Adventure, romance, drama, and high stakes, all contribute to a good’ol western.

The Tucumcari Film Festival celebrates the spirit of exploration, imagination, and the rich heritage of the frontier through the diverse categories of science fiction, comedies, westerns, and impactful documentaries. With this year’s theme centered around "Visions of Frontier," the festival aims to transport audiences to uncharted territories of the mind, invoking laughter, awe, and contemplation.

By combining these genres, the festival seeks to create a unique cinematic experience that showcases the evolution of the frontier concept across different settings and time periods. Whether it's exploring outer space in science fiction, embracing the comedic moments found in the rugged wilderness, or revisiting the mythical landscapes of the Wild West, the festival promises a range of emotions and thought-provoking narratives.
At the heart of "Visions of Frontier" lies the notion of pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and venturing into the unknown. The festival encourages filmmakers to delve into the themes of exploration, resilience, and the human spirit's triumph over adversity, showcasing stories that captivate, entertain, and inspire. This overarching theme allows for a diverse range of submissions, including poignant and impactful documentaries that shed light on the frontiers of social issues, historical events, or personal journeys.

The Tucumcari Film Festival fosters a space where storytelling transcends conventional boundaries by embracing the connection between these seemingly distinct genres. Audiences will be taken on a cinematic journey that evokes curiosity, laughter, and reflection, and ultimately invites them to ponder the untapped potential of the human spirit.

Through the "Visions of Frontier" theme the festival aims to unite filmmakers and viewers in a celebration of the boundless creativity and limitless possibilities that exist both within and beyond the frontiers of our imagination.

At its first edition, the Tucumcari Film Festival (Formerly the Tucumcari Rawhide Days Film Festival) celebrated all of these moments by showing the television show Rawhide and other creations that reflected the southwest and western from the lawless frontier towns to the beatniks who roamed Route 66.

Among the selected films will be professional and amateur works from international, national, and local New Mexico filmmakers and creators. All categories have awards attached to them.

Topics for workshops are under consideration, what would you like to see? Message us here or on our Facebook.
Want to join the adventure and or sponsor the festival?

Email us @ FilmTucumcari@gmail.com

Volunteer opportunities are available as well. Want to volunteer? Contact us here or on our Facebook page.

Official Selection of the Festival
Best of Category
Best of Show, (Judges Choice)
Audience Choice

Sheriff's Star
The Sheriff's Star is awarded in recognition of films that tackle deep social and political issues, thereby providing a guiding light for all of us. This award is given by the choice of the Sheriff (Director) of the festival

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Entries must be submitted via FilmFreeway.
Foreign language work must be dubbed or subtitled in English.
Entry fees are non-refundable.
We have no film premiere requirements or date of completion requirements

Because the festival is always evolving, there will be no prior notice given on scheduling.

General Eligibility Terms
No Entry will be considered for screening that contains nudity, and or pornographic material.
No Entry will be considered for screening if it contains gratuitous, brutal violence.
No Entry will be considered for screening if it contains extreme profanity.
No Entry will be considered for screening if it contains extreme gore. (Near bloodless gun fights are an exception)

SELECTION & NOTIFICATION
All entries will be viewed by the selection committee. All entry fees are non-refundable. Selected films will be announced before, on or around April 20th, 2024. All entrants will be notified by email. The festival does not pay rental/screening fees for submitted/selected work. For selected films, the exhibition file format is .mp4, h.264, 1920x1080, stereo.
DCP packaging is appreciated upon request. If your film is not in DCP format, please reach out to service vendors like AutoDCP.com


Student Works Eligibility
Student Submitters submit a valid student I.D.

Terms and Conditions:
I have carefully read and understand the complete rules of the festival. By entering your film for consideration for the Tucumcari Film Festival 2024, you authorize that your work is cleared for festival screening and accept full legal responsibility for the intellectual property therein. Entry into the festival constitutes permission to screen your work at the Tucumcari Film Festival, Tucumcari Rawhide Days Festival 2022. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless the Tucumcari Film Festival, and Tucumcari Rawhide Days Festival 2022,.tucumcarirawhidedays.com, Tucumcari, and any other agents, owners, and employees of said entities from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

Submitters do not need to be present to receive awards. But your presence is appreciated and please notify us if you plan to attend so we can prepare passes for you.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Scott Campbell

    Tucumcari is a great, young festival. Hard-working organizers kept things running smoothly. Friendly folks offering intimate tutorial sessions and panels. Screenings in the old theater were good quality, though there were some minor issues with sound quality. Looking forward to coming back in 2024.

    July 2023
  • Archie Kidd

    I was unfortunately unable to attend but the team were communicating with me all the way perfectly, and the video feed was great!

    Thanks fro having me

    May 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Grateful to you for submitting your fabulous work!

  • Obviously, this wonderful group care about films and filmmakers. I traveled from new jersey and was welcomed with open arms. I made connections with other filmmakers that I am sure will last!! I will be submitting here again!

    May 2023
  • West Inside

    We are honored to be a part of this film festival and that you seen "All for a filthy star", our little spaghetti western!!!

    May 2023
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    Response from festival:

    You are welcome! Thank you for submitting your work!!!

  • George Meyers

    Unfortunately I was unable to attend this festival because of a prior engagement in Oklahoma, but the communication with this festival was amazing, I followed all of the events on social media. I hope to have another film or two to submit next year and I am hoping to be able to attend in 2024. Overall a HUGE 5 star rating all around! And thank you so much Tucumcari Film Festival for the wonderful award, and I hope to see you all next year!

    May 2023
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    Response from festival:

    So sad we were not able to host you this year but thank you for submitting both of your films 'Robo Hills Texas' and 'Time Will Let Me'! We look forward to seeing you and your work next year!!