Attention, local filmmakers: You may know how to pick up a camera, but do you know all the forms you need to fill out in order to make a movie here in New Mexico? To help you navigate that maze, the New Mexico Film Foundation presents “The Business of Film” seminar this Thursday and Friday, April 5 and 6. From 9am to 5pm each day, local experts teach up-and-coming filmmakers the nuts and bolts of the filmmaking biz. Learn about New Mexico’s Tax Incentive Program, release forms, permits, insurance and more. Tobi Ives, Lisa Lucas, Jose Garcia, Anna Darrah, Linda McDill, Brent Morris and Cara Cress are just a handful of the industry professionals sharing their insider knowledge. The event takes place at The Lodge in Santa Fe (750 N. St. Francis Drive). This seminar event is free, but preregistration is required. To RSVP go to nmfilmfoundation.org.
Reel World: Meet Dr. Gonzo Meet Dr. Gonzo
The Bank of America Theatre inside the National Hispanic Cultural Center (1701 Fourth Street NW) presents its Free Thursday Film Series at 7pm on April 5. This week’s offering looks at the life of radical Chicano lawyer, author and countercultural icon Oscar Zeta Acosta. Acosta is best known for his volatile friendship with legendary journalist-provocateur Hunter S. Thompson, who used him as inspiration for the character of Dr. Gonzo in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Philip Rodriguez’ documentary The Rise and Fall of the Brown Buffalo weaves archival footage and images with dramatized portrayals of Acosta, Thompson and other key figures. Accompanying the film is a discussion by NHCC staff about upcoming events and exhibits relating to issues raised by the film. Refreshments are being served. Admission is free, but tickets need to be picked up at the box office starting at 6pm.
Reel World: Accordions At Dawn Accordions At Dawn
Santa Fe-based filmmaker Tom Uhl spent 10 years traveling the southwestern parts of Louisiana learning about the culture of Zydeco music for his debut film Zydeco Breakfast. Introduced to the genre at a small cafe on the banks of the Bayou Teche, Uhl quickly immersed himself in the musicians, dancers and innovators who practice this unique form of rhythm and blues. Zydeco Breakfast, Uhl’s 93-minute tribute to the roots and current practitioners of Zydeco, screens Saturday and Sunday, April 7 and 8, at Guild Cinema. Screenings are 1pm on both days. Uhl introduces the film and discusses his musical journey. Tickets are $8. For more information go to zydecobreakfast.com [Flash required].
Reel World: Big Trouble, Good Time Big Trouble, Good Time
John Carpenter’s chopsocky fantasy Big Trouble in Little China (1986) comes to Guild Cinema (3405 Central Ave. NE) this Friday, April 6 courtesy of New Mexico Entertainment magazine. The cult classic stars Kurt Russell as a tough-talking, John Wayne-like truck driver who finds himself running afoul of an ancient Chinese wizard and his supernatural servants. The fine folks from Bubonicon 50 are scheduled to be there giving out doorprizes, and local artist extraordinaire Jon Sanchez (a.k.a. Jonito) is producing another one of his patented “flashback favorite” movie posters. The Big Trouble poster is hand silkscreened and even glows in the dark! It’s only available for sale in the lobby on the night of the screening. Doors open at 10:15pm. Movie starts at 10:30pm. Seating is limited. Advanced tickets can—and probably should—be purchased by going to holdmyticket.com.
