Governor Richardson announces “New Visions/New Mexico” Contract Awardees
Fourteen New Mexico-based film/media projects receive contracts ranging from $5000 to $20,000 Panavision provides two awards of camera rental packages
Contact: New Mexico Film Office (505) 476-5600SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson today announced the recipients of the 2008 New Visions/New Mexico Contract Awards. Now in its third year, the program is providing fourteen 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 supporting our home-based talent,” said Governor Richardson. “Promoting the work of New Mexico’s own filmmakers is key to our continued success in the industry.” 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 students interested in pursuing film/media careers. To date, New Visions awardees have trained dozens of interns and apprentices, provided classroom instruction statewide, submitted their work to festivals across the country, and provided free screenings for hundreds of New Mexicans across the state. “The New Visions program remains an important part of our long-term strategy to build a strong media community in the state,” said Eric Witt, Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Richardson. Film Office Director Lisa Strout acknowledged the nearly 150 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. “We will continue the New Visions program in 2009, and provide more opportunities for New Mexicans to bring their stories to life.” The recipients of the Panavision Awards are Craig Strong of Santa Fe and Elke Duerr of Albuquerque. 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. “We’re very excited to be working with these filmmakers and look forward to seeing more great work from them,” said James Finn, Panavision’s Director of Marketing. The awardees are: DOCUMENTARY Marcos Baca of Albuquerque, $20,000 toward THE ZIA’S HEART, about the unique history of traditional New Mexican art. Jimmy Baca of Albuquerque, $5,500 toward RISING FROM THE ASHES, a series about women writers incarcerated at the Grants Women’s Correctional Facility in Grants, NM. Joseph Concha of Taos, $7,500 toward SMOKEY AND THE SNOWBALLS, a historical documentary about the firefighting crew of Taos Pueblo. Elke Duerr of Albuquerque, $5,000 toward WOLVES IN NEW MEXICO – THE GREAT DIVIDE, about the Mexican Gray Wolf being reintroduced to the Gila Wilderness in the White Mountain Range. Ms. Duerr is also recipient of the Panavision Award. Ramona Emerson of Albuquerque, $8,000 toward GAMBLING WITH OUR FUTURE, a feature length documentary that examines the effects of casino culture on the Navajo Nation. Florentina Garnanez of Santa Fe, $20,000 toward YELLOW FEVER, a documentary exploring the history of uranium mining and its consequences as seen through the eyes of a young Navajo veteran. NARRATIVE Jocelyn Jansons of Santa Fe, $10,000 toward THE BABY MONITOR, a story of a former rocker turned unexpected single mom, terrorized by phantom cries from her baby monitor. Priyanka Kumar of Santa Fe, $18,000 toward MERCURY IN RETROGRADE, a narrative short about a singer in a Santa Fe band who has mysteriously lost her voice, and becomes a reluctant guest at her best friend’s birthday party. Margot Segura of Las Vegas, $10,000 toward LIPSTICK PRINCESSES, a short film depicting a humorous slice of life for five middle school age girls. Craig Strong of Santa Fe, $10,000 toward LA BOLA BLANCA based on a true story by Cipriano Vigil, one of the country’s leading ethnomusicologists specializing in the music of northern New Mexico. Mr. Strong is also the recipient of the Panavision Award. ANIMATION Catherine Fridey of Albuquerque, $18,000 toward THE SANDS OF TIME, an animated time travel series which includes archaeological, cultural, and historical facts and research. Kevin Ulrich of Edgewood, $5,000 toward THE RESTORATION: RISE OF THE ZERAD. This claymation project tells the story of Elrane, a naïve elf Prince who is put into a position of leadership when his people are unexpectedly attacked. EXPERIMENTAL Stephen Ausherman of Albuquerque, $8,000 toward KAMMER 2.1, a contemporary gallery installation and interpretive exhibit. Each piece in the film collection explores a unique cultural or environmental aspect of central New Mexico. Melissa Henry of Albuquerque, $15,000 toward NAVAJO WOOL: AS TOLD BY BAA BAA, the history of Navajo wool from the point of view of Baa Baa, a Navajo Churro Sheep. The selection panel for New Visions/New Mexico includes a diverse group of filmmakers and professionals: Kathleen Broyles, Coordinator of The Film Lab, part of the Feature Film Program at the Sundance Institute. Brad Carvey, Emmy award-winning engineer and master of visual effects for film and television. Troy Fernandez, Deputy Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. Mr. Fernandez has also served as Deputy Director of the National Hispanic Cultural Center, and fosters lifelong passions as a New Mexican santero, oral historian, and flamenco dancer. Patricia McInroy is a former New Visions/New Mexico contract recipient and has had her experimental work screened at thirteen film festivals in the last two years. She currently teaches at Media Arts Charter Collaborative High School in Albuquerque and volunteers as a photography instructor for youth who are incarcerated through the Fresh Eyes program. Joanelle Romero is founder of Red Nation Celebration, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting American Indian heritage, culture and history. She is also a filmmaker, singer and actress, and creator of the film AMERICAN HOLOCAUST.
