On Wednesday, Sept. 19, the KiMo Theatre will be hosting its 85th anniversary extravaganza. How about coming out and celebrating with the beautiful old gal? The night starts off with Pueblo Indian drumming and dancing at 5 p.m. on the sidewalk outside the theater. City officials will be on hand to unveil a National Register and City Landmark plaque. At 5:30 p.m., there will be an architectural tour of the renovated venue. Restored murals and a brand new silver screen are just some of the sights you will see. At 6:45 p.m. the festivities really begin with beloved local author John Nichols introducing Robert Redford’s 1988 adaptation of The Milagro Beanfield War. Nichols wrote the screenplay based on his 1974 novel, and it was filmed on location in Truchas, N.M. Rúben Blades, Sonia Braga, Melanie Griffith, Christopher Walken, Freddy Fender and John Heard are among the classy cast. The film screening starts at 7 p.m. sharp. Following the film, at 9 p.m., there will be a meet-and-greet reception in the lobby. I hear there will be cake. What’s a birthday celebration without cake? So, what’s the cost for this fabulous event, you ask? It’s free! The mayor’s picking up the tab, so get there early and grab a seat.

The New Mexico Filmmakers Showcase is returning to Guild Cinema, Oct. 12 through Oct. 14. The annual event is designed by the New Mexico Film Office as a way to spotlight the creative talent of local, independent filmmakers. It’s a first-come, first-served platform for artist of all levels, screening films of just about any length or genre. The best works will be selected to participate in a tour of theaters and public access channels around the state. So, if you’ve got a short, feature, documentary, animation, experimental film or whatever, and you’d like to nab a little local exposure, here’s your chance. Entering your film is free. The deadline is Friday, Sept. 14, at 5 p.m. Entries postmarked after that deadline will not be accepted. To download an entry form, go to the revamped Film Office website.

Starting Thursday night, the New Mexico Film Office will set up shop at the Guild Cinema to produce the seventh annual New Mexico Filmmakers Showcase. The event began in 2005 with an ambitious week-long program spotlighting more than 40 hours’ worth of homegrown shorts, features, films and videos. Since then, the showcase has evolved into a somewhat more manageable four-day affair. It is still, however, a nonjuried, first-come, first-served opportunity for up-and-coming New Mexico filmmakers to get their work screened in the public eye.