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July’s Hamilton Experience by NDI and Musical Theatre Southwest

Nolan Rodrigues Walsh
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July’s Hamilton Experience by NDI and Musical Theatre Southwest

This July, NDI New Mexico is partnering with Musical Theatre Southwest to create “The Room Where It Happens” Hamilton Experience at the Hiland Theatre in honor of the 250th anniversary of United States independence.

A non-profit since 1994, Albuquerque’s NDI New Mexico has offered dance and performance training to children ages 3-8 and adults. “The Room Where It Happens” Experience celebrates the hit Broadway musical about founding father Alexander Hamilton and will consist of several masterclasses and workshops with original cast member Betsy Struxness, along with a free community screening of the Broadway musical’s pro-shot.

All events are being offered to dancers of all experience levels ages 14 and older; children under 16 will need an accompanying adult. Children under 14 years old can still participate in this event by enrolling in the Musical Theatre Summer Camp as Betsy Struxness will be guiding similar workshops for those enrolled in this summer camp.

Schedule of Events

Sing Your 16 Workshop

The first of three Hamilton Experience workshops will be on Thursday, June 2 from 5:15 – 7:30 p.m. Sing Your 16 is a musical theatre audition workshop that focuses on polishing and clarifying audition material. The workshop costs $25, and participants must register online, are encouraged to bring a binder with sheet music, and should plan to arrive early. 

Hamilton Beginner/Intermediate Choreography Workshop

The second workshop is on Friday, June 2 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. This class will teach actual choreography from Hamilton in a beginner friendly environment. Beginner and intermediate dancers are encouraged to register online for this $25 workshop and bring comfortable movement clothing (including jazz shoes, if available).

Hamilton Intermediate/Advanced Choreography Workshop

The last workshop, on Friday, June 3rd from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. will tackle the most challenging dance combinations from Hamilton choreography. In this $25 course, participants must register online and are required to bring jazz shoes.

Meet and Greet with Betsy Struxness

On Friday, July 3, there will be a meet and greet from 4:15 to 5 p.m. with guest artist Betsy Struxness, who is a graduate of The Julliard School in New York City, and was an ensemble member in the original cast of Hamilton, among other prominent Broadway roles. Those interested in attending must register on the NDI New Mexico website.

Hamilton Screening

The final part of “The Room Where It Happens” Experience will be on Friday, July 3 at 5:15 p.m., immediately following Friday’s meet and greet. This event will be a free showing of the professional recording of the Hamilton original Broadway cast performance. This community event is free and open to the public.

Nolan Rodrigues Walsh is an Albuquerque-born journalist covering community news and events. They prioritize empathy, transparency, and a community-centered approach. They can be reached on Instagram at @brantonenews.

Albuquerque Celebrates 2-0 USA World Cup Win Against Australia

Nolan Rodrigues Walsh
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Albuquerque Celebrates 2-0 USA World Cup Win Against Australia

The United States’ 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle was among the most gripping matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far. This game marks the United States team’s second win in this year’s World Cup, ensuring their advancement to the knockout round.

This year, Albuquerque communities have many options for watching World Cup games in a group setting. Besides the many local bars and breweries showing games, the Civic Plaza in Downtown Albuquerque is hosting daily watch parties for all games in this year’s World Cup. Additionally, the City of Albuquerque is partnering with New Mexico United to present watch parties at many parks around town; all CABQ events are free and offer food trucks. The USA versus Australia game watch-party was at the Mariposa Basin Park.

The first half of the United States versus Australia game offered a tight competition. In the 11th minute, pressure from United States’ Folarin Balogun forced Australia’s Cameron Burgess into an own goal. In the 43rd minute, the United States’ youngest player Alex Freeman scored a close goal that was first contested as offside until VAR technology confirmed it. Though Australia struggled to maintain possession, both teams put up a rigorous fight. Australia’s goalie recorded a save at the 51st minute mark, followed by multiple other key saves.

Though no goals were scored in the second half, audiences were met with increased tension between the teams that were largely friendly to each other in the first half. As the game progressed, the match became increasingly physical, with several hard challenges leading to yellow cards and several stoppages for injuries.

In the end, the United States won 2-0, guaranteeing the team’s progression to the knockout round. It also puts the United States in a strong position to win Group D and be the second group win after Mexico sealed their victory in Group A with their win against South Korea. The next World Cup game featuring the United States will be against Türkiye, taking place on Thursday, June 25.

