History:
Past Festivals: Check out the Photo Gallery for pictures! |
The Thunderbird International Film Festival was originally developed by Mariam Arthur, while attending Southern Utah University. As a screenwriting major, Arthur was involved with several independent films and television projects. With support from the Communication Department, she began work on the festival in the Fall of 2000.
An advisory board was assembled and things came together quickly. The first festival exceeded all expectations and an expanded executive board was formed.
While researching other festivals, it was discovered that very few focused on family values. Guidelines were established to create a morally friendly atmosphere while allowing for variances in cultural values.
It was also decided to capitalize on the unique Southern Utah landscape and rich film history to encourage tourism and festival attendance.
While other festivals seek only professional independent films, the Thunderbird International Film Festival has the goal of advocating for student and amateur filmmakers. The TIFF is committed to providing a venue for aspiring filmmakers to see their work on a big screen.
Professional filmmakers are welcome and encouraged to enter the festival in their own division. The festival is actively seeking to establish a market and would like to see a "job fair" be part of our festival in the future. We have currently expanded to include seminars and aerial tours of Southern Utah movie locations.
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