This September, Murray will become an unlikely crossroads for filmmakers, musicians, podcasters, fashion designers and visual artists from around the world, all converging for an event whose founders describe as equal parts creative laboratory and artistic celebration.

The Zepstone Arts & Music Festival—better known as ZepFEST—is set to bring its eclectic blend of arts programming to the Murray Theater and surrounding venues. In a state known for its growing creative economy, the festival promises something a little different: a place where seasoned industry professionals and first-time creators mingle, collaborate and occasionally surprise each other.

licia Oberle Farmer and John Farmer are directors of the Zepstone Festival scheduled for Murray this September. (Photo courtesy Zepstone)

Director Alicia Oberle Farmer, who launched the festival with her husband John, says the spirit of the event can be summed up in a phrase coined not by organizers, but by attendees.

“The phrase ‘The People’s Festival’ was actually coined by some of our festival attendees who were here from Australia and India during year two,” Farmer said. “They explained that it was rare to see both seasoned artists and newcomers showcased, celebrated and connected from around the world.”

That phrase stuck—and eventually became the festival’s informal motto.

“They explained that new musicians connected with seasoned ones, and new filmmakers received mentorship from experienced ones,” Farmer said. “This really spoke to our hearts: no matter your background, even if you are complete opposites in many ways, you can still come together for art and learn from each other.”

A Festival That Refuses to Stay in One Lane

Unlike many festivals that focus on a single discipline, ZepFEST blends multiple art forms. Film screenings, music performances, podcasts, fashion showcases and workshops are all part of the mix.

“The festival landscape is rapidly evolving,” Farmer said. “Music inspires film, film inspires fashion, visual art influences set and stage design.”

Farmer describes the festival as a kind of creative web where different artistic disciplines intersect.

“Picture ZepFEST as a web of sorts—the industries are all connecting and weaving together,” she said. “They are expanding with new generations.”

Between them, the Farmers bring decades of experience in the arts.

“John and I have been in the entertainment industry for over 30 years—music and theater for him—and then fashion, visual art, and filmmaking for me,” Farmer said. “From the moment we met in 2017, we began brainstorming ways to bring these industries together.”

Finding Its Place in Utah’s Festival Scene

Utah’s arts calendar is already filled with film and arts festivals, but Farmer says ZepFEST occupies its own niche.

“We fit into the ecosystem from a grass-roots perspective,” she said. “We aren’t here to compete with other festivals, and we have a much different ‘flavor,’ so to speak.”

Each festival, she says, serves a different audience.

Zepstone Fest will provide awards for film, fashion, music and podcasts. (Photo courtesy Zepstone)

“FilmQuest is a genre festival catering to fantasy and horror filmmakers, Zions Indie Film Festival caters to a family-friendly crowd, the Utah Film Festival serves the local film community, and the Utah Arts Festival includes outdoor vendors and interactive art,” Farmer said.

In that landscape, ZepFEST aims to connect creative industries rather than isolate them.

For Murray, the festival also represents a chance to bring an international arts audience into the community. Organizers say past attendees have traveled from across the United States as well as Europe, Asia and Australia to participate in screenings, performances and workshops.

City leaders and arts advocates have increasingly emphasized the role that cultural events can play in energizing downtown spaces, and events like ZepFEST offer opportunities for local audiences to encounter new voices and artistic perspectives without leaving the Wasatch Front.

A Place for Veterans—and Beginners

When it comes to selecting artists and filmmakers, the festival intentionally mixes established professionals with newcomers.

“We want to cultivate a space where veteran filmmakers and artists can inspire and mentor emerging voices,” Farmer said.

As an educator, she says learning theory shapes the festival’s structure.

“Peer-to-peer learning, hands-on learning, and multicultural learning are all part of it,” she said.

Artists submit projects through the FilmFreeway platform, where entries are reviewed by jurors who specialize in their respective disciplines.

“Our jurors are experts in their fields,” Farmer said. “Editors judge the editing category, acting coaches judge acting categories, and musicians judge song categories.”

Beyond the Screenings

For artists attending in person, the festival includes far more than screenings and performances.

“Our festival includes panels, workshops, table reads, networking events, podcast listening sessions, red carpet events and so much more,” Farmer said.

This year will also introduce ZepCOMMS, a new series of public speaking sessions featuring industry leaders discussing innovation in the arts.

“These sessions will be recorded and will be available to view online after the festival,” she said.

Industry distributors and agents also attend, scouting for emerging talent and meeting with filmmakers during networking sessions. For many participants, those informal conversations often become one of the most valuable parts of the festival experience.

In addition to professional connections, the festival also emphasizes the shared excitement of experiencing new creative work together—something organizers say helps build a sense of artistic community that lasts long after the festival ends.

Looking Ahead

Like many nonprofit arts organizations, funding remains the festival’s biggest challenge.

“Our biggest hurdle has been finding funding—whether that be grants, corporate sponsorships or in-kind donations,” Farmer said.

Still, the Farmers remain committed to growing the festival and its reach.

Looking ahead five years, they hope ZepFEST could eventually become qualifying for major international awards.

“Our goal is for ZepFEST to be officially Oscar, Emmy, BAFTA and Grammy qualifying,” Farmer said.

Even in its early years, the festival has seen participating artists move on to major platforms and awards recognition.

“Zeppies so far have gone on to be featured on Academy Awards Shortlists, Goya Shortlists, The Cesar Awards, MTV Music Awards, United Nations Awards,” Farmer said.

For Farmer, however, the festival’s mission remains simple.

“It’s not so much about how we are recognized globally,” she said. “It’s more about how our participants can be recognized globally. And that is why our festival is for the people.”

The Zepstone Festival is scheduled to run Sept 21-26 with multiple venue is Murray. Find more information online at www.zepfestofficial.org.