Santa Fe New Mexican
Santa Fe International Film Festival again lands on list of top festivals
For the fourth year in a row, the Santa Fe International Film Festival has been recognized as one of the top cinematic gatherings in the world by MovieMaker Magazine.
The festival was named to the magazine’s list of “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee 2026.” The festival has made the annual list since 2023.
The festivals are listed in alphabetical order but are not ranked.
“We’re really excited about this designation,” Liesette Bailey, the festival’s executive director, said, calling the honor a testament to the event’s dedication to filmmakers and to bringing quality films to the city.
“We have a real dedication to treating a filmmaker as an artist,” she said, adding the staff and the backdrop of the city help make the event special.
The festival, which takes place Oct. 14-19, drew praise from Tim Molloy, MovieMaker’s editor in chief, in a short article accompanying the list.
“Santa Fe is home to many filmmakers who like their privacy, but they come out in force for this stellar award-season festival led by the brother-sister duo of artistic director Jacques Paisner and executive director Lisette Bailey,” he wrote. “They preside over packed parties, insightful talks, and one of the most moving award ceremonies on the festival circuit.”
by Mike Easterling