As a lifelong resident of Santa Fe and a passionate supporter of the arts, I can wholeheartedly attest to the transformative power that film festivals like the Santa Fe International Film Festival (SFIFF) have had on our city. Having grown up skateboarding downtown and sneaking into The Lensic, it’s nothing short of awe-inspiring to see how far we’ve come, with SFIFF now gracing six of our most iconic theaters.
Over the past ten years, I’ve been witnessing a significant investment by companies such as Netflix, NBCUniversal, and Cinelease in filming here in New Mexico. This boom, coupled with generous tax incentives from the state, has transformed Santa Fe into a thriving production hotspot that I’m proud to be part of.
The blend of its expansion and an innovative, forward-thinking artistic community has significantly contributed to the emergence of a distinct, burgeoning vibe at the Santa Fe International Film Festival. In 2024, this festival was recognized for the second consecutive year on Moviemaker Magazine’s list of “50 Film Festivals Worth the Submission Fee.
Located at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the festival presents an exceptional blend of scenic splendor, valuable networking chances for emerging artists, and carefully designed events. The event is back for its 16th installment from October 16-20, with the theme focusing on identity and our shared humanity – examining what sets individuals apart while also connecting them.
As a kid who honed my love for cinema in the very streets of Santa Fe, I can’t help but feel a deep connection to SFIFF. I remember cruising around downtown on my skateboard and sneaking into The Lensic – now one of our beloved festival venues. My academic journey took me to the University of New Mexico where I delved into philosophy, and it was there that I found myself working alongside independent filmmakers like Gary Farmer. This festival isn’t just a professional commitment for me; it’s a tribute to my hometown roots and the passion for cinema that has been a part of my life since childhood.
Initially, that served as a spark for our initial festival, which we believed would be quite modest. However, by its third year, it had grown into the largest event of its kind in all of New Mexico, as Paisner recounts.
This year’s festival expands to six different venues (including the Lensic, another is the historical Jean Cocteau Cinema which was built in 1976 and owned by George R.R. Martin), with a total of 25 films showcased across both nonfiction and narrative competition categories. Among these selections are the world premieres for two highly anticipated productions: “Georgia O’Keeffe: The Brightness of Light,” a documentary exploring the groundbreaking modernist artist from New Mexico, and the crime thriller “Laws of Man,” featuring acting legends Harvey Keitel and Dermot Mulroney.
On the opening night, we’ll be showcasing “The Piano Lesson,” directed by Malcolm Washington, which recently made its premiere at Telluride, and then there’s a special event – a gala – taking place at SITE Santa Fe.
This Saturday, October 19th, Bryan Cranston is being honored with the festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Following this recognition, there will be a conversation between Bryan and writer Kirk Ellis, as well as a showing of his 2015 film “Trumbo.
Several notable films screened at SFIFF, such as Pedro Almodóvar’s “The Room Next Door,” two films by Hong Sang-soo (“A Traveler’s Needs” and “By the Stream”), and the award-winning documentary “No Other Land,” align with its goal of showcasing exceptional films from around the world.
An expanded selection of panels and seminars — including a moderated conversation with documentarians Kirby Dick and Jon Else — and over 130 short films round out the week. The Festival has additionally partnered with EbMaster
An expanded selection of panels and seminars — including a moderated conversation with documentarians Kirby Dick and Jon Else — and over 130 short films round out the week. The Festival has additionally partnered with EbMaster for the first time to present its 2024 Screenwriters to Watch, and will host the list’s honorees for a conversation about their work at a panel Oct. 18.
As a follower, I’m fortunate to be part of an organization like the Santa Fe Film Institute (SFIFF), which boasts an accomplished and comprehensive advisory board, featuring individuals such as Wes Studi, Chris Eyre, and Alexandria Bombach, just to name a few. Our year-round objective is to support scholarship programs and filmmaker grants, mirroring the path of renowned institutions like the Sundance Institute. In fact, we’re currently planning a writers’ workshop, which adds an exciting new dimension to our mission.
Paisner remarked, “I believe the festival is a wonderful event for our city.” He added, “It offers an opportunity for creative minds in the film industry to gather together over a glass of wine, exchange ideas, and discuss future projects. I’ve met filmmakers who have arrived here without prior experience in Santa Fe, only to find a collaborator, secure a significant deal, and obtain financing for their movie.
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2024-10-11 19:48