Gloriafilm Society was founded in 2017 to bring people together through the power of storytelling. What began as a grassroots film initiative in the Salt Lake City community has grown into a creative hub dedicated to independent film, emerging voices, and a dedicated community.
The organization traces its roots to the original Gloria Film Festival, which ran from 2002 to 2008 and introduced Utah audiences to independent filmmakers and fresh perspectives in storytelling.
Today, Gloriafilm Society continues that spirit through screenings, conversations, live events, and programs that connect filmmakers, film lovers, and the broader creative community.
Our goal is simple: to build a launchpad where filmmakers can find support and opportunity, where creative voices can reach diverse audiences, and where the community can gather to experiece the power of stories.
Wayne Lee is the founder of Gloriafilm Society in Salt Lake City. A retired Air Force captain, executive director of the original Gloria Film Festival, and a lifelong storyteller, he earned his film degree from the University of Utah and has worked across several areas of filmmaking, including serving as a co-producer on the documentary The Eleventh Hour, directed by Richard Dutcher.
Founded in 2017, Gloriafilm Society grew from Lee’s earlier experience leading the Gloria Film Festival from 2002 to 2008. The festival’s first years were held at Salt Lake Community College in Sandy and the Utah Cultural Celebration Center in West Valley City. What began as a small community film initiative has evolved into a society dedicated to celebrating diverse voices and the enduring power of cinema.
The organization is named in honor of his mother, Gloria Lee, whose love of reading and imagination inspired the belief that stories have the power to bring people together.
Mission: To bring creativity to communities. We believe everyone has a story to tell. If given the right medium, you are a storyteller.
Vision: We see a world where everyone is a storyteller, united in the celebration of community.
Core Purpose: Inspire storytelling. Accelerate creativity. Embrace community.
Authenticity: We champion honest, meaningful storytelling that resonates across generations.
Inclusivity: We create welcoming, accessible spaces where every voice can be heard.
Creativity: We celebrate imagination, vision, and bold new ideas in film and art.
Innovation: We blend timeless storytelling traditions with modern techniques and technology.
Community: We believe that film has the power to bring people together and spark positive change.
Stories bring people together
Film crosses generations, cultures, and perspectives… reminding us we’re more alike than different.
Everyone has a story worth sharing
You don’t need permission or polish. With the right space and the right people, anyone can become a storyteller.
The stories that stay with us are honest
They spark emotion, invite reflection, and remind us what it means to be human.
Creativity builds community
When imagination is encouraged and originality is welcomed, people connect in meaningful ways.
We respect tradition and make room for what’s next
Great storytelling honors the past while opening the door for new voices.
Gloriafilm Society is a community for people who love film, storytelling, and creativity.
We host screenings, filmmaker conversations, workshops, and special events designed to bring people together around the art of cinema. Gloriafilm celebrates independent film, emerging storytellers, and the shared experience of watching movies with others who care about them.
Our mission is simple: bring creativity to communities and help people tell their stories.
Visit our Events page to see what’s coming up. Register, grab a ticket, or just show up. Members get early access and special invites. Every event is built to bring people together through film, conversation, and community.