Nolan Rodrigues Walsh is an Albuquerque-born journalist covering community news and events. They prioritize empathy, transparency, and a community-centered approach. They can be reached on Instagram at @brantonenews.

From $3.7B to $1B: New Mexico Scales Back Its Demands in High‑Stakes Meta Trial

Juan Oliveros
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From $3.7B to $1B: New Mexico Scales Back Its Demands in High‑Stakes Meta Trial

New Mexico has reduced its financial demands against Meta Platforms Inc. The state scaled down its proposed penalties from $3.7 billion to just under $1 billion in a lawsuit that claims the social media giant contributed to the state’s youth mental health crisis.

In a 277-page court filing, the New Mexico Department of Justice said the reduced figure more accurately reflects its estimate of social media’s role in New Mexico’s mental health harms.

The filing also seeks broad changes to Meta’s operations, such as stronger age-verification measures, safer recommendation algorithms, and the removal of the “infinite scroll” feature. Entrepreneur Aza Raskin, inventor of infinite scroll, has since turned against his creation. He alleged that Meta’s apps were deliberately made addictive for children.

Still pending before a judge in Santa Fe, the case has emerged as a key battleground in the wider push to hold tech companies responsible for the mental health effects of social media on young users.

Meta has asked the court to dismiss the proposed remedies or further reduce any penalties. In its previous filings, the social media giant warned that hefty penalties and overly burdensome requirements could force it to suspend access for New Mexico’s millions of users to Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

The Justice Department claims that algorithmic feeds, ‘likes,’ and endless scrolling deliberately boost engagement and exploit children’s cognitive vulnerabilities. Meta disputes those claims, adding that excessive penalties could establish legal precedents with wide-ranging consequences for the internet industry.

The court will decide not only the size of any penalty against Meta. It will also determine how much authority states have to impose changes on social media platforms.

Spending the Summer Break Wisely: Students Learn About Veterinary Science, Agriculture 

Gregg Morgan
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Spending the Summer Break Wisely: Students Learn About Veterinary Science, Agriculture 

Summer break doesn’t halt learning. Many students spend the time gaining insights, preparing for the next academic stage, and joining programs that introduce them to new fields and career paths.

Students aged 13 to 17 took part in a two-day Agriculture Youth Enrichment Program on June 16 to 17, 2026. The Navajo Technical University (NTU) Veterinary Technology Program hosted the initiative at the NTU Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Crownpoint. NTU offered the program free of charge.

Applicants had to submit an application form, a two-page essay, and one letter of reference. The program provided students with a rare opportunity to explore careers in agriculture and veterinary science. It also allowed them to gain hands-on experience in a veterinary learning environment.

Dr. Joel O. Alibi, Assistant Professor of Animal Science, led the program. Krystal Louis, Kimberlynnibah Yazzie, Kelvina Lee, Mary Ben, and Dr. Joseph Bahe served as facilitators. Each instructor conducted classroom lectures and laboratory sessions throughout the event.

Program Activities and Outcomes

The program introduced students to veterinary technology education, according to NTU. It also exposed them to a wide range of career opportunities in agriculture and veterinary science.

Alibi voiced his excitement about the students’ progress throughout the two-day program. He also noted their retention of what they learned as they transitioned from classroom instruction to hands-on laboratory activities. 

The lectures covered introductory veterinary concepts, animal health management, artificial insemination (AI), and animal production. Students analyzed blood and fecal samples during laboratory sessions to assess animal health, cell and hormone levels, parasites, and nutrition. They gained valuable practical experience and reinforced concepts discussed during lectures through these activities.

On the last day of the program, students learned how to perform a horse examination. The lesson began in a classroom setting and then moved to a live horse demonstration. Louis guided students through the examination process and supervised each participant as they practiced examination techniques.

At the end of the program, Alibi presented students with certificates of completion. He also encouraged them to continue pursuing their interests in veterinary science and agriculture. He expressed his gratitude to all students who participated in the program. He likewise shared his enthusiasm for expanding the Agriculture Youth Enrichment Program in the coming years.

Judge Allows Federal Government to Deposit Funds, Take Possession of Church Land for Border Wall Project

Victoria Padilla
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A federal judge has allowed the U.S. government to proceed with acquiring a portion of land owned by the Catholic Church in southern New Mexico for a border wall project. The decision permits officials to deposit compensation funds with the court while litigation continues.

