It started with a bunch of friends who loved comedy and making short movies, improvising their own backyard film festival. Eleven years later, though the venue is larger, the Gangrene Film Festival still provides a unique annual showcase for short filmmaking from Utah and beyond, with no more noble goal in mind than making whatever liquid you’re drinking spray out of your nose.
The format remains the same for the one-night-only event Gangrene Goes to 11. At 7 p.m., there’s a general audience session of nine short films (a scene from Whaling and the Inherent Dangers Therein is pictured) with content suitable for all ages, including contributions by Gangrene co-founders Craig and Larry Nybo and Mike Terrell. At 10:30 p.m., there follows a late session that pushes the envelope just a bit more, though the organizers still say they keep things in the PG-13 range (like Wipe and Fold, a mock public service announcement encouraging toilet paper conservation).
There’s even more entertainment on the bill for those who hit the early session. Fittingly for a festival theme of “going to 11”—as well as a festival dedicated to short formats—the festivities will kick off with a performance by MiniKiss, the little-people Kiss tribute band recently featured with their legendary namesakes in a Dr Pepper commercial. You’ll be able to rock & roll—and laugh—all night. Partying every day is entirely up to you.
Gangrene Film Festival @ Ed Kenley Amphitheater, 403 N. Wasatch Drive, Layton, 801-546-8575 x100, Sept. 3, 7 p.m. (general audience session) & 10:30 p.m. (late session), $10 one session, package and family rates available. GangreneProductions.com