New Mexico State University (NMSU) has announced that the Las Cruces International Film Festival (LCIFF), in collaboration with Visit Las Cruces, is now accepting submissions for the second annual "Visit Las Cruces Stories" contest. The competition centers on the folklore of Las Cruces, and participants are invited to produce short films, each lasting between three and five minutes, which portray a single folklore story from Las Cruces. Each submission should also include a 30-second trailer.
The deadline for submissions is February 28, 2024. The contest offers cash prizes of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place. According to a press release by NMSU, the winning entries will be showcased during the 2024 LCIFF scheduled from April 3-7. Additionally, VIP tickets will be awarded to the top three contestants.
Ross Marks, LCIFF executive director and professor at NMSU’s Creative Media Institute said in an NMSU press release: "At the heart of every community are the storytellers who share the human experience and what their community represents." He added that "Las Cruces has many great storytellers. We are excited to give them this platform to tell their Las Cruces story using the world's most powerful and effective medium –film."
Rochelle Miller-Hernandez, executive director of Visit Las Cruces also shared her thoughts in an NMSU press release: "This year’s Visit Las Cruces Stories contest highlights the unique tales and folklore that invoke our vibrant culture and community," She further challenged filmmakers "to use their creativity to bring these stories to life and entice visitors to include Las Cruces on their must-see bucket list."
Visit Las Cruces operates as a program under the city of Las Cruces and serves as its tourism ambassador. It promotes various attractions such as food, outdoor recreation, arts and culture, and the space industry. According to the About webpage provided by Visit Las Cruces, the program's objective is to position Las Cruces, New Mexico as a premier destination for travelers, businesses, organizations, and groups throughout the year.
