The 12th annual Las Cruces International Film Festival takes place April 14 – 18, 2027, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The Creative Media Institute at New Mexico State University (NMSU) organizes the festival, which brings together independent films, industry professionals, educational panels, workshops, and special events.
The festival welcomes filmmakers and movie fans to screenings and discussions. Organizers expect more than 12,000 attendees and 150 – 200 films, though the 2027 program is not yet available.
When and where is the Las Cruces International Film Festival 2027?
The 2027 Las Cruces International Film Festival runs Wednesday, April 14, through Sunday, April 18, and will take place at Allen Theatres Cineport 10, located at 700 S. Telshor Blvd. in Las Cruces. The festival’s official schedule will list additional venues for special events.
Festival presenters include Visit Las Cruces, Nusenda Credit Union, and other local and state partners. See the official date announcement.
How can you get festival tickets?
The official ticket page will list admission options and prices when 2027 ticket sales begin.
In 2026, attendees could choose individual tickets for certain celebrity screenings, day passes, all-access passes, or VIP passes. The 2027 options may differ.
It’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance for popular screenings, awards presentations, and celebrity appearances. Some events have limited seating, so check the schedule before buying.
2027 Celebrity Guests and Appearances
The festival has not yet announced its 2027 celebrity guests or award honorees. Past guests have attended screenings, Q&A sessions, and public discussions.
At the 2026 festival, Michael Rooker received the Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment Award and appeared with a screening of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Opening-night guest Steve Zahn attended a screening of She Dances. Other 2026 guests included Bruce Davison, Kimberly Beck, and filmmaker Shane Black.
These are previous guests, not confirmed 2027 appearances. Follow the festival’s press releases for updates.
Films at the Festival
The festival screens independent productions from New Mexico, across the United States, and around the world. NMSU expects 150 – 200 films in 2027.
Festival programming has included:
- Narrative feature films
- Documentaries
- Short films
- Animation
- International films
Screenings often include Q&A sessions with directors, actors, or production teams. Audiences can hear directly from filmmakers about the production process and their work. The selections cover different genres and formats, giving viewers a broad look at independent filmmaking.
What panels and workshops are offered during the festival?
The film festival combines screenings with educational programming developed through NMSU’s Creative Media Institute. Previous sessions have covered casting, screenwriting, sound design, directing, and film production.
The 2026 program included educational sessions where students and community members could ask industry professionals questions.
The 2027 workshop lineup and admission requirements have not been released. Check the official festival schedule for public access and registration details once it’s updated for 2027.
Festival Awards and Honors
The festival recognizes filmmaking achievement and community contributions through awards presented during festival events. Honors go to professionals and independent filmmakers.
The Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment Award recognizes established actors and filmmakers for their careers and contributions to film and television. Michael Rooker received the honor in 2026.
The festival has also presented the Mark Medoff Humanitarian Award, named for the late playwright and NMSU professor, to recognize humanitarian service and advocacy. The Hometown Hero Award honors individuals with ties to southern New Mexico who have made significant contributions to the community.
The 2027 honorees and award ceremony details have not been announced.
Why does this film festival matter to southern New Mexico?
The film festival brings filmmakers, entertainment professionals, students, and audiences together in southern New Mexico. It showcases independent films and provides professional connections.
As the nation’s largest student-run film festival, it also gives NMSU Creative Media Institute students experience with event programming, film screenings, guest coordination, and festival operations. This complements classroom instruction.
The festival draws visitors to screenings and events in Las Cruces, supports local businesses, and gives the city a place in New Mexico’s film community. The 2027 festival expects more than 12,000 attendees.
Plan Your Visit to the 2027 Las Cruces International Film Festival
The festival returns April 14 – 18, 2027, for independent films, discussions, workshops, and awards. The full schedule is pending.
Before traveling, check the festival website for updated screening times, ticket sales, guest appearances, and venue locations. Review times and locations before planning multiple events. Screenings and workshops may run at the same time, so deciding your priorities before you arrive can help you plan your day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the film festival open to the public?
Yes. The Las Cruces International Film Festival welcomes residents, visitors, filmmakers, and students. The public can attend eligible screenings and events by buying the required tickets or passes when sales begin. Previous festivals offered several ticket and pass types; 2027 options are unconfirmed. Many educational events have also welcomed community members, including free sessions in 2026. Access can vary by venue, available seats, and special guest arrangements; 2027 rules may differ. Check admission rules for popular screenings and awards.
Do I need a VIP pass to attend celebrity Q&A sessions?
Not necessarily. At previous Las Cruces International Film Festivals, attendees could buy individual tickets for some celebrity screenings and related Q&A events without buying a VIP pass. VIP and all-access passes offered broader access to festival activities, but some special events had different admission rules. The 2027 ticket packages and guest schedule have not been announced. Check event descriptions for individual admission and VIP benefits. A pass that covers several screenings does not necessarily include every reception or private gathering. Admission depends on the individual event’s published rules.
Where are Las Cruces International Film Festival events held?
Allen Theatres Cineport 10 at 700 S. Telshor Blvd. in Las Cruces has been the Las Cruces International Film Festival’s primary screening location. Previous programs also scheduled panels, ceremonies, receptions, and parties at other locations in and around the city. The 2027 venue list is not yet available. Admission and registration rules may differ for screenings and other festival events. Check the official schedule for each event’s location. Allow travel time between venues when planning multiple events in one day.
Can students attend panels and workshops at the Las Cruces International Film Festival?
Yes. The film festival is organized through New Mexico State University’s Creative Media Institute, and student participation is central to the event. In previous years, students and the public attended panels, workshops, and celebrity talks on topics such as casting, writing, directing, sound, and production. Working professionals often share career advice and answer audience questions. These sessions provide opportunities for professional networking. The 2027 schedule and registration rules are pending. Check the festival program for session times and registration requirements.
How long has the Las Cruces International Film Festival been running?
2027 marks its 12th year. The festival has developed into a five-day event featuring independent films, guest appearances, industry panels, workshops, and award presentations. NMSU’s Creative Media Institute organizes it and describes it as the nation’s largest student-run film festival. Over time, the event has connected student filmmakers and local audiences with film and television professionals. Its programming has included documentaries, narrative features, short films, and formal awards for selected productions. The full 2027 screening lineup has not yet been released.
How can I buy tickets for the Las Cruces International Film Festival?
Tickets for the 2027 Las Cruces International Film Festival will be available on the official festival ticket page when sales open. Visitors can review the available admission types and select options that fit the events they want to attend. Previous years included individual screening tickets and several pass levels, but 2027 prices and benefits have not been confirmed. Check the schedule before choosing tickets to avoid conflicts between films, panels, and special events. Buy early for popular screenings with limited seating.
Posted by LasCruces.com
