Raindance Film Festival Picks Ogden As Permanent Home for its U.S. Edition
NEWS
2025 Raindance Film Festival in London. Photo provided
UK’s biggest independent film festival is making its U.S. debut, and Ogden, Utah has been named its official host city. The festival, set to debut in March, 2027, will bring tens of thousands to the Wasatch Front for independent films, technology showcases, and industry networking opportunities.
Raindance Film Festival was founded in 1992, suitably named for the weather of its London host city, in contrast to the Sundance Film Festival. For more than three decades, it has helped launch the careers of well-known filmmakers, including Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer, Inception), Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes, The Gentlemen), and Edgar Wright (Baby Driver, Last Night in Soho).
Raindance Founder Elliot Grove (right) at the 2025 Raindance Film Festival in London. Photo provided
The U.S. edition will expand the London festival’s commitment to discovering, supporting, and promoting new independent filmmaking talent, festival organizers stated in a press release. The yearly event will include World & U.S. Premieres of independent films, Industry Panels & Workshops led by award-winning filmmakers and producers, Film & Technology Showcases, Community Events designed to engage local audiences and spotlight Utah’s film talent, Student Film Events & Workshops, and Year-round programming for students and adults.
After Utah was selected as home for the U.S. Raindance, multiple cities were considered. When Dawn Hauptner, Creative Development Director for Raindance Film Festival, walked down Historic 25th Street, Ogden became number one on the list.
“We saw some really great things here [in Utah]— strong film industry, supportive film commission, every kind of backdrop you can imagine (mountains, rural, unique landscapes, city, urban, etc.), strong, forward-thinking communities, and lots of passionate filmmakers,” Hauptner said.
Ogden-based filmmaker and co-founder of New Ogden Cinema, Brandie McDonald, is thrilled by the news. “Raindance is one of the most prominent film festivals recognized on a global scale, “ she said. “They can provide an opportunity for a very grassroots filmmaker like myself and potentially put my work in front of an international audience. I think it helps bridge the gap between small-town filmmaking and the global indie film industry.”
As a festival rooted in community, Hauptner said they wanted a community that would welcome them as one of their own. “We are bringing an entire infrastructure here, not just a film festival.”
They are currently going through the approval process to open a charter school in Ogden. “The charter school will provide a strong academic model plus professional-level training in performing arts, visual arts, and film beginning in kindergarten—free to Ogden families. It will be the only charter school in the world to be directly affiliated with an international film festival,” she said.
Ogden was ultimately chosen for the people who live and work here, and ready-made film festival infrastructure and downtown venues, Hauptner said, with several arts and educational organizations who want to be involved: OCA [Ogden Contemporary Arts], The Monarch, Weber State University, Peery's Egyptian Theater, Copper Nickel, and Union Station. “Ogden has just enough ‘grit’ and a lot of charm - perfect for a film festival. The interesting history and a city that embraces it.”