When a group of independent filmmakers attended a lesser-known film festival in Park City, Utah, called ScorpiusFest in 2023, none of them were prepared for the experience. Operating out of a single conference room with a mounted television, the event completely flips conventional expectations of a film festival upside down.
Realizing this entire operation is a labor of love put on by founder Steffon Olsen all by himself, filmmakers Evan Cannon and Tyson Kroening decide to step in and help run the 2024 festival. Heading back to Utah, the team, which includes camera operator Joshua Garretson, is determined to make this landmark iteration truly Spectacular by Comparison.
Directors Cannon and Kroening brilliantly bring the story of this eccentric loner to the masses. Steffon had managed this festival for nine years entirely on his own, handling all the planning, trophy purchasing, setup, and execution.
“…filmmakers Evan Cannon and Tyson Kroening decide to step in and help run the 2024 festival.”
Thankfully, Steffon’s intense passion is never overshadowed by his vulnerabilities. Instead, his transparency regarding isolation and executive dysfunction highlights the ultimate triumph of ScorpiusFest. For Steffon to have mounted this event for nearly a decade, 100% on his own, stands as a beautiful symbol of perseverance.
The directors excel at building an initial mystique around the event before peeling back the layers to reveal the sheer heart behind its creation. Steffon never shies away from letting the cameras paint an unfiltered picture of the human behind the curtain. This all-access approach helps the audience connect deeply with his mission to provide a platform for artists while searching for his own place to fit in.
Spectacular by Comparison takes what would otherwise be an obscure event and shares it in spectacular, inspirational fashion. As a collaborative feature debut for Cannon and Kroening, this deeply empathetic film leaves me wanting more, and you will also.
"…a beautiful symbol of perseverance."
