A quarter of a century ago, Santa Fe embraced cinema — not just as entertainment, but as a force that shapes culture, sparks dialogue, and redefines storytelling. Now, 25 years later, the Santa Fe Film Festival (SFFF) returns from February 19 – 23 to celebrate its legacy of championing independent film while setting the stage for the future. This year’s festival is not only about watching movies, but also about celebrating film’s power to challenge, inspire, and connect us across borders and generations.
One of the biggest highlights? The long-awaited return of The Screen, a legendary Santa Fe film venue, brings a cherished part of the city’s cinematic history back to the heart of the festival.
The Festival Today
This year, SFFF will showcase more than 80 films selected from nearly 2,000 submissions, representing filmmakers from 32 countries, including Peru, China, Mexico, Bulgaria, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, India, Canada, Japan, Tanzania, France, Rwanda, Ukraine, and a special focus on films from Iran.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the festival maintains its commitment to assembling diverse collections of features and shorts that embody its motto, “Cinema Different.”
Opening Night
Opening night at the historic Scottish Rite Temple features a special screening of Hutton Broadcasting’s Zozobra: 100 Years of Fire and Redemption. This documentary traces the evolution of Old Man Gloom, the 50-foot marionette whose annual burning has grown from a small artistic gesture into a powerful ritual of renewal. Each year, thousands gather to watch their written troubles go up in flames, transforming darkness into light.
Featured Films
From the impressive lineup of 80 films that will grace the SFFF screens this year, several productions are already generating buzz:
The Cat Man Eshete
Academy Award® nominee Laura Checkoway brings us this intimate portrait of an Ethiopian civil war refugee who finds purpose and community through caring for a feral cat colony in Brooklyn, weaving a touching narrative about resilience, connection, and the unexpected ways we build family in a new homeland.
Heavy is the Head
This powerful experimental short film explores Black boyhood in America, examining the weight of societal expectations and the complex journey of self-discovery through innovative cinematography and storytelling that challenges conventional perspectives on identity and representation.
Foxtrot: Operation Reunification
A gripping documentary chronicling Navy and Marine personnel who established a critical hospital during Desert Storm in 1991, following their journey from battlefield heroics to the equally challenging fight against PTSD on the home front, highlighting the enduring bonds of military brotherhood.
Gaijin
An emotionally charged cross-cultural drama following an American graduate student’s journey from despair to hope in Japan, featuring an international ensemble cast and spanning three continents with its ambitious storytelling and dynamic score crafted in Mexico.
Fortune
This Southern Gothic tale set in rural Georgia tells a gripping story of fate and human nature, following a timber yard worker’s rollercoaster journey after winning a massive lottery jackpot—only to lose the ticket before claiming his life-changing prize.
Fools’ Paradise (lost?)
An urgent and lyrical exploration of humanity’s relationship with the natural world, blending together the voices of writers, artists, scientists, and activists to examine how reconnecting with nature might heal both ourselves and our planet, while addressing critical questions about environmental preservation and cultural wisdom.
Echoes from the Santa Fe Trail
A captivating documentary following author Jackie Fleming’s pilgrimage along New Mexico’s historic Santa Fe Trail, where past meets present through vivid historical reenactments and personal narrative, offering viewers a glimpse into a pivotal era of American history.
Festival Venues and Activities
The five-day celebration of cinema will take place across several prestigious locations throughout Santa Fe, including:
- The Screen (Festival Headquarters)
- Paradiso
- Center for Progress and Justice
- Scottish Rite Temple
- The Screen at Garson Studios
Beyond film screenings, filmmakers and cinema lovers can take part in workshops and panels at Studio C at Garson Studios, providing valuable opportunities for learning, collaboration, and industry networking.
Awards and Recognition
The festival culminates on Saturday evening with an Awards Ceremony at The Screen, where filmmakers will receive recognition in categories including:
- Best Picture
- Best Story
- Best Soundtrack
- Best Actor
- Best Cinematography
- Special Industry Luminaries Recognition
The evening will conclude with a special focus on the history of New Mexico’s oldest mainstream film festival and its relationship with the successful film incentives program that helped create a thriving local film industry.
Why New Mexico?
New Mexico’s film legacy dates back to 1898 when Thomas Edison’s crew shot “Indian Day School,” the state’s first short film. Today, Santa Fe is fundamental to New Mexico’s growing film industry, recently voted the best small city to work and live for filmmakers by MovieMaker Magazine. The city boasts more independent movie theater seats per capita than almost anywhere else nationwide and possibly worldwide.
Since 1911, over 300 feature films across various genres have been shot in New Mexico, including classics like 3:10 to Yuma, Silverado, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Grapes of Wrath, and more recent productions. Many of these films premiered at the Santa Fe Film Festival, contributing to its international acclaim.
Join the Celebration
The Santa Fe Film Festival celebrates all facets of cinematic arts – here in New Mexico, regionally, and globally. Through accessible screenings, engaging panels, hands-on workshops, and festive gatherings, SFFF brings together distinguished industry specialists and movie lovers alike.
Step into the story, connect with creators, and be part of a festival where film comes to life. For more information and to get your tickets, visit Santa Fe Film Festival.
This article was posted by Jesse Williams
