Are you a fan of the iconic films “Lethal Weapon,” “Iron Man 3,” “Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang,” and “The Nice Guys?” This is your sign to attend the 2026 Las Cruces International Film Festival (LCIFF). Screenwriter and director Shane Black will be there to receive LCIFF’s Outstanding Filmmaker Award. The ceremony is one of the many events during the 11th annual festival on April 8-12.
“We are honored to welcome Shane Black to our festival,” said Ross Marks, New Mexico State University (NMSU) professor in the Creative Media Institute and festival executive director, as reported by NMSU Newsroom. “His work has inspired a generation of filmmakers and film lovers alike. His mastery in blending humor and action, along with his unique storytelling, has made an indelible impact on the film industry.”
Marks said they are excited to celebrate Black’s achievements and allow the audience to experience his work firsthand. The renowned filmmaker joins actors Steve Zahn and Michael Rooker in making LCIFF 2026 “our best festival yet.”
Two Chances to See Shane Black at LCIFF
Black will attend a special ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 10, at Allen Theatres Cineport 10. The event follows a screening of his film “The Nice Guys.” Following the screening, Black will engage the audience in a question-and-answer session. He will give fans and aspiring filmmakers an opportunity to gain insights into his creative process.
Tickets for the event cost $35. With limited seats, you should get your tickets early.
Black also will talk about his work and career in depth with Marks during “A Conversation with Shane Black.” The session runs from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Friday, April 10 at the Allen Theatres Cineport 10.
What LCIFF Brings This Year
The five-day festival will screen 160 films this year. These include narrative and documentary features, short films, animation and music videos from 50 different countries.
LCIFF will take place at Cineport 10, 700 S. Telshor Blvd. VIP passes are $200, All-Access Passes are $100, Day Passes are $35 and admission to celebrity screenings is $35. You can purchase tickets now at www.lascrucesfilmfest.com.
LCIFF, supported by NMSU and Visit Las Cruces, has grown over more than a decade into a “world-class” showcase for independent filmmaking. It has also become the largest student-run film festival in the country. The festival continues to help strengthen the local and regional economy.
The event has drawn crowds of more than 12,000 attendees and attracted more than 80,000 visitors to the region. Last year, attendance increased by 30%.
Eleven years ago, Marks founded the festival and began teaching NMSU students how to produce a film festival. Since then, every year 80 to 100 students gain hands-on experience producing LCIFF while working with Marks.