URD's Film Festival and Music Festival have been in the making since 1997, when Upward Rising Development was established Dan Frank. Dan's early efforts were focused on putting on shows in popular nightclubs, featuring up-and-coming DJ's, bands and musicians. However, after attending film school and making a few of his own independent films, Dan began to develop URD into a showcase for underground, amateur, student, independent or otherwise undiscovered filmmakers and musicians.

As Dan began to realize the difficulties of making an independent film and finding music to go along with it, URD was envisioned as a way of bringing together independent filmmakers and musicians. Finding music to accompany new films is often next to impossible, if you don't have the right contacts or know the right people. URD, with both a music festival and a film festival, facilitates the interaction of these artists, to the benefit of both. Hopefully some of you filmmakers out there will find music here to accompany your next film.