Variety to Celebrate 10 Screenwriters to Watch at Santa Fe International Film Festival

As a cinephile with a passion for discovering new voices in cinema, I am truly excited about this year’s Santa Fe International Film Festival (SFIFF) and EbMaster’s 10 Screenwriters to Watch list. The partnership between these two esteemed entities promises to shine a light on the next generation of talented screenwriters, each with their unique backgrounds and experiences that will undoubtedly enrich our cinematic landscape.


On October 11, EbMaster will release its yearly list of Ten Promising Screenwriters and honor them during the Santa Fe International Film Festival this year. This is the first time that EbMaster has collaborated with SFIFF to showcase their annual list of Emerging Screenwriters.

EbMaster is shining a light on ten promising writers and they’ll be part of a lively discussion led by our senior focus editor Todd Gilchrist at the festival on October 18th. Get your tickets to join us! (Link provided)

EbMaster is excited to collaborate with the Santa Fe International Film Festival for our 2024 showcase of promising screenwriters,” said Gilchrist. “These individuals, selected this year, hail from diverse backdrops and bring distinct perspectives, all fueled by their exceptional creativity. We are honored to present them at Santa Fe, giving the wider entertainment industry a glimpse into their talents.

Jacques Paisner, festival director, described the Santa Fe International Film Festival as a special occasion that showcases a wide range of exceptional cinema. From innovative indie films to award-winning productions, there’s something for everyone. This year, standout events include the opening film ‘The Piano Lesson,’ the closing film ‘Out of My Mind,’ Bryan Cranston receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, and the world premiere of the documentary ‘Georgia O’Keeffe: The Brightness of Light.’ With over 180 films on display, including must-watch titles like ‘Better Man,’ ‘Nickel Boys,’ and ‘Nightbitch,’ the festival is set to be an unforgettable experience in one of the nation’s most vibrant cultural hotspots.

Previously, screenwriters such as Martin McDonagh, Nat Faxon & Jim Rash, Liz Meriwether, Lena Dunham, Taylor Sheridan, Julian Fellowes, Andrew Haigh, Danny Strong, Kelly Fremon Craig, Liz Hannah, Tracy Oliver, and Krysty Wilson-Cairns have been recognized as the ones to watch by EbMaster’s 10 Screenwriters list.

From the 16th to the 20th of October, I’m excitedly looking forward to immersing myself in the Santa Fe International Film Festival! Kicking off the event is Malcolm Washington’s “The Piano Lesson,” while we wrap up with Amber Sealey’s “Out of My Mind.” The festival will bestow its revered Lifetime Achievement Award upon the extraordinary Bryan Cranston. Over these five thrilling days, a diverse array of 184 films will be screened, including 42 narrative features, 24 documentaries, and an impressive 118 short films. Among the noteworthy entries are “Better Man,” a documentary on Robbie Williams by Michael Gracey; Andrea Arnold’s “Bird,” starring Barry Keoghan; an adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “Nickel Boys”; Marielle Heller’s “Nightbitch,” with Amy Adams in the lead role; Jesse Eisenberg’s “A Real Pain,” co-starring Kieran Culkin; Pedro Almodóvar’s “The Room Next Door,” starring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton; Tim Fehlbaum’s “September 5,” featuring John Magaro and Peter Sarsgaard; and William Goldenberg’s “Unstoppable,” with Jennifer Lopez, Don Cheadle, and Michael Peña. Can’t wait to be part of this cinematic journey!

The Santa Fe International Film Festival emphasizes honoring exceptional cinematic artistry by exhibiting a variety of international and independent films from around the globe. As an Oscar-qualifying event, winners in the Best Animated Short, Best Narrative Short, and Best Documentary Short categories can be submitted for Oscar consideration. Established in 2009, SFIFF has grown to become New Mexico’s most significant and eagerly awaited film event. Featuring over 300 hours of programming, the festival has welcomed renowned figures like Oliver Stone, Shirley MacLaine, and Robert Redford, while screening critically-acclaimed movies spanning from Academy Award winners to independent treasures. Beyond its annual October gathering, SFIFF adds depth to Santa Fe’s artistic community and expands the city’s tourism season, making it a vibrant center for cinematic and cultural progression. SFIFF offers professional growth opportunities for artists and encourages active audience engagement in what is affectionately known as the world’s smallest big film city.

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2024-10-09 22:16