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Santa Fe International Film Festival brings 175 films, major honorees to New Mexico

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SANTA FE, N.M. —

The Santa Fe International Film Festival kicks off Wednesday, offering audiences early access to awards-season contenders, appearances by industry honorees and a spotlight on New Mexico filmmakers.

The festival will feature more than 175 movies, including 65 feature films from 27 countries. The opening-night film, "In Memoriam," will be presented with actor and Albuquerque native Marc Maron and director Rob Burnett in attendance.

Free public panels and networking events will also be offered. Four locally made films are part of the lineup, including "Burn Scar," a documentary about the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire near Las Vegas, New Mexico.

"One of the coolest things about the festival is we're now a major player on the awards circuit," said Liesette Bailey, executive director of the Santa Fe International Film Festival. "So, a lot of these films, Santa Fe is the second or third audience in the United States getting to see these major award contenders."

The festival is an Academy Award-qualifying event, giving eligible jury prize winners an opportunity to submit their films for Oscar consideration. Organizers said 13 films shown at last year’s festival went on to receive Academy Award nominations.

Reporter Alyssa Munoz