“The year it’s all about the films,” declares Southwest Gay & Lesbian Film Festival founder and programmer Roberto Appicciafoco. Rather than get lost—as many film festivals seem to want to do these days—in parties, workshops, red carpet soirees and 48-hour film challenges, the 11th annual SWGLFF is doing something rather rare: It’s actually concentrating on movies.

The Southwest Gay & Lesbian Film Festival is gearing up for its record-setting 10th year. The festival’s 2012 anniversary will be (appropriately enough) a 10-day event. Organizers are looking for an army of volunteers to help out. Among the positions that need to be filled are assistant volunteer coordinator, advisory committee, Pride Parade and booth volunteers, marketing and community outreach, distribution, fund-raising, and all door/ticketing shifts at the festival itself. Perks include parties, prizes and free movies (natch). If you’re interested in signing up or would like more info, please contact Shannon Peterson at volunteer@closetcinema.org or by phone at 450-6520.

June 22 through 24, Famous Monsters of Filmland will present the inaugural Roswell Comic-Con and Film Fest. Jason Faunt (the Red Ranger from “Power Rangers: Time Force”), Jessica Rey (the White Ranger from “Power Rangers: Wild Force”) and Nakia Burrise (the Yellow Ranger from “Power Rangers: Turbo”) are among the celebrity guests. So, “Power Rangers” fans are totally freaking set.

One of the keys to producing a successful film festival is finding a unifying theme, an identity that lets viewers know what sort of experiences are awaiting them. For eight years now, the Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival has had little trouble with that. Reveling in its identity as the premiere outlet for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender cinema in the Southwest, Albuquerque’s own SG&LFF has been able to attract hundreds of quality features, documentaries and shorts. With festival founder and director Roberto Appicciafoco beating the bushes for content, the festival has forged a solid reputation as an annual must-attend.