finalists can be found at https://www.fmasu.com/2026diffofficialselections