The Diocese of Las Cruces owns the land, which is located near the U.S.-Mexico border. Federal officials identified the property as part of a planned border wall project in the region.

Under the ruling, the government may deposit compensation funds with the court and gain possession of the property before the legal dispute is resolved. Future proceedings will assess the amount payable to the church.

Church leaders have raised concerns about the proposed land acquisition, saying the site holds spiritual and historical value for the local community. They have also sought to preserve access to the area while the case is ongoing.

Federal officials said the project is part of ongoing initiatives to complete border infrastructure in designated areas. The acquisition, they claimed, follows laws governing the use of eminent domain for public purposes.

Legal experts in New Mexico said the case could take months or longer to resolve as the court resolves issues such as fair market value and the property’s intended use. The court has to rely on expert appraisals and assessments to determine compensation.

The judge’s decision permitting the federal government to deposit funds provides a basis for officials and church leaders to continue discussions as the case proceeds.

I-25 is Shutting Down for 5 Nights. Here’s What You Need to Know.

Ruben Reyes
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I-25 is Shutting Down for 5 Nights. Here’s What You Need to Know.

Transportation officials announced the closure of I‑25 for five nights beginning in late June as workers demolish the existing Montgomery Boulevard bridge over the interstate. Crews will begin demolition as early as June 28 and finish the work in five nights. During the project, they will shut down the Montgomery Boulevard on‑ and off‑ramps at I‑25.

Each night, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., motorists traveling on I-25 will use the Pan American Frontage Road at the Montgomery exits as an alternate route. Drivers will traverse Montgomery Boulevard and return to I-25 using the on-ramps.

Crews will shut down Montgomery Boulevard, Culture Drive, and the northbound Pan American Frontage Road during the overnight work. East-side traffic will be rerouted via Comanche Road, Carlisle Boulevard, and Jefferson Street. Traffic managers will redirect west‑side traffic through Culture Drive and Edith Boulevard.

Transportation officials warned motorists to prepare for heavy traffic and extended travel times. They urged drivers to plan and follow posted traffic-control measures.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation has created a website dedicated to the project, where motorists can monitor construction progress and get updates. Officials urged travelers to check the site before heading out and plan alternative routes when necessary.

Trump Border Wall Clash: Judge Authorizes Federal Deposit to Buy Church Land

Juan Oliveros
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Trump Border Wall Clash: Judge Authorizes Federal Deposit to Buy Church Land

A federal judge has allowed the government to deposit $183,071 into the court registry as it seeks to acquire 14.259 acres owned by the Catholic Church at the base of Mount Cristo Rey. The land would be used for fencing, surveillance cameras, and security lighting for the planned U.S.-Mexico border wall.

But Church leaders disputed the ruling. They insist it is not only about compensation, arguing Mount Cristo Rey is not merely property. It is sacred.

Pilgrims have climbed Mount Cristo Rey in prayer, tracing their path on steep stairs below the towering limestone statue of Jesus Christ overlooking New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico. Catholics from Las Cruces, El Paso, and Ciudad Juárez consider the mountain to be a place where borders seem to vanish. To the Trump administration, however, the land surrounding the sacred mountain has become a strategic location for border wall.

That clash of meanings became the center of a legal fight between the federal government and the Diocese of Las Cruces. “The erection of a border wall through or along this holy site could irreparably damage its religious and cultural sanctity, obstruct pilgrimage routes, and transfer sacred space into a symbol of division,” the Diocese said in court filings.

Catholics regard the mountain as a special place in the spiritual life of the borderlands. The church acquired the land from New Mexico and built the first cross there in 1933. Six years later, the church erected the current monument. Every year, particularly during Holy Week, thousands of Catholics make the steep ascent in acts of devotion.

The Diocese argues that taking the land violates its First Amendment rights. It will also threaten a site that becomes a symbol of unity across national boundaries.

But federal officials disagree. They say access to Mount Cristo Rey will remain open as long as visitors enter from the American side. Court documents show no direct obstruction of the main pathway to the summit. One road, however, appears to be designated for access to border facilities.

In a June 15 order, Chief U.S. District Judge Kenneth J. Gonzales rejected the contention that the court had no discretion over the deposit request. He concluded that depositing the money in the court registry would still allow the Church to pursue the case. “Defendants may raise any defenses and objections to the condemnation in their answer to the complaint,” Gonzales wrote.

Gonzales ruled that the $183,071 will remain in an interest-bearing account until the court issues further notice.

