Utah
Utah Film Commission celebrates 100 years of Utah-made films
SALT LAKE CITY — According to the Utah Film Commission, 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the premieres of the first Utah-made films.
“The Covered Wagon” was the first Utah-made film to premiere. Filmed in 1923, Utah’s picturesque scenery set the standard for the appearances of Western movies that followed.
Sept. 8, 2024, will mark the centennial anniversary of the release of the 1924 silent film. Additionally, “The Deadwood Coach,” also filmed in Utah, premiered Dec. 7, 1924, according to The American Film Institute.
Celebrating the occasion
In honor of Utah’s vast, century-long involvement in film, the Utah Film Commission is presenting an exhibition at the state Capitol.
According to the Utah Film Commission website, the exhibit was inspired by James V. D’Arc’s book, “When Hollywood Came to Utah.”
The exhibit includes items such as props, scripts, crew gifts and behind-the-scenes photos. Additionally, information panels throughout the exhibit highlight the array of Utah-made films that have been brought to life in the state.
(Mariah Maynes/KSL NewsRadio)
According to the exhibit, Utah’s scenery has “inspire[d] great storytelling.” Kanab, a city in Southern Utah, was called “Little Hollywood” by many because of the numerous productions made there.
While exploring the numerous Utah-made films, visitors to the exhibit also learn about what goes on behind the camera. One section details just a handful of the many roles played in the making of a movie or television show.
Lastly, the exhibit highlights the Beehive State’s love and support of filmmaking.
“From its early days, Utahns have demonstrated a passion for the silver screen,” according to an information panel in the exhibit.
In 1974, the Utah Film Commission was created by Gov. Calvin Rampton. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the commission.
Support of the filmmaking industry was strong.
“Pioneering Utahns created systems of support for film production around the state,” according to the exhibit.
The exhibit will be open for public viewing from Jan. 12 to Dec. 31 and is located on the fourth floor of the state Capitol building.
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Summit County Health Director Phil Bondurant said the early 2026 survey found men are suffering with significant mental and behavioral health challenges between the ages of 10 and 44. In the U.S., Bondurant said, suicide is the second leading cause of death, behind unintentional injury.
“It’s the eighth leading cause of death nationally across all ages of men,” he said on KPCW’s “Local News Hour” June 8. “When we look at this in Utah, we are two times the national average in suicides, and when you look at men, three of the four suicides in the state of Utah are men.”
He said that’s disproportionate to women. Roughly 31 out of 100,000 suicide deaths in Utah are men while less than 9 deaths per 100,000 are women.
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Bondurant said those statistics are related to men feeling isolated, experiencing depression and uncertainty about the future. But, he said the health department has worked to develop programs to break the stigma around men’s mental health and help people access care.
“It’s important that we remember that connection, conversation, help and support, just like our physical health, when we’re not feeling well or we break a bone, we go to the doctor, and they do what they do to help us get better and help our bodies mend,” he said. “Our mental health is the same way, we need to take care of it.”
He said uninsured residents that need help can call the health department and speak with the behavioral health team.
There is also a 24-hour 988 crisis hotline for people who need help or know someone who needs help. Utahns can also download the SafeUT app to speak with licensed counselors, submit safety tips and confidential help.
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