Diversity in Film– Gov. Bill Richardson, in between presidential campaign fundraisers and jaunts to North Korea, continues his commitment to the film industry here in New Mexico. He recently announced “First Vision Filmmakers Forum,” the first-ever diversity forum for N.M. filmmakers. This day-long symposium featuring a diverse group of emerging and established film and television industry experts from the U.S. and Canada will be held at Albuquerque’s Indian Pueblo Cultural Center on Friday, April 27, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The event is designed to offer emerging as well a veteran filmmakers from Native American, Latino/Latina, African-American and other diverse backgrounds an opportunity to examine and address obstacles and opportunities in today’s world of film and television. The event will also include seminars hosted by the Screen Actor’s Guild and IATSA Local 480, film screenings and a mediamaker’s lounge for networking. Delivering the keynote address is award-winning filmmaker, producer, entertainment executive and entrepreneur Moctesuma Esparza. Mr. Esparza is president and CEO of Maya Cinemas, cofounder and board member of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers, and producer of many notable films including Gods and Generals, Selena and The Milagro Beanfield War. Other invited filmmakers include George Burdeau ( Surviving Columbus ), Chris Eyre ( Smoke Signals ), Gary Farmer ( Dead Man) , Vangie Griego ( Sir! No Sir! ), David Hilliard ( Black Panther Party in NM, 1966-2006 ) and Barbara Martinez Jitner (“American Family”). Among the organizations participating are Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, Native American Public Telecommunications, the National Geographic All Roads Film Project and Latino Public Broadcasting. This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. If you’re interested, pre-registration is required. Just visit www.nmfilm.com or call the New Mexico Film Office at (505) 827-9810. If you can’t get in or can’t make it down, the University of New Mexico will broadcast the Forum from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on streaming digital video from a link at www.nmfilm.com.
Reel World
Work Those Kids– Local casting director Kathryn Brink will hold a kids audition workshop for aspiring and working film actors ages 9-17. The workship will cover in-camera scene work, cold reads and audition preparation. “How To Improve Your Film Audition” will take place Saturday, April 14, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (half-hour lunch break). The location is 5900 Domingo NE. The cost is $65. Call (266-6211) or e-mail (kathrynbrink@aol.com) for reservations. Space is limited. Please note this class is not appropriate for children with no acting and/or on-set experience.
