In the Spring of 2009 I was a last minute addition to the roster of guest artists at the White Sands International Film Festival. It was my first visit to the festival and to Las Cruces and I was so pleased and excited to find myself in such a vibrant and welcoming community: both the festival and the town itself.
The offer has been extended to me to be a judge in the subsequent festival and I am proud and happy to accept. The level of talent and craft on display in the White Sands International Film Festival is remarkable and there is no way I would pass up the opportunity to be a part of the event.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Festival Judge Sean Clark
The film of Sean Clark’s latest screenplay, the Albanian comedy Lenin and Us, has just been released in Europe. He is an award-winning playwright who was brought to Los Angeles early in his career to work in network television. His credits include Northern Exposure, Early Edition, Coach and many others as well as a handful of television series pilots. He also worked on developing several feature film projects during this time – some of them ended abruptly and others, remarkably, remain alive. He is currently the head of the graduate screenwriting program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Klaus Hjuler's Thoughts On His Time With Us
The following message is from Klaus Messerschmidt Hjuler, the winner of the best short film at the White Sands International Film Festival in 2008. We are so glad that Klaus is generously sharing his thoughts and experiences about his trip with us!
My time in New Mexico was spent more or less after the same lovely pattern: Starting out watching movies in the morning at the festival cinema complex (The Aviator 10). After lunch I usually went to a film making lecture on acting, casting, editing, script writing, and such... Then I watched more films at the festival cinemas, had dinner, went to the special evening screenings of a selected feature film, at which an actor, director, producer or writer from the film was present to give a Q&A about his or her film.
Everyone I met was very sweet and nice to me, and I had a super time. The combination of being in beautiful New Mexico, watching a bunch of great films of all kinds, and hanging out with great people... You can't ask for more. I might add, that my short film "Frelseren / The Savior" actually won the first prize of the festival competition - for the best short fiction film - so that didn't make my trip less fulfilling!
I'd like to thank J.R. Beardsley and the whole crew around WSIFF for inviting me and for creating such a great festival. I hope to be back some day!
Klaus Messerschmidt Hjuler,
Copenhagen, Denmark
January 2008
My time in New Mexico was spent more or less after the same lovely pattern: Starting out watching movies in the morning at the festival cinema complex (The Aviator 10). After lunch I usually went to a film making lecture on acting, casting, editing, script writing, and such... Then I watched more films at the festival cinemas, had dinner, went to the special evening screenings of a selected feature film, at which an actor, director, producer or writer from the film was present to give a Q&A about his or her film.
Everyone I met was very sweet and nice to me, and I had a super time. The combination of being in beautiful New Mexico, watching a bunch of great films of all kinds, and hanging out with great people... You can't ask for more. I might add, that my short film "Frelseren / The Savior" actually won the first prize of the festival competition - for the best short fiction film - so that didn't make my trip less fulfilling!
I'd like to thank J.R. Beardsley and the whole crew around WSIFF for inviting me and for creating such a great festival. I hope to be back some day!
Klaus Messerschmidt Hjuler,
Copenhagen, Denmark
January 2008
"Bella" Director Alejandro Monteverde's Thoughts
The WSIFF invited director Alejandro Monteverde and his wife, actress Ali Landry, for a special screening of "Bella". The WSIFF audience enthusiastically welcomed Bella with 2 sold out screenings, and many had driven several hours just to see the film and meet the director.
"I appreciate the fantastic work WSIFF did to market our film across New Mexico and neighboring states, as well as everything they are doing to open new doors of opportunity for the next generation of young filmmakers," Monteverde said. "For me, the festival was more than a celebration of film -- it gave my family and I a unique opportunity to spend several days enjoying the diverse natural beauty that New Mexico has to offer. I hope to return for both work and play in the future." Alejandro Monteverde, Director of "Bella"
"I appreciate the fantastic work WSIFF did to market our film across New Mexico and neighboring states, as well as everything they are doing to open new doors of opportunity for the next generation of young filmmakers," Monteverde said. "For me, the festival was more than a celebration of film -- it gave my family and I a unique opportunity to spend several days enjoying the diverse natural beauty that New Mexico has to offer. I hope to return for both work and play in the future." Alejandro Monteverde, Director of "Bella"
Sunday, July 19, 2009
How Do I Love Thee, New Mexico?