Both sides are to present further arguments during a hearing scheduled for July 23. A larger question, however, still awaits resolution. Can one of the Southwest’s most cherished sacred mountains coexist with a border wall? For many of the pilgrims who climb Mount Cristo Rey every year, the case is about more than land; it is about what the mountain, where the towering statue of Christ stands, represents.

Editor’s Note: This article is an update of the previous story. Click here for the previous story.

$10M Won’t Solve It —But It May Decide Who Gets to Go to College Amid Affordability Crisis in Higher Education

Juan Oliveros
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$10M Won’t Solve It —But It May Decide Who Gets to Go to College Amid Affordability Crisis in Higher Education

New Mexico is betting that a relatively modest infusion of public funds—$10 million spread across five campuses—could help address a far bigger question: who gets higher education, and under what conditions.

The New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) has announced fresh funding to expand child care infrastructure on college and university campuses statewide. It is part of a greater push to make higher education more accessible for student-parents and working families. The money will bankroll construction, renovation, and modernization of child care facilities at five institutions, including state’s flagship universities and regional colleges.

At first glance, the amount is small compared to the enormous need. But in a state where child care shortages are persistent and often severe—particularly in rural areas—the investments serve not only as a solution but also as a strategic foothold. “This is about removing one of the most persistent barriers to education and work,” said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez of the New Mexico Higher Education Department. “Access to childcare is essential for student parents, campus employees and families across our communities.”

Built Around Scarcity

The funding comes at a time of overwhelming demand. The department received 25 proposals from 18 institutions requesting nearly $120 million, which is more than ten times the funding available. Those proposals could increase capacity for more than 1,260 children. That gap between request and what is available highlights a tension in New Mexico’s child care: the need is not marginal; it is structural.

Many of the proposed projects come from what state officials describe as “child care deserts.” It is where licensed care is either unavailable or downright unaffordable. In those places, the pathway to higher education often hinges not only on tuition and readiness but equally on child care support.

The program is part of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s plan to move toward a universal child care system, which has become one of the pillars of her administration. Her administration’s investment strategy reflects a belief that child care is not only a question of family service. It is also an economic and educational infrastructure issue.

“All parents who need child care can now get it,” said Lujan Grisham. “When parents are guaranteed no-cost child care, they can improve their family’s quality of life, fully engage in the workforce, and contribute to our state’s economy. Families shouldn’t have to choose between paying rent or paying for child care, and as of today, they no longer will.”

Campuses as Child Care Networks

The five awarded institutions comprise the state’s higher education system: University of New Mexico ($4.71 million for Children’s Campus Cluster 1 expansion); San Juan College ($2.54 million for renovation and equipment upgrades); New Mexico State University ($1.5 million for modernization of Myrna’s Children’s Village); Santa Fe Community College ($1 million for Kids Campus expansion); and Eastern New Mexico University–Roswell ($250,000 for center renovation).

Each project includes support for construction, renovation, furnishings, and equipment. The funding aims to expand on-campus child care capacity. The logic is both practical and social. Officials hope to roll back one of the most immediate obstacles facing student-parents, such as time, transportation, and the cost of off-site care.

That burden is decisive for most students. Enrollment becomes unstable, attendance falters, and degree completion slips further out of reach in the absence of reliable child care.

The Hidden Economics of Staying in School

The policy mirrors a growing consensus within higher education policy discussions that child care is not peripheral to student success—it is decisive. “Universal Child Care becomes real when a parent can leave their child in a safe, quality program steps away from where they learn and work,” said Elizabeth Groginsky of the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department.

That proximity matters in economic terms. Student-parents tend to be older, face financial constraints, and juggle both employment and coursework. Even small disruptions in child care could mean missed classes, delayed graduation, or withdrawal from school.

By building child care centers on campuses, New Mexico treats time as infrastructure. It is something the state can build, bankroll, and expand.

Why $10 Million Still Matters

The amount is not transformative on its own. But it serves as a catalyst. In a fiscal cycle, the funding does not solve the disparity between supply and demand. Instead, it indicates where the state intends to build next: not only roads and buildings, but the system of care that determines who is going to use them.

New Mexico policymakers are redefining priorities, treating education, labor, and family policy as integrated rather than isolated spheres. In that sense, the $10 million fund is an acknowledgment that the design of higher education does not have these thousands of families in mind.

