It’s a repeat.
For the second year in a row, the Santa Fe International Film Festival has received accolades from MovieMaker Magazine.
On Tuesday, the trade publication named SFiFF as one of the “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee.”
The festival has made the list nine times and will be marking its 16th festival in Oct. 16-20.
It is also the lone New Mexico film festival to make the list in 2024.
“As Santa Fe becomes a major hub for production, SFiFF remains consistent in its dedication to filmmakers and the art of making movies in this community,” says Jacques Paisner, SFiFF artistic director. “Coinciding with Santa Fe’s listing as Moviemaker’s No. 1 small city, we feel it is apropos to be included again on this list of top regional festivals.”
According to MovieMaker, SFiFF has a best-of-both worlds appeal as it feels far from the pressure of the coasts.
The article recognizes the festival prizes, which includes a $90,000 prize package from Panavision and Light Iron for the Best Narrative Feature and a $15,000 Panavision camera package for the Best Narrative Short, as well as its generosity with travel and lodging.
“Films in the latest edition included the world premiere of Lois Lipman’s documentary ‘First We Bombed New Mexico,’ the untold story of how the Trinity test portrayed in ‘Oppenheimer’ affected thousands of New Mexicans, including the Indigenous people of the region,” MovieMaker noted.
The article went on to spotlight the natural beauty of the Sangre de Cristo foothills and the art scene in Santa Fe.
“SFIFF organizers Jacques Paisner and Gary Farmer often welcome guests to their ‘Film Talk Weekly’ radio show and podcast, the festival holds a special panel to connect filmmakers with distributors, and fantastic events have been known to include a reception at the New Mexico Governor’s Mansion,” MovieMaker wrote.
The festival has also honored many creatives since its inception. Some of the guests include Sterlin Harjo, Oliver Stone, Shirley MacLaine, Robert Redford, Wes Studi, Jane Seymour, Ethan Hawke, Godfrey Reggio and Catherine Hardwicke.
The annual list is compiled by looking at factors such as location, cost, how many films are submitted versus how many films are chosen, whether a festival can qualify a film for Oscar consideration, and whether it has a screenwriting competition.
“We also look at how festivals make life easier for filmmakers, by helping with travel costs, offering stipends or screening fees, or simply free meals and drinks,” MovieMaker wrote. “We highlight large prize packages. And of course we consider your chances of meeting distributors who can get your film in front of a mass audience.”
By Adrian Gomez