Indie Q film screenings return to the South Broadway Cultural Center this Thursday, March 22. Doors open at 6:30, films start at 7pm. This month’s selection features another sampling of short films, trailers and works-in-progress from local filmmakers. Among the selections this time around are the crime drama “A Bitter Reckoning” from Ghost Town Film Productions and two episodes of Joe Lonesome’s mini-mockumentary “OffSet WebSeries.” Admission is free. The Broadway Cultural Center is located at 1025 Broadway SE.
Reel World: Act It Out Act It Out
Also hitting the South Broadway Cultural Center this week is the New Mexico Film Foundation’s Fifth Annual New Mexico Actors Showcase. Every year, NMFF asks local actors to send in audition tapes. The best actors in a wide range of age and skill categories are chosen to perform an audition live on stage in front of an audience. Professional makeup, sound and camera are employed and this year the actors are working under the auspices of actress/director Cat Pilafas (NBC’s “The Night Shift”). A panel of industry professionals judge the competition, and winners are chosen in several categories. This year’s lineup shines the spotlight on 25 New Mexico actors. Local actress Sheridan Johnson and Native American comedian Isiah Yazzie are the evening’s masters of ceremony. Admission is $10. Tickets are available in advance through broadwaytickets.com. The event runs from 6 to 9:30pm on Friday, March 23. For more info go to newmexicofilmfoundation.org.
Reel World: Soccer Cinema Soccer Cinema
Albuquerque Sol, the Premiere Development League soccer club here in town, hosts a special movie screening on Sunday, March 25. Rise & Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story is a rags-to-riches documentary about a teenager from Wisconsin who, with a bit of luck and perseverance, realizes his dream of playing professional football in Europe. Interviews with DeMerit, his family, his childhood friends, teammates, coaches and fans chart his athletic breakthrough from the ninth tier in soccer to the FIFA World Cup. DeMerit himself will be on hand to introduce the film and to participate in a Q&A with fans afterward. The event takes place at Sandia Preparatory School (632 Osuna Rd. NE) from 6 to 8pm. Tickets for the film are $5. Tickets for the film plus the “invite only” VIP party on Tuesday, March 27 are $25. For more info, or to purchase tickets, go to abqsolfc.com.
Reel World: Film Biz Film Biz
Do you own a local business that you think could work well with the New Mexico film industry? You can never predict what a film production will need on any given day—from food to costume pieces to jewelry to security to car rentals to computer services to a vintage phone booth for that one special shot. The New Mexico Film Office is offering a free educational speaker on Wednesday, March 28 addressing the topic of “Vendors: New Mexico Businesses Working with the Film Industry.” Come hear how local business owners have been able to make money off Hollywood and learn how to utilize their tips for yourself. Confirmed guests include Adrian Chavez from Lobo Protective Services and Elias Vigil from Aquila Travel. This event is free and open to the public, but you need to register in advance by going to eventbrite.com. The lecture will take place from 6 to 7pm at the New Mexico Film Office (1100 S. St. Francis Drive) in Santa Fe. For more info go to nmfilm.com.
