The time has come for another round of New Visions/New Mexico contract awards. This program, sponsored by Governor Richardson and the New Mexico Film Office, is designed to assist local filmmakers by providing a total of $160,000 in contracts to help in the creation of narrative films, documentaries, animated and experimental work.Subject to application and review by a panel of professionals and peers, filmmakers may apply for funds up to $20,000 toward the completion of existing projects or the launching of new ones. Applicants are required to provide some sort of service to the state as part of their contract. This could include training other New Mexicans who are new to the industry, providing in-state screenings and seminars or creating projects that promote and explore our state’s history, cultures, challenges or future. This year, Panavision joins the program with two prizes, each with an in-kind donation toward the rental of motion picture camera equipment (HD, 16mm or 35mm) with a rental value of up to $10,000 per prize. If you’re interested, the deadline for proposals is Sept. 7. Applications can be downloaded online at www.nmfilm.com. A selection panel will review each proposal based on a number of criteria, such as the artistic quality of the project; the applicant’s demonstrated ability and creativity; the applicant’s managerial and fiscal competence; the quality of service provided to the state; and the applicant’s efforts to reach a broad, diverse audience. Award winners will be announced in November.
Film Panel
Women in Communication will anchor its monthly meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 22 with a panel discussion titled, “Hollywood Revisited: Does New Mexico Have a Film Industry Yet?” Panelists include Albuquerque Film Office liaison Ann Lerner, Digital Film Institute director Grubb Graebner, film columnist Gene Grant and film producer Ann Johns. The meeting begins at 11:15 a.m. Cost is $20 for members, $25 non-members. Reserve a seat online at eventsnmore.com.
Navajo Nation Cinema
A collection of 10 short films, all by Navajo directors, will be screened at the Ojo Encino Chapter House (30 miles west of Cuba, NM) on Tuesday, Aug. 21, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Among the films are “Conversion” by Nanobah Becker, “A Minor Disturbance” by Blackhorse Lowe and “Grace” by Darwyn Roanhorse. Entrance is free. Several filmmakers will be on hand. Log on to ojoencino.nndes.org for more info.