So, I've lived in New Mexico my whole life and I love it here. We have almost everything. We have beautiful mountains (e.g. the Sandia-Manzanos, the Organs, the Rockies, the Sangre de Cristos, the Jemez, the Sierra Blanca, and many many more), Wheeler Peak and Sandia Peak, beautiful deserts, deserts IN the mountains, rivers, lakes, skiing (both snow and water), great fishing and camping, the White Sands National Monument, Bandelier National Monument, authentic Indian pueblos, the second oldest city in the nation (Santa Fe), the longest tramway in the world, we are part of the Four Corners, we have the aliens in Roswell, the National Hispanic Cultural Center, Historic Route 66, we even have a culture pass that lets you see a lot of the really cool museums and state monuments we have. Not to mention the amazing wildlife here in New Mexico, such as hummingbirds, road runners, and black bears to name a few. You can even see bald eagles here. I'm not even going to get into the great shopping and eating you can do here (Hello? Hatch green chile, anyone?). We have absolutely gorgeous weather most of the year in most of the state, the most beautiful sunset you will ever see in your life, and there's always something to do.
Why am I writing about all this? Because THIS is exactly what the White Sands International Film Festival is here to celebrate; New Mexican heritage, culture, tourism, and filmmaking. And if you live here, or have just visited, and you love it as much as I do, there are ways to get involved and contribute to this wonderful festival and this beautiful state! If you're a filmmaker, especially if your films focus on Latin heritage or New Mexico or are filmed in New Mexico, you can submit your film (you can submit it even if it doesn't focus on these topics or wasn't filmed here, but if your film was at least partly made in New Mexico, your entry fee will be waived).
Not a filmmaker but still love New Mexico and/or filmmaking and want to be involved? You can support the WSIFF! We are a non-profit organization funded by donations from individuals, foundations and corporations, and that could be you! You can sponsor us in three ways: becoming a sponsor, donating stocks or bonds, and/or teaching at the festival. By supporting us financially, you will be helping to ensure that the WSIFF can continue on in its quest to bring big quality entertainment, nationally important industry, and intensified arts education to New Mexico, and particularly the southern region.
Want to get involved but can't exactly contribute financially? No problem! You can always volunteer! It takes a lot of people to make a film festival happen, and a lot of hard work! There are tons of benefits to volunteering with us, and just some of those are:
So check out the state, check out the film festival (which is being held April 15-18, 2010), and get involved!
Why am I writing about all this? Because THIS is exactly what the White Sands International Film Festival is here to celebrate; New Mexican heritage, culture, tourism, and filmmaking. And if you live here, or have just visited, and you love it as much as I do, there are ways to get involved and contribute to this wonderful festival and this beautiful state! If you're a filmmaker, especially if your films focus on Latin heritage or New Mexico or are filmed in New Mexico, you can submit your film (you can submit it even if it doesn't focus on these topics or wasn't filmed here, but if your film was at least partly made in New Mexico, your entry fee will be waived).
Not a filmmaker but still love New Mexico and/or filmmaking and want to be involved? You can support the WSIFF! We are a non-profit organization funded by donations from individuals, foundations and corporations, and that could be you! You can sponsor us in three ways: becoming a sponsor, donating stocks or bonds, and/or teaching at the festival. By supporting us financially, you will be helping to ensure that the WSIFF can continue on in its quest to bring big quality entertainment, nationally important industry, and intensified arts education to New Mexico, and particularly the southern region.
Want to get involved but can't exactly contribute financially? No problem! You can always volunteer! It takes a lot of people to make a film festival happen, and a lot of hard work! There are tons of benefits to volunteering with us, and just some of those are:
- Free passes to films and panel discussions
- Short and flexible shifts
- Invitations to festival private parties and events
- Learning about film
- Meeting new people
- Having fun!
So check out the state, check out the film festival (which is being held April 15-18, 2010), and get involved!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Welcome & News!
Hi everyone! I'm so excited to be blogging for the White Sands International Film Festival! First of all, I'd like to remind everyone of our dates: April 15-18, 2010! Mark your calendars!
And secondly, I'm going to repost the information for our call for entries, because it can't hurt to have this information plastered as many places across the internet as we can get it!
WSIFF 2010 OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS!
Please visit our partner at WITHOUT A BOX.COM to submit your film
CATEGORIES FOR ENTRY
DOCUMENTARY
The White Sands International Film Festival 2010 is accepting feature length and short documentary films in this category with particular focus on multi-cultural themes and background. Any films from any genres accepted from around the world. Please note that foreign language films should have sub-titles.
