Hook & Barrel Magazine® is proud to announce that its short film Lights Out: Skate or Die has been officially accepted into the 2026 Red Rock Film Festival & Utah Film Market in Southern Utah.
The selection marks another step forward for Hook & Barrel's evolution into outdoor entertainment and cinematic storytelling, bringing a film rooted in hunting, adventure and the outdoors to an audience of filmmakers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Skate or Die breaks from traditional outdoor filmmaking, fusing the rebellious spirit of 1980s to '90s skateboarding culture with the stark beauty of the American West. The film follows legendary professional skateboarder Jason Ellis as he travels into the wilds of Utah, where predator hunting becomes a backdrop for a much more personal story—one centered on mental health, sobriety, redemption and second chances.
"For us, Red Rock is a particularly meaningful festival because Utah is such an important part of this film," said John J. Radzwilla, CEO & Editor-in-Chief of Hook & Barrel Magazine and the film's Co-Executive Producer. "The landscape isn't just a backdrop in Skate or Die—it's part of the story. We're excited to bring the film back to Utah and share it with an audience that understands the power of the outdoors and adventure."
The experience of filming in Utah also left a lasting impression on Ellis. Following production, Ellis sold his possessions, left Los Angeles and relocated to Utah, where he now lives.
Produced by Hook & Barrel and Ghost Cat in partnership with ZEV Technologies, SilencerCo, Black Hills Ammunition, and Pulsar, Skate or Die continues Hook & Barrel's effort to expand the definition of modern outdoor storytelling.
The Red Rock Film Festival, held in Southern Utah, celebrates independent filmmaking with a particular appreciation for films connected to adventure, nature and the human experience. The festival provides Hook & Barrel with an opportunity to bring Skate or Die to a new audience while celebrating the Utah landscape that plays such an integral role in the film.
Skate or Die is currently available to watch at hookandbarrel.com/video-series. Fans can follow Hook & Barrel's latest films, original video and outdoor storytelling by subscribing to the Hook & Barrel YouTube channel.
About Hook & Barrel Magazine®
Hook & Barrel is the lifestyle magazine for modern outdoorsmen, focusing on hunting and fishing, style and trends, outdoor culture, celebrities, food, drink, fitness, music, travel and adventure.