LOCAL FOCUS
Festival showcases New Mexico filmmakers
The New Mexico film industry continues to grow.
Showcasing the filmmakers in the state is a giant task to take on.
Enter the Valencia Leading Edge Film Festival, which takes place at the University of New Mexico-Valencia campus in Los Lunas.
Bill Nevins says the campus took the student film festival and combined it with the New Mexico Film Festival.
“You have student films and mostly experimental films,” he says. “Then we’ve paired them with professional films. It’s a chance for many of the students on campus to see their films.”
During the two-day festival, Nevins says, there will be panels that run concurrently with the screenings of the films.
He says the panels will consist of film industry professionals.
“We’ll have some directors and film liaisons,” he says. “It’s a chance for students and the community to come out and see the talented work from New Mexicans.”
Nevins says the festival will celebrate the recent breakthrough in U.S.-Cuban relations by featuring two films linking New Mexico and Cuba, along with a special musical guest performance by Victor Alvarez, who is the main focus of “One Among Thousands.”
“Victor made a documentary about his return to Cuba,” Nevins says. “He will perform with his band Savor.”
In addition to the Alvarez piece, there will be the film “Gaby,” which was made in Cuba by Albuquerque filmmaker Ann Bromberg.
Nevins says nearly a dozen short films will also screen as part of the festival.
And Jeff Berg will bring his “Made in New Mexico” film series to the festival.
“We’re trying to encompass all of New Mexico film,” he says. “It’s also giving the community a chance to come out and see some films for free and be part of the conversation. The industry touches every part of the state and we want to include as many people into the conversation.”
SEND ME YOUR TIPS: If you know of a movie filming in the state, or are curious about one, email film@ ABQjournal.com. Follow me on Twitter @agomezART.