10th Annual White Sands International Film Festival Returns
The 2014 Whites Sand International Film Festival is set for September 3-7, 2014.
In its 10th year, the festival is growing in popularity each year and in addition to a great selection of independent films, this year the festival is highlighted by a workshop series featuring some of the most innovative professionals in the industry.
The premiere kicks-off a week-long list of films on the big screen, showcasing 7 feature films, 35 short narratives, 16 documentaries and 16 student productions all of which can be seen on the big screen at the Cineport 10 in Theatre 1 at the Mesilla Valley Mall, located at 700 S. Telshor Boulevard in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
This year's film festival offers its strongest lineup of workshops to date including an award-winning screenwriter, a legendary EFX puppeteer, an up-and-coming gore specialist, culminating with a special presentation from "American Horror Story," cinematographer Michael Goi.
In addition to the film screenings, workshops and VIP parties, this year's festivities will kick off with a 48-hour filmmaker's competition with grand prizes of $300 each.
The festival is hosting an opening night party for filmmakers on Wednesday evening at La Posta Restaurant, 2410 Calle de San Albino, in Mesilla, NM. The festival's Award Gala is set for Friday, September 5th at 7:30 p.m. in the Rio Grande Theater, located at 211 N. Main Street in downtown Las Cruces. Following the award ceremony is the Enchantment Award VIP Party, 9 p.m. at the St. Clair Winery and Bistro located at 1720 Avenida de Mesilla in Las Cruces, NM.
Find the complete film festival schedule or call Helping Hands Event Planning at (575) 522-1232 for more information.
Feature Films Broken Hallelujah Student Shorts 113 Degrees Adelante | Short Films 19465 Ways 2 Die |
- All workshops and seminars take place at the East Mesa campus of Dona Ana Community College.
- All VIP Platinum pass-holders to the White Sands International Film Festival have free admission to all workshops.
- A workshop pass is $20, which entitles the holder to one or all of the workshops.
- Tickets and more information including campus map and bios are available online.
WORKSHOPS:
"TELLING A GOOD SCREEN STORY, IT'S HARDER THAN YOU THINK"
Presented by Kirk Ellis
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. - Classroom location TBA
Emmy-winning producer/writer Kirk Ellis ("John Adams" "Into The West") will lead an interactive discussion of the fundamentals of screen storytelling, utilizing clips from both feature films and television programs to illustrate the art of structure and character building.
"SPECIAL MAKEUP FX AND GORE"
Presented by Timothy Sedillo
10 a.m. to noon - CMT Studio
Join Timothy Sedillo a CMI graduate for a bloody good time as he discusses and demonstrates the art of special makeup FX and how you can make and use them on any budget. This class will include practical makeup FX, blood recipes, gore, and gag FX.
"VISUAL EFFECTS AS SEEN IN LABYRINTH AND DARK CRYSTAL"
Presented by Mike McCormick
Noon to 1:30 p.m. - Classroom location TBA
Special effects wizard and puppeteer Mike McCormick talks about his work in such seminal films as "Labyrinth," "Dark Crystal," "Return of the Jedi" and the television series "Breaking Bad," revealing the secrets of radio control vs. wire control puppetry, creature fabrication, costuming and much more.
"CREATING THE LOOK OF 'AMERICAN HORROR STORY'"
Presented by Michael Goi, ASC
2 to 4 p.m. - Auditorium
Join world-renowned cinematographer Michael Goi, ASC ("American Horror Story," "Glee," "My Name Is Earl") as he discusses and demonstrates the artistic concept behind the approach to American Horror Story visuals and how he uses simple lights to bring about that concept. He will also share general information on being a cinematographer in movies and television today, how to build a career and how to get started.
SEMINARS
"CREATING THE RIGHT KIND OF FILMMAKING WORKFORCE"
Presented by IATSE 480
Noon to 1 p.m. - Auditorium
Members of IATSE 480, including Jon Hendry, will discuss set readiness and the importance of union presence in all craft areas - catering, drivers, props, hair, wardrobe, construction, etc. - to fulfill the needs of visiting productions.
"CHILEWOOD: WHY THE FILM INDUSTRY IS PROFITABLE FOR ALL"
Presented by RFDAC
1 to 2 p.m. Auditorium
Come meet select members of the Regional Film Development Advisory Council - State Rep. Jeff Steinborn, CMI professor/filmmaker Rajeev Nirmalakhandan, CMI professor/documentarian Phil Lewis, industry veteran/former film liaison Bill McCamey and actor/educator Mark Vasconcellos - to discuss and learn why the film industry is and can be a powerful economic stimulator for Doña Ana County, surrounding areas and what that means for local businesses and inhabitants.
For more information contact the Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau at 575-541-2444 or cvb@lascrucescvb.org