Backyard Film Bash
Spy Hop’s first annual Backyard Film Bash is a community celebration featuring a national short film competition, live music, media arts showcases, art vendors, food, and more.
event details
Date
September 19, '26
Location
Smith's Ballpark
Duration
3–10pm
Price
free
Backyard Film Bash: More Than Just A Film Festival
Spy Hop takes over Smith’s Ballpark for the first annual Backyard Film Bash. This free, family-friendly event is sure to become a mainstay in our community.
ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
- 🎶 Live music
- 🌮 Food trucks and picnic areas on the field
- 🍻 Beer garden
- 🎤 Activity areas for adults AND kids
- 📽️ Evening concludes with the screening of the film competition!
WHAT TO BRING: Here’s a checklist to make sure you have a blast in our backyard. Or check out the BFB FAQ’s for more detail
- Low back chairs or blankets
- Warm clothes for after dark
- Refillable water bottles
- Sunscreen and sunhat
- Non-alcoholic drinks
- Snacks
NATIONAL SHORT FILM COMPETITION
See how 12 national finalists interpret the theme of SALT in their 7-minute (or less) short film and vote on your favorite to win the audience choice award. The best director, judged by an independent jury, will take home a $10,000 grand prize! The jury for this inaugural event is made up of four notable Utah creatives who will deliberate live to select the best director. Members include:
- Jerusha Hess (Filmmaker, Writer & Producer),
- Tim Palmer (Chair & Professor, University of Utah Department of Film and Media Arts),
- Tyler Glenn (Musician, Songwriter, Frontman of Neon Trees & Co-Founder of LOVELOUD) and
- Jenny Mackenzie (Emmy Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker).
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT BFB
Filmmakers from across the country were challenged to create an original short film under seven minutes (including credits) and incorporate a required Signature Item: SALT.
From those submissions, 12 finalists have been selected to screen at Backyard Film Bash:
- African Horror Story | Directed by Munashe Tanjani
- Brinefest | Directed by Andy Whipple
- Cairn of Terror | Directed by Blade Sabovcik & Maddie Shaw
- Dear Saleen | Directed by Eden Shields Strayer
- Into the Void | Directed by Jackson Joseph Wood
- KI: Potassium Iodide | Directed by Zealand Thomas Despain
- Morton | Directed by Haze Isom
- Morty Goes Camping | Directed by Lennox Fetzer & Townes Fetzer
- Salt of The Earth | Directed by Rilian Cutrera
- The Stain | Directed by Adrien Quitasol
- There You Are | Directed by Alfonso Belloso
- To Taste | Directed by Emily Nash
The Best Film will receive a $10,000 cash prize, and Special Jury prizes will be awarded to two films. The audience will select its own favorite through a live Audience Award, presented by University of Utah Health.
MAIN STAGE:
3:00-4:00 pm: Key1 (and between sets)
4:00-4:30 pm: Collective of Curiosities
4:45-5:15 pm: Ivy Avenue
5:30-6:00 pm: Gonk
6:15-6:45 pm: Club Mungo
BUSKER STAGE:
3:00-3:40 pm: Smokey Blue
3:45-4:15 pm: Teegan
4:20-5:00 pm: Unpaid Sandwich
5:05-5:45 pm: Ollie Kelly
5:50-6:30 pm: CITY
DJ: Key1
FOOD TRUCKS:
- Cluck Truck
- Marley’s Burgers
- CupBop
- Jurassic Tacos
*Vegetarian and vegan options will be available
BEER GARDEN:
- Granary KellerBier (Templin Family Brewing) – German Pilsner
- Wicked Sea Party (Templin Family Brewing) – Hazy Pale Ale
- Michelob Ultra – Light Lager
- Modelo – Mexican Pilsner
- Black Cherry White Claw – Seltzer
Whether you arrive by car, TRAX, bike or rideshare, there are several ways to get to the Backyard Film Bash. With thousands of guests expected, we strongly encourage carpooling and public transportation whenever possible.
See the BFB FAQs for more detail on transit and parking.
TRAX
The easiest way to get to the BFB! And TRAX is FREE all weekend
Smith’s Ballpark is just steps from the Ballpark TRAX Station, served by the Red, Blue and Green lines. Get off at Ballpark Station..
Event parking is available in the area surrounding Smith’s Ballpark, including lots near the venue.
The North Parking Lot is located directly across 1300 South from Smith’s Ballpark. Parking is first-come, first-served.
Bike
Bike parking is available near the Ballpark. Please bring your own lock and secure your bike before heading inside.
Accessible Arrival
Smith’s Ballpark is ADA accessible, with accessible entrances, seating, restrooms and designated accessible parking/drop-off areas. Guests who need assistance should follow accessibility signage or speak with an event staff member when they arrive.
Looking for a way to support our mission? Volunteers will play an essential role in helping to create an unforgettable evening. Whether you’re greeting guests, helping filmmakers, supporting activities, or assisting behind the scenes, you’ll play a vital role in launching this new Utah tradition.