Strong Thunderstorms with High Winds, Lightning Expected Across New Mexico Thursday Night

Victoria Padilla
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Weather forecasters expect strong thunderstorms to develop across much of New Mexico on Thursday night, warning of high winds, dangerous lightning, and torrential rain in several regions. Weather officials urged residents to remain alert as storm activity intensifies into the evening.

The National Weather Service and KOB Weather report scattered storms will develop across central, western, and eastern New Mexico. Some storms may become strong to severe. Forecasters say wind gusts could exceed 50 mph, accompanied by frequent lightning and brief but heavy downpours. Forecasters say the greatest threat will occur late Thursday afternoon and evening as atmospheric instability increases.

Meteorologists say rising moisture and daytime heat have created favorable conditions for storm formation. Heavy rain could reduce visibility and make driving hazardous.

Forecasters warn that high winds will be among the most dangerous impacts this weekend. It has the potential to down power lines, uproot trees, and stir up dust storms in dry areas. Officials have cautioned that lightning strikes may increase wildfire risks in dry regions. The storm risk comes as New Mexico enters a weather pattern tied to the early stages of the summer monsoon season. Increasing moisture is likely to bring showers and thunderstorms in the days ahead.

The Weather Service urges residents to stay updated through local forecasts and emergency alerts. Officials warn that thunderstorms can develop quickly. They urge residents to take severe weather warnings, tornado watches, and lightning advisories seriously.

Weather experts forecast that high winds would be one of the biggest dangers to confront people this weekend. The strong winds can cause power lines to break and uproot trees. Furthermore, they produce sandstorms in previously dusty areas and create hazardous driving conditions. This is especially dangerous along open stretches of road. Additionally, due to a lack of moisture (rain) in an area, the number of lightning strikes may increase. This increases the potential for wildfires.

A Guide to the 2026 ABQ Indie Film Festival

Nolan Rodrigues Walsh
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A Guide to the 2026 ABQ Indie Film Festival

This Friday, June 19 will be the seventh annual ABQ Indie Film Festival, a local festival showcasing new films from international independent filmmakers. This year’s event will start at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. and is hosted by FUSION New Mexico, a performing arts center located in Downtown Albuquerque.

The ABQ Indie Film Festival has been an important local film event every year since it began in 2019. Since then, the festival has been dedicated to connecting Albuquerque audiences to emerging filmmakers and independent cinema that may otherwise never reach local screens. The festival showcases a small selection of diverse feature length and short films from independent filmmakers around the world, offering awards the following categories: Feature Film, Short Film, Feature Documentary, Short Documentary, Experimental, Animation, and Student Film.

The ABQ Indie Festival is organized by HF Productions, an international production company run by independent filmmakers and producers. The company was founded as a connecting platform, encouraging artistic diversity and culture exchanges; it runs many annual festivals internationally that celebrate different films as part of a broader mission to build “a more welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community of independent filmmaking,” through their values of independence, ambition, inspiration, creativity, integrity and community.

In a festival overview, organizers described this year’s festival as creating “a vibrant artistic tapestry of independent storytelling—moving seamlessly from sharp narrative fiction and abstract animation to piercing documentaries that capture iconic cultural history.”

Festival Schedule

  • 6:00–7:30 p.m. — Feature Film Screening
  • 7:30–7:45 p.m. — Intermission
  • 7:45–9:10 p.m. — Short Film Screenings
  • 9:10–9:20 p.m. — Winners’ Announcement

An Evening of Screenings

Unlike many larger festivals, the ABQ Indie Film Festival presents a small selection of all nominated films, allowing audiences to experience the screenings together in a single evening.

The festival’s feature documentary selection is My Father and Qaddafi, directed by Jihan K.

Born in exile and raised in Paris, Jihan K studied International and Comparative Politics before earning a master’s degree focused on Art Education and Storytelling. Her documentary follows the director and her mother’s search for answers about her father Mansur Rashid Kikhia, a former Libyan diplomat and political dissident who vanished in Cairo in 1993.

The festival’s first short film is in the narrative short film category: Bottles, directed by Moroccan filmmaker Yassine El Idrissi.

El Idrissi began his career as a photojournalist before earning a master’s degree from the Netherlands Film Academy. His film centers on Said, a 13-year-old boy living in Rabat’s historic Medina, who secretly shelters a dog until his best friend tells him it is Haram to do so.

Next is another short film selection: Counterpoint (also called Контрапункт) by Ukrainian filmmaker Yelyzaveta Klymets, a directing student at the Ukrainian Film School in Kyiv.

