Governor Richardson announces “New Visions/New Mexico" Contract Awardees
Eleven New Mexico-based film/media projects receive contracts ranging from $2,700 to $20,000 Two awards of camera rental packages valued at $10,000
Contact: New Mexico Film Office (505) 476-5600SANTA FE - Governor Bill Richardson today announced the recipients of the 2007 New Visions/New Mexico Contract Awards. In its second year, the program is providing eleven contracts totaling $160,000 for New Mexico-based producers and directors to create narrative films, documentaries, animated and experimental works.
“I’m pleased to continue our commitment to our home-based talent,” said Governor Richardson. “As proved by last year’s initiative, the state will benefit from the jobs, training, and education these projects provide.” Awardees will provide a service to the state as part of their contract, such as training other New Mexicans who are new to the industry, providing free in-state screenings, workshops and seminars, and conducting outreach to high school students interested in pursuing film/media careers. “Local filmmakers are critical to the continued success of New Mexico’s media industry. The New Visions program remains an important part of our long-term strategy to create a strong production and training base,” said Eric Witt, the governor’s Director of Media Industries Development. Film Office Director Lisa Strout acknowledged the nearly 200 entrants who submitted proposals, noting the high quality projects taking place throughout the state. “We encourage everyone to pursue their visions, and take advantage of the state’s tax incentives and training programs,” she said. The recipients of the Panavision Awards are Gregory Doucette of Albuquerque and Larry Blackhorse Lowe of Karitland. Each filmmaker will receive an in-kind donation toward the rental of motion picture camera equipment (HD, 16mm or 35mm) with a rental value of up to $10,000 per prize. Says Panavision’s James Finn, “We’re very excited to be working with both filmmakers and look forward to seeing more great work from them.” The awardees are: ANIMATION Paul Glickman and Tamarind King of Santa Fe and Albuquerque, $20,000 toward the short children’s animation EL SALON MEXICO. The film tells the story of Antonito, his burro and rooster as they sneak out one night to experience a fiesta for the first time. DOCUMENTARY Debra Anderson of Santa Fe, $9,000 toward the completion of SPLIT ESTATE, about the oil and gas boom in the western U.S. and its effects on the land and people of the Rocky Mountains. Marcos Baca of Albuquerque, $20,000 toward INTERGENERATIONS, a project which pairs up young people and senior citizens, in an effort to document New Mexico’s living history and unique culture. Ben Daitz of Albuquerque, $20,000 toward THE SUN NEVER SETS, the story of the small independent newspaper The Rio Grande Sun, published in Espanola and considered one of the best small town papers in the country. Erin Hudson of Albuquerque, $20,000 for IN PLACE, OUT OF TIME, which follows an elderly New Mexican’s larger-than-life quest to photograph every petroglyph and pictograph in the state. EXPERIMENTAL Melissa Henry of Rehoboth, $10,000 for BLUE HEELER, about a Navajo sheep dog who loses his flock. Patricia McInroy of Albuquerque, $2,700 for NOT ONLY JUST COFFEE, a short film about death, immigration and globalization. Sarah Williams of Albuquerque, $3,300 for UNTITLED COMPOSITION, a project that will use found and newly-shot super 8 film to depict a family’s attempts to capture a moment in time. NARRATIVE Gregory Doucette of Albuquerque, $20,000 toward THE PURPLE HAT, a short film adaptation of the short story by Eudora Welty. Mr. Doucette is also the recipient of the Panavision Award and the Mike Laurance Award, in memory of longtime New Mexico film educator and mentor Mike Laurance. Larry Blackhorse Lowe of Kirtland, $20,000 toward the short film MASA’N’I, about a 1940’s-era Navajo teenager who must choose between her traditional life and the larger world outside the reservation. Mr. Lowe will also receive the Panavision Award. Randy Nargi of Albuquerque, $15,000 toward HEARING VOICES, a comedy about a recently-widowed actress who embarks on a tumultuous relationship with a supernatural acquaintance. The selection panel for New Visions/New Mexico was made up of a diverse group of filmmakers and professionals: Jonathan Benson, founding Director of the Creative Media Institute at NMSU in Las Cruces. Kathleen Broyles, Coordinator of The Film Lab, part of the Feature Film Program at the Sundance Institute. Ted A. Garcia, General Manager and CEO of public television station KNME-TV, the PBS affiliate in Albuquerque, NM. Chris Kientz is creator of the children’s animated series RAVEN TALES, and sits on the Governor’s Council on Film and Media Industries. Ken Lucero, a member of the Governor’s Council on Film and Media Industries, has actively served on the Tribal Council of Zia Pueblo since 1999, and is currently the Assistant Tribal Administrator. Bryan Konefsky, a self-taught media artist and cultural worker, and founder of the media festival Experiments in Cinema. Mateo Ulibarri, an aspiring actor and current member of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers; he is currently employed at New Mexico Film Office.
