Damn These Heels Film Festival changes name, moves to October

Utah Film Center announced a new name — Utah Queer Film Festival — Thursday, saying the change marks the festival’s “growth and commitment to representing Utah’s vibrant and diverse LGBTQIA+ communities and their allies on the national stage for queer film festivals.”

“This name change highlights the festival’s evolution and alignment with its vision of greater inclusion, intention, and impact,” the group said in a statement.

“The festival’s name change reflects our enduring commitment to Utah and our profound appreciation for the steadfast support and engagement of our attendees, donors, and community partners,” said Mariah Mellus, executive director of Utah Film Center. “Utah Queer Film Festival invites all intersectional identities to participate in the celebration of queer stories. We are honored to showcase films that reflect a multitude of perspectives and experiences, grounded in unity and collectivity.”

The queer film festival has grown exponentially since its 2003 inception, the group said, evolving from a handful of screenings during Utah Pride into a premiere cultural event curating local and international LGBTQIA+ cinema.

“As the longest-running queer film festival in the Mountain West, Damn These Heels has served as an important platform for fostering meaningful film discussions, initiating dialogue with community leaders, and amplifying the voices of storytellers within the queer community,” the statement read.

The festival has drawn over 33,000 attendees since 2003.

Usually held in Summer, the festival moved last year to mid-October. This year, it will be held Oct. 24 through 27.

More information can be found at utahfilmcenter.org.