Curious about this year’s Las Cruces International Film Festival (LCIFF)? New Mexico State University (NMSU) has revealed a preview of what to expect as the big event returns April 8-12.
Now in its 11th year, the LCIFF will showcase 160 films–from short to feature-length, music videos to animation–from the U.S. and around the world. The film festival drew 3,000 people to watch 60 films 11 years ago. This year, organizers expect more than 12,000 people to attend the five-day event at the Allen Cineport 10.
“The festival embraces unique, independent filmmakers, filmmakers with important voices that we need to celebrate and put in front of an audience,” said Ross Marks, NMSU’s Creative Media Institute professor and festival executive director.
“Our 10th anniversary was just amazing last year. We had our increase of 30% in attendance,” Marks said. “The economic impact for the city has grown along with the festival each year. The revenue we’re generating has probably grown eight times over the years. The same would be true of the economic impact for the city.”
The LCIFF is presented by NMSU and Visit Las Cruces. According to a report by NMSU, the number of sponsors for the event continues to grow each year. VIP passes are $200; All-Access Passes are $100; Day Passes are $35; and admission to celebrity screenings is $35. You can still buy tickets at www.lascrucesfilmfest.com.
More Activities Await at LCIFF
The LCIFF brings more than unique entertainment experience and celebrity appearances to Las Cruces and the region.
The film festival will offer free workshops and panels at various locations for students and community members. Attendees can explore topics ranging from stunts and acting to horror films, prop-making, and directing this year.
The LCIFF not only showcases “world-class” independent filmmaking but also gives university students a hands-on learning experience.
Moreover, several celebrity guests will be on hand, including actor Michael Rooker. He will receive the film festival’s “Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment” award on April 9. Rooker will also have a question-and-answer session with a screening of the film “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.”
Meanwhile, tickets are still available for the LCIFF Poster Party. Local artists Asiah Thomas-Mandlman, an NMSU alumna, created artwork for this year’s festival poster. It will be revealed at an event from 5:30 to 8:oo p.m. Friday, March 6, at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum.
How LCIFF Empowers Students
The LCIFF has become the largest student-run film festival in the country. Approximately 80 to 100 NMSU students from the Creative Media Institute and the Creative Media Technology program at Doña Ana Community College collaborate to produce the festival. Marks guides their efforts throughout the process.
At NMSU, Marks teaches two courses on producing a film festival. During the fall course, he trains students to prepare for the festival. In the spring course, students get hands-on experience producing the festival. Marks calls it a “lab and a classroom” for NMSU students, helping grow southern New Mexico’s film industry.
“At the beginning of the semester, they’re thinking, ‘Oh man, I don’t think we can pull this off. This is scary.’ But by the end, every single one of them is empowered and confident because they do pull it off,” Marks said. “That’s the payday for me.”
Check out the complete schedule of films, workshops, and special VIP parties at lascrucesfilmfest.com.