NARRATIVE
The White Sands International Film Festival 2010 is accepting feature length and short narrative films in this category with particular focus on multi-cultural themes and background. Any films from any genres accepted from around the world. Please note that foreign language films should have sub-titles.
LATINO
The White Sands International Film Festival seeks to recognize and celebrate Latino achievements in film. The WSIFF is accepting Narrative, Documentary features and shorts for it's Latino Showcase. A special Jury Award will be awarded to the best work in this category.
NEW MEXICO
The White Sands International Film Festival will be showcasing films that have been made in New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment! The WSIFF is accepting Narrative, Documentary features and shorts for it's New Mexico Showcase. A special Jury Award will be awarded to the best work in this category.
Filmmakers submitting in this category will be waived entry fee. Proof that at least parts of the film were shot in New Mexico MUST be included with the submission. Otherwise, the submission will be moved to another (correct) category.
GENERAL RULES
1. Entry Deadlines: The Festival is not obligated to review entries that are postmarked after the last deadline date.
2. Submissions: Entries should be submitted on DVD format only. Please submit two (2) copies for judging. The CD's should be clearly labeled with the Title of Film, Category of Submission, and WAB Tracking ID#.
3. Preliminary eligibility and classification shall be determined in accordance with procedures and judging recommended by the The White Sands International Film Festival 2010. If the eligibility of any entry is questioned, the White Sands Film Festival Committee shall be authorized to make a determination.
4. The entries shall be judged on the basis script writing, acting, direction and overall production quality. Advertising films and promotional films shall be excluded.
5. One award will be given to the best film directed and/or produced in each genre category, and will be awarded at the judges' discretion. An audience choice award will also be given.
6.The year of completion shall be no earlier than January of 2003.
Entry Exclusions - Please note entries will not be accepted as follows:
Entries received after 6pm on the final day for submissions. A shortlist process will take place immediately following the closing time, so late submissions (see late submission dates at Withoutabox for terms and conditions of late entry) cannot be accepted.
Entries received that are defective and unable to play will be not be accepted. WSIFF will notify filmmaker of defective disc, it is the filmmaker's responsibility to provide a replacement copy. Failure to do so will exclude your entry from the judging process.
Entries unable to be duplicated for judging purposes will not be considered for judging. You will be notified if WSIFF has difficulties making copies, it is the filmmaker's responsibility to provide a replacement copy. Failure to do so will exclude your entry from the judging process
SUBMISSION DEADLINES
October 15, 2009: Earlybird Deadline
Standard Fee Regular: 30.00 Discounted: 25.00
Student Fee Regular: 25.00 Discounted: 20.00
January 2, 2010: Regular Deadline
Standard Fee Regular: 40.00 Discounted: 35.00
Student Fee Regular: 35.00 Discounted: 30.00
January 15, 2010: Late Deadline
Standard Fee Regular: 55.00 Discounted: 50.00
Student Fee Regular: 40.00 Discounted: 35.00
February 1, 2010: WAB Extended Deadline
Standard Fee Regular: 65.00 Discounted: 50.00
Student Fee Regular: 55.00 Discounted: 40.00
NOTIFICATION DATE
Approximately March 15, 2010
RUNTIME
Shorts: maximum 40 minutes
Features: minimum 40 minutes
COMPLETION DATE
Projects completed after January 1, 2003
PLACE OF ORIGIN
Projects may originate from anywhere in the world
PREMIERE STATUS
No premiere requirement
DISTRIBUTION STATUS
Projects may have distribution
That's all for now, but check back later!
And secondly, I'm going to repost the information for our call for entries, because it can't hurt to have this information plastered as many places across the internet as we can get it!
WSIFF 2010 OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS!
Please visit our partner at WITHOUT A BOX.COM to submit your film
CATEGORIES FOR ENTRY
DOCUMENTARY
The White Sands International Film Festival 2010 is accepting feature length and short documentary films in this category with particular focus on multi-cultural themes and background. Any films from any genres accepted from around the world. Please note that foreign language films should have sub-titles.
NARRATIVE
The White Sands International Film Festival 2010 is accepting feature length and short narrative films in this category with particular focus on multi-cultural themes and background. Any films from any genres accepted from around the world. Please note that foreign language films should have sub-titles.