The 12-minute film follows a young composer who goes from “thinking” music to “feeling” it. The short is “an exploration of the female perspective on autonomy – the moment where the body stops following the rules and starts following its own beat.”

The next film represents the animation category: Teri Djougou, directed by French filmmaker Cheyenne Canaud-Wallays.

Born in 1993, Canaud-Wallays has established herself as a notable visual storyteller specializing in animation. Her four-minute short transforms a weekly community gathering into a colorful but increasingly tense social landscape, exploring pride and rivalry beneath public interactions.

Next is a documentary short film: More Than Santa Baby, directed by filmmaker and licensed social worker Tamar Springer.

This documentary is a tribute to composer Philip Springer, father of director Tamar Springer, and his musical legacy. The film explores this period of music history and a powerful message that “it is never too late.”

Last is another documentary short film: Rolling Film, Rocking History: Al Maysles Captures the Beatles, directed by award-winning filmmaker, editor, and educator Bart Weiss. The documentary revisits footage captured by legendary documentarians Albert and David Maysles during The Beatles’ first visit to New York City in 1964, providing viewers with a rare glimpse into this pivotal moment in music history.

More Nominations

Though only six films are being shown at the festival, competition itself attracted 22 entries from around the world.

In the Feature Film Competition, additional nominees include: Cáceres, an 89-minute 2025 production from Mexico and Venezuela directed by Alexánder Fernández and Jorge Saim Hostos; Starstruck, a 71-minute American feature directed by Yev K’banchik; and I Never Said Goodbye, a 69-minute film from the United States directed by Antonio Muñoz de Mesa.

The Feature Documentary Competition also includes: Pictures in Mind, a 77-minute documentary from Switzerland directed by Eleonora Camizzi, and Metamorphosis, an 80-minute documentary from Portugal directed by Antonio Luis Moreira.

The Experimental Competition includes: Stereo Framework / Asynchromy, a just over one-minute experimental film from the United States directed by Antoni Pinent; Physalia, a four-minute Australian short directed by Ian Gibbins; and No Horses on Mars, a 15-minute Dutch production directed by Bea de Visser.

The Animation Competition’s other nominees include: Little Caesar, directed by Ireland’s Amy Tierney; The Forest of the Honey Bees, directed by France’s Erwan Le Gal; and Kurry: A Love Story, a 29-minute American animated film directed by Yazzer Plasm.

In the Student Film Competition, nominees include: The Rebel Reef: Seeds of Hope, directed by Brynne Eliza Rardin and Patrick Joseph Krum, Lebedynske, directed by Artur Kedzierski, and Choke, directed by Tidiane Diallo.

The Short Documentary Competition also includes: Heal: Returning to the Roots of the Community Health Center, directed by Elaine Uchison, a 12-minute documentary that “explores the connection between the first federally recognized community health centers in rural Mississippi in the 1960s and a health center program in Portland, Oregon that’s returning to those roots through relational community organizing, training, advocacy and love.”

Looking Back at 2025

Last year’s festival winners were from all over the world and diverse cultural backgrounds.

Backstage from Morocco, directed by Afef Ben Mahmoud and Khalil Benkirane, won Best Feature Film. Brazilian filmmaker Isabella Secchin’s Natal captured Best Short Film, while Italian director Angelo Comba’s The Outlaw Gardeners received Best Documentary Feature.

Other winners were Jess T. Dugan’s Letter to My Daughter, Antoine Colomb’s Our Summer of Freedom, Kiersten Houser’s Voicemail, David Rendall’s Triage, John Osment’s Supercritical, and Marie-Anne Hafner’s Swiss film Half-witted Gnus Are a Myth, which earned both Best Directing and Best Student Film.

Reservations and Volunteers

Organizers are encouraging attendees to reserve seats as soon as possible due to limited capacity. This year, festival tickets are only $5.

The festival is also seeking volunteers who would like to help with event operations. Those who are interested are encouraged to sign up at the ABQ Indie Film Festival website.

In an increasingly competitive media landscape, the ABQ Indie Film Festival remains committed to spotlighting emerging filmmakers and bringing international stories to local Albuquerque audiences. For one evening in Downtown Albuquerque, viewers will have the opportunity to experience films from many continents, cultural backgrounds, and artistic styles.

Nolan Rodrigues Walsh is an Albuquerque-born journalist covering community news and events. They prioritize empathy, transparency, and a community-centered approach. They can be reached on Instagram at @brantonenews.

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