Africa in America– The fifth edition of the African Effect Film Festival comes to the CCA Cinematheque (1050 Old Pecos Trail) in Santa Fe this weekend. From Friday, Feb. 23, through Sunday, Feb. 25, the CCA will host a series of films, lectures and concerts, all centered on African culture and the African diaspora. Six films will be featured, spanning the globe from Senegal to South Africa, from Kenya and the United States. Subjects range from a South African adaptation of Bizet’s Carmen to a documentary about New York teens who use hip-hop as a vehicle for self-development. This year’s special guest is legendary Senegalese musician/film composer Lamine Konte. For a complete schedule of films and events, log on to www.ccasantafe.org. Tickets are $8.50 general admission/$7 members, students and seniors. Festival passes are available for $45/$30 members.
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Dance on Camera– Beginning this month and running through May, Albuquerque’s Readymade Dance Theater Company will present a series of movement-minded films from New York’s acclaimed Dance on Camera Festival, curated by RDTC’s director Zsolt Palcza. On Friday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m., don’t miss the 2006 festival winner from New Zealand, “Break,” directed by Shona McCullagh, followed by the Dutch Orkater Music/Theater Collective’s “Valse Wals.” Future screenings will take place on Friday, March 23, on Sunday, April 22, and on Friday, May 18. Film showings are one night only and typically run an hour and a half. Box office opens at 7 p.m. Seating is limited. All screenings will take place at the cake performance space (4011 Silver SE). For more information, visit www.readymadedance.org.
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Doc Goes South– Congratulations to local filmmaker Rudy J. Miera, who had his short documentary “Journey to a Hidden Church” accepted to the 10 th annual Magnolia Independent Film Festival (magfilmfest.com), which ran Feb. 15-17 in Starkville, Miss. Here’s hoping Miera will find a local slot for the film, so that hometown audiences can check it out as well.
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Muse City– Gaia’s Muse, a new local film series dedicated to global films that “inspire both mind and heart,” is looking for short films with an uplifting message. Curators Tobias Katz and Lisa Polisar welcome films under 60 minutes on virtually any subject matter, so long as there is an overall positive theme. The first date for the Gaia’s Muse series is set for April 22, 2007, from noon to 2 p.m. at Albuquerque’s Guild Cinema. Submissions should be on DVD only and be accompanied by a short synopsis of the film and full contact info. There is a $5 submission fee. If you’ve got what they’re looking for, wrap it up and send it to: “Attention: Gaia’s Muse, Guild Cinema, 3405 Central NE, Albuquerque, N.M. 87106.”
