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FilmQuest Runs at Velour in Downtown Provo Through Oct. 31

FilmQuest, Provo's genre film festival, runs Oct. 22 to 31, 2026 at Velour. What to know about the 13th year, the 300-film lineup and the Sundance question.

News October 24, 2026 4 min read ✓ Updated October 24, 2026
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FilmQuest, Provo's genre film festival, is in the middle of its 13th year at Velour Live Music Gallery in downtown Provo. The festival runs Oct. 22 to 31, 2026, with more than 300 genre films on the program. It also lands at a moment when Sundance has announced its departure from Utah, and FilmQuest's director says the festival wants to help fill the gap.
What FilmQuest, 13th annual genre film festival
When Oct. 22 to 31, 2026
Where Velour Live Music Gallery, downtown Provo
Lineup More than 300 genre films, per the Daily Herald
Tickets On sale, per the festival's website

What is happening

The Daily Herald reported that the festival opened Thursday, Oct. 22, with a red carpet event at Velour despite rainy weather. FilmQuest started as a small genre festival at Jordan Commons and moved to Provo in 2017, the Herald reported. The festival estimated that it generated $1 million for Provo last year.

The festival's website lists Oct. 22 to 31 as the dates for the 2026 edition and links to a schedule page, a program guide and ticket options. Check the site for current screening times, since the version we checked did not list session times.

The Sundance angle

Sundance announced in 2025 that it was leaving Utah, and Gov. Spencer Cox said stakeholders had begun working on a new major festival for the state, the Herald reported. The Herald says that makes FilmQuest the largest film festival in Utah.

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FilmQuest Director and Co-founder Jonathan Martin told the Herald that the state should invest in existing festivals instead of starting from scratch. "What we are trying to do for ourselves is take advantage of the fact that it's gone," he said. He also cited a $100 million economic impact for Sundance and said, "You don't just build that brand overnight, no matter how much money you throw at it."

Martin said FilmQuest has applied to become an Oscar-qualifying festival and that the Academy invited the application. The Herald noted that reaching that status typically takes about 10 years. The festival's last three top prize winners, "I'm Not a Robot," "The Singers" and "Two People Exchanging Saliva," went on to win the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film, according to the Herald.

What to do

Utah Valley and the film world

Utah Valley's film connections run deeper than one festival. Our guide to movies and TV filmed in Utah Valley covers the valley's screen history, including the Sundance Institute's roots up Provo Canyon, and our live theater guide covers stage options if film is not your thing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is FilmQuest 2026?
FilmQuest's 13th edition runs Oct. 22 to 31, 2026, according to the festival's website. Opening night was Thursday, Oct. 22, with a red carpet event, the Daily Herald reported.
Where is FilmQuest held?
At Velour Live Music Gallery in downtown Provo. The festival's site lists Velour as the venue, and the Daily Herald placed opening night there on University Avenue.
How many films are showing at FilmQuest?
More than 300 genre films, according to the Daily Herald. The festival bills itself as a showcase for the best independent genre films in the world.
How do I get tickets to FilmQuest?
The festival's website says tickets and passes are on sale. It links to a schedule page and a ticket page, and it did not list session times in the version we checked, so use filmquestfest.com for current prices, passes and screening times.
What does FilmQuest have to do with Sundance?
Sundance announced in 2025 that it was leaving Utah, which the Daily Herald says makes FilmQuest the largest film festival in the state. FilmQuest director and co-founder Jonathan Martin told the Herald the festival wants to take advantage of the opening, while saying a new festival cannot be built overnight.
Is FilmQuest an Oscar-qualifying festival?
Not yet. Martin told the Daily Herald that FilmQuest has applied for Oscar-qualifying status and that the Academy invited the application. The Herald noted that reaching that status typically takes about 10 years. The festival's last three top prize winners went on to win the Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film.
How much does FilmQuest bring to Provo?
The festival estimated that it generated $1 million for Provo last year, the Daily Herald reported. That figure comes from the festival, not an independent study.
Where do I park for a show at Velour?
Downtown Provo parking is a mix of street spaces and public lots, and evenings near University Avenue fill up on busy nights. Our downtown Provo parking guide lays out the options, and the Velour guide covers the venue itself.

Sources

The facts in this guide were checked against these sources. Hours, fees and rules change, so confirm anything time-sensitive with the source before you go. How we make Provo.com.

  1. FilmQuest 2026, FilmQuest. Checked October 24, 2026.
  2. There's an opportunity for us: Provo's FilmQuest looks to step up in wake of Sundance's departure, Daily Herald. Checked October 24, 2026.
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