Lights, Camera, Ag-tion! New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum rolls out its inaugural short film contest

LAS CRUCES, NM – Filmmakers are invited to create short films rooted in agriculture, ranching, and rural heritage for the inaugural New Mexico Heritage Short Film Contest from the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in collaboration with the Las Cruces International Film Festival (LCIFF).

A well-attended kickoff meeting for the New Mexico Heritage Short Film Contest drew roughly 80 filmmakers and community members to the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum on Jan. 14, marking the official launch of the collaboration with the Las Cruces International Film Festival. During the gathering, organizers released the required “key phrase” that must be incorporated into all contest submissions. Filmmakers who were unable to attend the meeting may still participate in the contest but will need to include the following phrase in their films: “The New Mexico wind carries dust, stories, and sometimes hope.”

“This short film contest is truly important because it preserves and elevates stories of agriculture, ranching, and rural heritage through film, ensuring these lived experiences remain visible and relevant to future generations,” Eric Kirker, contest director and New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum (NMFRHM) Exhibit Designer, said. 

Since film is a prominent industry in the state, Kirker urges New Mexicans to be proud of their cultural heritage and share their stories through contemporary filmmaking. 

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Feb. 2 is the early bird deadline to pay the $22 participation fee for standard entries and students, with the regular deadline on Feb. 27 for a $25 fee. Official rules and more information can be found at: https://filmfreeway.com/NMFarmandRanchHeritageFilmContest.  

The films will be judged for award categories including Best Director, Cinematographer, Use of Phrase, Story, Originality, and Sound. Films can be up to 10 minutes in length and any music used must be licensed or original.  

Selected films will be revealed and trophies for first, second, and third place will be awarded at the LCIFF Poster Reveal Party on March 6 at the Museum.   

“Stories are how we measure, understand, and share our lives, “Ross Marks, LCIFF executive director, said. 

“Film is the most powerful storytelling medium. By supporting local storytellers, we elevate and enrich our community. I am excited to partner with the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in an effort to support local storytellers and help them explore their own voices and grow through film.”   

Filmmakers can contact Contest Director Eric Kirker at eric.kirker@dca.nm.gov for more information.