Farm & Ranch Museum Sets the Stage for Film Festival, Reveals Inaugural Heritage Film Contest Winners

LAS CRUCES — The New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum helped set the stage for the 2026 Las Cruces International Film Festival last week, hosting the festival’s annual Poster Reveal Party while also announcing the winners of the museum’s inaugural New Mexico Heritage Short Film Contest.

Held March 6 at the museum, the event unveiled the official poster for the upcoming film festival, designed by Las Cruces artist Asiah Thomas-Mandlman. The artwork will serve as the visual identity for the 11th annual festival, which runs April 8–12 at venues across the city.

During the celebration, the museum also revealed the first winners of its New Mexico Heritage Short Film Contest, a competition encouraging filmmakers to explore stories connected to the state’s cultural heritage.

First place honors went to “Napigsa ti Angin / The Wind is Strong,” directed by Tony Marquez. The film also received awards for Best Sound and Best Originality. The family-friendly short highlights Filipino history in New Mexico and the community’s contributions to the state’s agricultural heritage.

Second place went to “What the Wind Remembers,” directed by River Scott, Skylar Rose and Hali Aleczandra. The film earned additional recognition for Best Director and Best Cinematography, telling the story of siblings rediscovering their family history through their grandmother’s memories on a desert homestead shaped by land, legacy and tradition.

Third place honors went to “Back Burner,” directed by Kcenia Gwaltney. The film follows a young woman who discovers a sense of community after the passing of her grandmother.

All three films will be screened during the Las Cruces International Film Festival in April.

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Festival director Ross Marks has described the event as the “Sundance of the Southwest,” a student-run festival organized through New Mexico State University that draws filmmakers and audiences from across the region. The 2026 festival will feature 168 films along with workshops, celebrity guests and panel discussions throughout the five-day event.

The poster reveal gathering also featured food, live music and limited-edition signed prints of the official festival artwork, with the original poster slated to be auctioned during the festival.