By VICTORIA GONZALES
The Santa Fe Independent Film Festival, which began in 2009, has become one of the top annual events in New Mexico, bringing independent filmmaking to the diverse community of Santa Fe. In early October, the Institute of American Indian Arts announced its agreement with SFIFF to be included as one of its community-level sponsors.
“The cinematic arts technology program is one of our fastest growing programs,” said Eric Davis, marketing and communications director at IAIA. “It’s only natural for us to get involved. I always like to get IAIA out into the community and remind them that we are here.”
As part of the 2017 programming, SFIFF presented Native American Film programming, featuring narratives, documentaries, and shorts with the unique perspective of indigenous communities.
“The Santa Fe Independent Film Festival people are generous to include us as a community sponsor,” Davis added. “This sponsorship allows us to be a part of a major film event. They always had an eye towards indigenous and locally produced films. It’s important for us to be there.”
The past festival honorees have included Wes Studi and John Waters, presenting lifetime achievement awards to Shirley MacLaine and George RR Martin.
This year the 9th annual festival, recognized nationally by Indie Wire Magazine as “a young Sundance,” took place October 18-22. During these five days, films, panels, discussions, and parties in downtown Santa Fe presented the very best independent films of 2017 and more.
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