The Santa Fe Film Festival is an annual celebration of the best in cinematic arts, the 25th Annual Santa Fe Film Festival will run in February 2025 with a variety of programs including screenings, panels, juried awards, Q&As for all films with present filmmakers or representation, workshops, red carpet, press interviews, networking, and after-parties.
Voted as the best place for filmmakers to live by MovieMaker Magazine, there's a reason for that, not only because of the partnerships with Universal, Netflix, and others but because of our tax credits for filmmakers... and quality of life.
AND we are a quick flight from LA and a bit longer from NY or the East Coast but once you land you will find yourself transported to a place rich in history, culture, amazing food, and people.
Our jurors are also a mix with in-state local professionals to Hollywood, NY, and International professionals who appreciate all aspects of storytelling and independent film.
Our History
Long before New Mexico received statehood, artists have found our diverse landscapes, light, and culture integral for sharing their stories.
New Mexico has been a key part of filmmaking since the first ‘short film’ entitled “Indian Day School” was shot by a crew sent by Thomas Edison in 1898. Filmmakers found that shooting in the light in our state added more drama, depth, and atmosphere to the story.
With a rich history in film, it’s not surprising that over 300 feature films from Westerns to Action genres and everything in between has been shot here since 1911. Select titles include 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.
In the 1920s, Film Festivals became popular with independent filmmakers as an alternative to Hollywood-controlled theaters, allowing them to share their important stories from documentaries to avant-garde films; allowing them to show their work to audiences, film distributors, critics, and fans.
The Santa Fe Film Festival’s beginnings started to grow organically forty years ago with an off-shoot from a festival in the region creating a “New Directors/New Film” program in partnership with MOMA (NYC) which attracted many notable Hollywood directors and film stars. From this start as a hub for celebrating filmmakers, the Santa Fe Film Festival was officially created in 1999 as a nonprofit and awarded “The Cider House Rules” as the first Best Feature.
Over the years, the Santa Fe Film Festival has garnered international industry acclaim receiving submissions from all over the globe by bringing together distinguished industry professionals and film-lovers alike with the diverse categories of cinema. We welcome you to join us.
Come experience the beauty of Santa Fe's culture and outdoors (skiing, hiking, biking, etc) and join us for our upcoming celebration of cinematic arts.
The Santa Fe Film Festival has concluded its 24th edition with an in-person event featuring 90 films from all over the world. At this year’s festival, filmmakers were honored at the two filmmaker awards ceremonies held.
2024 Santa Fe Film Festival Awards
LUMINARIA AWARD : VAL KILMER
Best Documentary Feature : Downwind
Best Documentary Short : Lightning Unveiled
Best Cinematography : American Underdog
Best Costume Design : Stolen tundra
TRAILBLAZER VISIONARY AWARD : VERONICA FALCON
Best International Feature : Global Harmony
Best International Short : Gift
Best Animation : Cosmo
Best NM Documentary Short : Acequias: The Legacy Lives
Best NM Documentary Feature : American Hemp Farmer
RISING STAR : CHRISTIAN GANIERE
Best NM Short : Tales of the faded West
Best NM Feature : The stress is killing me
Best Production Design : MAKTOUB AS IT IS WRITTEN
Best Actor : Matthew Modine in Martini Shot
Best Actress : Veronica Falcon in American Underdog
HUMANITARIAN AWARD : MATTHEW MODINE
Best Score : Only Here and Now
Best Short : ANIMUS
Best Director : An Open Door - Temple Grandin
Best Picture : The Martini Shot
Love Today Productions Storyteller Award : Till Love Do Us Part