Make My Movie!—After years of catering exclusively to big-budget Hollywood filmmakers, the State Film Office looks like it's finally starting to get the idea that New Mexico might have a few of its own budding auteurs. Recently, Gov. Bill Richardson announced a statewide short screenplay competiton. If you're an aspiring filmmaker/screenwriter and you've got something in mind–or if you've already got something buried on the hard drive of your computer–get it entered. Four winning screenplays will be chosen to be produced in New Mexico in 2006. Winners will have access to production gear, crew, costumes and props, plus a production budget provided by sponsors Comcast and National Geographic All Roads Film Project. All films must be 10 minutes or less. Deadline for entries is April 7. This is a fantastic opportunity, people, so get on it! Log on to www.nmfilm.com for a complete entry form.
Reel World
Heavenly Discussion—This Friday, Feb. 10, filmmaker Gayle Ferraro, director of the documentary Ganges: River to Heaven, will lead a panel discussion following the film's 7:30 p.m. showing at the Guild Cinema. Joining Ferraro will be Camille Adair-Norwick from Project Life Stories (www.projectlifestories.org). Adair-Norwick will help provide perspective and context on end-of-life care here in New Mexico compared to Indian culture and tradition, as seen in the film. Ganges was filmed in a hospice in the city of Kashi and follows four families as they struggle to fulfill the final wishes of their loved ones. Like the families it studies, the film is closely tied to India's River Ganges, believed by Hindus to be the sacred portal to the afterlife. For more info, log on to www.gangesrivertoheaven.com.
Reel World
Treat Your Valentine to a Woody—On Tuesday, Feb. 14, the Lensic performing Arts Center in Santa Fe will celebrate Valentine's Day with a screening of Woody Allen's classic 1977 love story Annie Hall. The film, which begins at 7 p.m., is part of the Lensic's ongoing Big Screen Classics series. Tickets are a mere $5 and can be purchased at the Lensic box office (211 W. San Francisco) or online at www.tickets.com.