LATINO
The White Sands International Film Festival seeks to recognize and celebrate Latino achievements in film. The WSIFF is accepting Narrative, Documentary features and shorts for it's Latino Showcase. A special Jury Award will be awarded to the best work in this category.
NEW MEXICO
The White Sands International Film Festival will be showcasing films that have been made in New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment! The WSIFF is accepting Narrative, Documentary features and shorts for it's New Mexico Showcase. A special Jury Award will be awarded to the best work in this category.
Filmmakers submitting in this category will be waived entry fee. Proof that at least parts of the film were shot in New Mexico MUST be included with the submission. Otherwise, the submission will be moved to another (correct) category.
GENERAL RULES
1. Entry Deadlines: The Festival is not obligated to review entries that are postmarked after the last deadline date.
2. Submissions: Entries should be submitted on DVD format only. Please submit two (2) copies for judging. The CD's should be clearly labeled with the Title of Film, Category of Submission, and WAB Tracking ID#.
3. Preliminary eligibility and classification shall be determined in accordance with procedures and judging recommended by the The White Sands International Film Festival 2010. If the eligibility of any entry is questioned, the White Sands Film Festival Committee shall be authorized to make a determination.
4. The entries shall be judged on the basis script writing, acting, direction and overall production quality. Advertising films and promotional films shall be excluded.
5. One award will be given to the best film directed and/or produced in each genre category, and will be awarded at the judges' discretion. An audience choice award will also be given.
6.The year of completion shall be no earlier than January of 2003.
Entry Exclusions - Please note entries will not be accepted as follows:
Entries received after 6pm on the final day for submissions. A shortlist process will take place immediately following the closing time, so late submissions (see late submission dates at Withoutabox for terms and conditions of late entry) cannot be accepted.
Entries received that are defective and unable to play will be not be accepted. WSIFF will notify filmmaker of defective disc, it is the filmmaker's responsibility to provide a replacement copy. Failure to do so will exclude your entry from the judging process.
Entries unable to be duplicated for judging purposes will not be considered for judging. You will be notified if WSIFF has difficulties making copies, it is the filmmaker's responsibility to provide a replacement copy. Failure to do so will exclude your entry from the judging process
SUBMISSION DEADLINES
October 15, 2009: Earlybird Deadline
Standard Fee Regular: 30.00 Discounted: 25.00
Student Fee Regular: 25.00 Discounted: 20.00
January 2, 2010: Regular Deadline
Standard Fee Regular: 40.00 Discounted: 35.00
Student Fee Regular: 35.00 Discounted: 30.00
January 15, 2010: Late Deadline
Standard Fee Regular: 55.00 Discounted: 50.00
Student Fee Regular: 40.00 Discounted: 35.00
February 1, 2010: WAB Extended Deadline
Standard Fee Regular: 65.00 Discounted: 50.00
Student Fee Regular: 55.00 Discounted: 40.00
NOTIFICATION DATE
Approximately March 15, 2010
RUNTIME
Shorts: maximum 40 minutes
Features: minimum 40 minutes
COMPLETION DATE
Projects completed after January 1, 2003
PLACE OF ORIGIN
Projects may originate from anywhere in the world
PREMIERE STATUS
No premiere requirement
DISTRIBUTION STATUS
Projects may have distribution
That's all for now, but check back later!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Welcome to White Sands International Film Festival 2009!
The WSIFF MISSION:The WSIFF is dedicated to the creation of opportunities for artistic interaction and exchange among independent filmmakers, directors, producers, distributors, backers, and the filmgoing community. It is our mission to not only exhibit the best films available, but also to serve as a medium for new projects to get launched, financed and distributed. Networking opportunities at the WSIFF builds lasting connections in the unique backdrop of New Mexico.
.... is to bring eminent filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences to Southern New Mexico in order to better appreciate the art of cinema, as well as provide a backdrop for these filmmakers and guests to form lasting relationships within their filmmaking careers;
.... to screen outstanding short and feature length documentaries and narratives of all genres from around the world, but also retain a special focus on Latino and New Mexican filmmaking, as well as celebrate outstanding cinema that has been shot in the amazing back drop of Southern New Mexico.
... and to screen films that
• deal with contemporary issues
• celebrate the human spirit
• explore the Latino and or Hispanic World
• have been made in New Mexico
• combine good story telling, writing, acting and direction
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)