'Outlaw Trail' to start LDS film fest

OREM — A free premiere of a new film by the director of "Saints and Soldiers" will launch the Sixth Annual LDS Film Festival.

Ryan Little's "The Outlaw Trail" will be shown in the newly remodeled 730-seat XanGo Grand Theatre. Festivities will include a meet-and-mingle at 6 p.m., opening night gala at 7 p.m. and the feature film at 8 p.m. Tickets are free, but required, and may be picked up at the SCERA Center main office. Actress Heather Beers ("Charly") will be master of ceremonies for the evening, which will also include musical guests and film clips. The dress is informal.

The premiere is the kick-off celebration for the four-day festival. The festival offers a variety of of premieres, short and feature length films, workshops and presentations, displays, networking and the popular 24-hour filmmaking competition.

"We have never before had so many LDS filmmakers making films than we have today," said Christian Vuissa, festival organizer. "One of the great things about running the festival is that we get a glimpse of the talent that's out there early on." This year for example, Vuissa said, "two former LDS Film Festival winners are represented in Sundance and Slamdance. Last year we had four films in Slamdance. Things are happening."

The festival, which is the creation of Vuissa, a BYU film graduate, was established as a way for filmmakers to network and share ideas and to provide an opportunity for their films to be shown to the public.

"When we started the LDS Film Festival, we had a vision that years down the road we would be able to showcase the kind of program we are offering this year," Vuissa said. "It's mind-boggling to me that we've made so much progress in the five years since the first festival."

Because of the festival title, Vuissa is often asked if all the films follow LDS themes. His quick answer is, "No. While some films may have an LDS message, they really encompass the entire range of film from quirky comedies to drama. It is up to the director to decide how his personal values will be translated to film."

Some of the feature films that will be screened include "The Sasquatch Dumpling Gang," "Mr. Dungbeetle," "Familiar Spirits," "Returning With Honor," "American Grace," "The Dance," "Intellectual Property," "The Haunting of Marsten Manor," "The Return," "Liken the Scriptures," "Yard Sale," "The War Within the War," "Fire on Ice" and "Sisterz in Zion."