Friends of Film, Video and Arts—the organizers of the fourth annual Laugh Out Loud Friends of Film Funny Film Festival—are looking for laughable local submissions. All works must be 15 minutes or less in length and postmarked by Monday, Jan. 30. It’s only $15 to enter the film of your choice. Winning submissions will be included in not one, but two film festivals: The LOLFFFFF (at Albuquerque’s Guild Cinema on March 31) and the Nickel Independent Film Festival in Canada (in June 2013). Cash prizes and other awards are up for grabs.
Reel World: Media Day Gets Meaty Media Day Gets Meaty
Made in New Mexico , an independent documentary from filmmakers David Jean Schweitzer & Brent Morris, will have its public premiere this Wednesday, Feb. 1, at the CCA Cinematheque (1050 Old Pecos Trail) in Santa Fe. The film, which gets underway at 4 p.m., promises an inside look at the film and media-making industry in New Mexico. By examining its history and its future, the filmmakers hope to shed light on how progressive tax incentives fueled a filmmaking boom in our state and stirred up a political controversy at the same time. The premiere screening is being sponsored by film union IATSE Local 480. The screening is open to the public, and there is no charge—although a suggested $10 donation is highly appreciated.Wednesday, in case you didn’t know, is Film and Media Day at the state Legislature, a chance to educate our lawmakers on the importance of the film and television business here in New Mexico. In addition to the screening, some 20 tables will be set up in the Roundhouse and the Rotunda for educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, industry associations and trade groups to talk about their work here. Later on that night, IATSE 480 and Santa Fe Studios will be hosting a meet-and-greet between legislators and film industry professionals from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pink Adobe (406 Old Santa Fe Trail). Tickets to the reception are $40 and can be purchased at the door.On the previous evening, Tuesday, Jan. 31, New Mexico Women in Film will host an open panel discussion about pending legislative initiatives. The get-together will take place at the Rio Chama Steakhouse (414 Old Santa Fe Trail) from 6 to 9 p.m. Among the big topics at this year’s legislative session is the New Mexico Filmmakers’ Bill, a potentially crucial source of funding for local, independent filmmakers. Panelists will include Sen. Tim Keller, Rep. Brian Egolf, Rep. Al Park, Rep. Sue Wilson Beffort and film producer Alicia J. Keyes. The event, which includes food and beverages, is free to NMWIF members and $15 for nonmembers. For more information on Film and Media Day events, go to filmandmediaday.blogspot.com.
