Hollywood in Utah

Celebrating 100 years of filmmaking in Utah.

Hollywood in Utah celebrates Utah’s cinematic centennial and the towns, landscapes, and characters that have made Utah one of America’s most beloved film sets. 

Maybe more than any other place, Utah’s iconic landscapes have framed our idea of the American West. The state’s stunning scenery— from Monument Valley to the Moab canyons— has played a key visual role in countless Hollywood films, from early Westerns like “Stagecoach,” to more contemporary movies such as “Thelma and Louise,” “Forest Gump,” and “Horizon: An American Saga.”

“There’s a timelessness to our buttes and mountains,” said Nancy Green, documentary producer. “It was exciting to stand in the same locations where legendary directors like John Ford stood and witness how the landscapes inspired an entire genre of movie-making. These are breathtaking backdrops that we Utahns get to see every day.”

Over a hundred years ago, Hollywood was lured to Utah to explore the state’s cinematic potential by enterprising locals like the Parry Brothers, who provided locations, labor, and hospitality for film crews, enabling the state to become a hub for Western filmmaking. What those early film pioneers found when they arrived defied even their own expectations and a new storytelling frontier was unlocked.

From the beginning, Utah had a cinematic future as limitless as the landscapes. Filmmakers such as Ford, Redford, and Costner have come here to showcase the land not just as stunning backdrops but as a central character in their stories.

“I get goosebumps whenever I see Utah’s spectacular landscape featured on the big screen, so we are thrilled that PBS Utah is shining a spotlight on our state’s special place in cinematic history,” said Lisa Eccles, George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation President and COO. “Utah’s natural beauty has inspired generations of filmmakers, honoring our cultural heritage and bringing global recognition and economic impact to our state. For over 40 years, we’ve been so proud to support PBS Utah and its commitment to high-quality programming like ‘Hollywood in Utah.’”

Utah’s Hollywood legacy reaches well beyond what was captured on screen. Today, Utah filmmakers, crew, and students are shaping a new Western story, one that includes rich, nuanced perspectives told through fresh voices. Utah’s film industry is thriving, with homegrown talent and infrastructure supporting a new generation of filmmakers telling diverse stories against the backdrop of the state’s majestic landscapes.

From silent movies to major blockbusters, Utah’s legacy still lives on the silver screen.

Stream Hollywood in Utah anytime online or with the free PBS app.