The 24th Santa Fe Film Festival (SFFF 24) is set to run from April 25-28th, offering a fascinating line-up of cinematic experiences for attendees. The event will highlight a selection of films crafted by distinguished filmmakers, in addition to honoring notable figures in the industry. Throughout the festival, over 100 features and shorts will be showcased, carefully selected from thousands of submissions, with the attendance of most filmmakers expected. Operated by a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the festival is dedicated to curating an eclectic mix of films, fulfilling its commitment to “Cinema Different”.
Opening Night
The Opening Night of the festival will kick off with the indie sports-drama AMERICAN UNDERDOG, featuring a compelling redemption tale within the MMA world, from first-time director Gustavo Martin Benites and starring Danny Trejo, Veronica Falcón, Vishy Ayyar, Taylor Treadwell, Suleka Mathew, and Andrew Gray. These stars, alongside producers Naveen A. Chathapuram, Cristy Coors Beasley, and Rashaana Shah, will be present to debut the film. Danny Trejo will be honored with the Festival’s highest accolade, the Lifetime Achievement Award, during an opening ceremony at the Scottish Rite Temple Theater.
Saturday Events
The Festival will celebrate actor, filmmaker, and artist Val Kilmer by presenting him with the Luminaria Award for his outstanding achievements in the arts and his ability to inspire others’ creativity. This honor will take place during the SFFF 24 Award Ceremony on Saturday. Additionally, the festival will host a unique gallery exhibition featuring artwork by the acclaimed actor and painter Val Kilmer at Edition One Gallery, located at 729 Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM 87501. The opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, April 25th, with his works on display throughout the festival weekend. Kilmer’s paintings, noted for their vivid coloration and emotional depth, have earned critical praise and are highly coveted by discerning art collectors.
Veronica Falcón is set to receive the Trailblazer Visionary Award at the Awards ceremony on Saturday held at the New Mexico History Museum, which will be followed by a ticketed reception celebrating her achievements.
Festival Features
This year’s festival program showcases a diverse collection of internationally-directed features. Among these, TILL LOVE DO US PART marks the directorial debut of Chinese filmmaker Ran Li. Italian actor, director, and producer Fabio Massa contributes GLOBAL HARMONY, an Italian drama that interweaves suspense and heart with a poignant societal critique. Additionally, from Japan, filmmaker Yuichiro Nakada will travel to Santa Fe to present his short film, GIFT, which explores the cultural contrasts between two unlikely characters.
Make sure you catch the authentic portrayal of our stunning local landscapes in cinema. The breathtaking views of New Mexico, captured by native filmmakers, promise to captivate audiences. Experience the unique humor of Tom Carroll’s film, THE STRESS IS KILLING ME, a story set in Albuquerque that revolves around a group of UNM alumni in their 40s who gather for a college reunion.
Explore TALES OF THE FADED WEST by the creative Brenden Wedner and THE VALLEY OF HEART’S DELIGHT by the inventive Mike Timm. Additional highlights of the festival include the light-hearted, upbeat musical set in wartime 1942, ONLY HERE AND NOW by Raymond Singer, a must-see event. Engage with political themes in Liza Asner’s directorial debut, IT ISN’T JUST POLITICS. Asner, daughter of the renowned actor Ed Asner, explores the roots and potential resolutions of the current political divide in the United States. These films are sure to capture your attention and entertain thoroughly.
The Jean Cocteau, a cornerstone and historic partner of the festival, has been newly renovated and exquisitely restored by the celebrated writer and producer George R. R. Martin. This charming 70-seat theater will host a variety of festival films and serve as the Filmmakers Lounge, providing a space for international filmmakers and cultural influencers to network and engage with the media.
The festival will conclude at the renovated Jean Cocteau theater with a screening of THE MARTINI SHOT, directed by Stephen Wallis and produced in collaboration with Russ De Jong. This film features performances by Matthew Modine, Derek Jacobi, John Cleese, Stuart Townsend, Fiona Glascott, Morgana Robinson, and Jason London. The narrative centers on Steve, a gravely ill film director who sets out to create what he believes will be his final masterpiece. The screening will be followed by a vibrant closing night celebration at the As Above So Below venue.
The festival’s events are spread across various locations in Santa Fe, allowing guests to experience the city’s artistic flair. Venues include the Scottish Rite Temple Theater, the New Mexico History Museum, the Jean Cocteau Theater, Boxcar, Herve’s Wine Bar, the Edition One Gallery, The Crafted Tasting Room at the Inn & Spa at Loretto, and Vara, among others.
This Year’s Santa Fe Film Festival Guests
This year’s festival boasts a remarkable array of guests, including honored figures such as Danny Trejo and Veronica Falcón, along with returning Lifetime Achievement awardee and Academy Award-winning OPPENHEIMER cast member Matthew Modine. Also featured are artist Val Kilmer and animator Bill Plympton. The lineup this year is truly spectacular. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary assembly of artistic talent.
This year’s special guests and filmmakers will stay in style thanks to generous support from the Downtown Hilton, The St. Francis Hotel, and La Fonda.
Attendees can sample delicious local cuisine and drinks courtesy of festival sponsors like What the Truck, Casamigos, Sunora Bancora, Premiere Distributing Company and more.
This year the SFFF 24 will partner with and expand, taking many of the films to neighboring festivals in Los Alamos, Las Vegas and down the Rio Grande to TorC and Las Cruces.
Get tickets at https://santafefilmfestival.com/index/
New Mexico has played a pivotal role in the film industry since the pioneering ‘short film’ “Indian Day School” was shot here in 1898 by a crew working for Thomas Edison. Filmmakers discovered that the distinctive light in our state enhances the drama, depth, and atmosphere of their films. Recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as the top place for filmmakers to live, Santa Fe is at the forefront of New Mexico’s burgeoning film industry, thanks to substantial tax incentives and partnerships with major studios like Universal and Netflix.
Given its longstanding involvement with film, it’s no surprise that New Mexico has hosted the production of over 300 feature films across various genres, including Westerns and Action, since 1911. Notable films such as 3:10 to Yuma, The Astronaut Farmer, Silverado, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Grapes of Wrath, Red Dawn, Independence Day, Young Guns, and Wild Wild West were all filmed here. Many of these films have premiered at the Santa Fe Film Festival.
Throughout its history, the Santa Fe Film Festival has earned a stellar international reputation, attracting submissions from worldwide. It brings together renowned industry professionals and cinema enthusiasts from across a variety of film categories. Historically, the festival has showcased thousands of features, documentaries, and shorts from 38 countries. This year is set to enhance the reputation and excitement surrounding one of New Mexico’s premier entertainment events. For additional details, please visit the festival’s website.
Posted by LasCruces.com
