New Mexico-based production company Galle Ceddo Projects recently received a filmmaking grant from the prestigious Sundance Documentary Fund. Sembene: Revolutionary Artist , by Samba Gadjigo and Santa Fe’s Jason Silverman, is one of only 20 documentary finalists selected from more than 800 applications. In fact, Sembene was one of just six projects by first-time filmmakers to make the cut. The film-in-progress revisits the life and work of Ousamane Sembene, the Senegalese filmmaker who almost singlehandedly created African cinema. Gadjigo is a well-known African-American and African Studies professor and wrote the definitive biography of Sembene. Silverman is director of the Cinematheque at the Center for Contemporary Arts in Santa Fe.
Reel World Pass For Less
The White Sands International Film Festival is getting the jump on next year’s festival with early registration discounts. The festival isn’t scheduled to hit the southern New Mexico burg of Alamogordo until April 23, 2009. The lineup of films, parties, panels and workshops has yet to be solidified. However, due to “increased interest” and to take advantage of sales during the Christmas season, the WSIFF is pre-selling its festival passes at bargain rates. From Nov. 27 to Dec. 26, Platinum Passes are only $100. That is a $50 savings off the entire weekend’s worth of events. Other passes have also been discounted. Film Passes are $50 instead of $75 and Student Passes are $15 instead of $25. For more info, log on to the official website at wsiff.com.
Reel World Wind Power
This Friday (11 p.m.), Saturday (1 p.m.) and Sunday (1 p.m.), the Guild Cinema in Nob Hill will host the premiere of the New Mexico-shot sci-fi comedy Horror in the Wind . Made for less than $53,000 down in Otero County, the film relates the unexpected consequences when an accidentally unleashed biological agent reverses the sexual orientation of everyone in the world. Reportedly, the Allen Theater in Alamogordo refused to screen the film because it was “too political.” Their loss is our gain. Though shot primarily in southern New Mexico, filmmakers also lensed in Canada, Washington, New York, London, Paris and Rome. (How international.) To check out a trailer for the film, log on to horrorinthewind.com.
