If you are a film buff, you will be excited to know that a new film festival is scheduled for June 8-11, 2016.

The Park City International Film Festival will be holding its inaugural event this summer, with organizers hoping that the festival will continue to be held annually.

The event is being organized by a Utah County organization — the Equity United Foundation. The organization plans to screen family friendly movies, and is considered a new entry to other film festivals that are not often considered to be affairs for the entire family.

According to festival organizers, the festival will have a home base at the Hotel Park City, with three or four other locations expected to be finalized soon.

Managing director of Equity United Foundation Harrison Hodges, says that the festival organizers hope to screen about 50 films during the first year. He says that he wants to event to draw about 40,000 festival-goers to Park City. If these numbers are reached, it would be one of the largest events in Park City.

Hodges says that the films will be selected by nine full-time staffers. He also says that the festival wants to show movies that audiences can see as assisting them to “elevate themselves personally.” He also says that he thinks that people do want films within the family friendly genre

He says, “We believe elevating the human spirit is critical in today’s world.” He says organizers anticipate that a number of faith-based films will be shown.

Organizers announced in a press release that 71 films have been submitted for considering. Filmmakers both domestically and internationally have submitted entries. Entries have been received from countries including Brazil, Iran, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom. According to the release, price money totaling $26,000 will be awarded.

Hodges says that Park City was selected because of it is known as an international destination.

Park City is well-known in the film world because of the annual Sundance Film Festival, and the Slamdance Film Festival. Hodges says, “We certainly respect the Sundance Film Festival. They’ve done very well, if you’re talking economics.”

Park City Rental Properties is excited to welcome another great event to our area. We know that Park City is an international destination, not only for its great outdoor recreational activities, but also its arts and cultural offerings.