A sold-out crowd attended the premiere of Saints + Sodas at the Megaplex Lehi at Thanksgiving Point on Wednesday, Nov. 4, according to an Alpine-Highland-Lehi Tribune report published November 10. The documentary explores Utah's obsession with dirty soda culture.
The 67-minute film was produced by Provo-based Trademark Films and features health experts, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and influencers. The production also includes Jen and Zac Affleck, a couple from the Hulu series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
During the event, which ran from 6:15 to 9 p.m. according to an Eventbrite listing, guests were greeted by a red carpet and received branded lanyards and swag bags containing coupons for local businesses. While the first rows were reserved for the cast and crew, every remaining seat in the theater was taken.
Trademark Films creative director and film composer Eric Michael Robertson addressed the audience before the screening to thank the cast, crew, and audience. The film's director and editor, Madison Pope, stated that the project's concept originated while her team was filming in Texas, noting that people from Utah frequently asked if the soda culture was real.
Pope credited much of the trend's virality to The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which premiered in 2024, and suggested that the culture of consuming less coffee and alcohol created a space for dirty soda to fill.
Following the credits, a question-and-answer session was held featuring Madison Pope, Thirst founder Ethan Cisneros, Dr. Julie Hanks, and influencer Steve Kinyon. During the session, Kinyon stated that he spends approximately $300 per week on soda and has not attempted to quit.
According to ABC4, the documentary is available for purchase on the Trademark Films website for $10. Pope noted that the film has been submitted to two Utah film festivals.
The documentary explores a phenomenon where residents consume specialized soda mixes. Viewer Delaney Fischer noted that the film held her attention throughout the screening.
