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Tucumcari Film Festival
Find Your Route at the Tucumcari Film Festival
Celebrating 100 years of Route 66 and 250 years of American storytelling, the Tucumcari Film Festival invites you to discover your own path through cinema. Our "Find Your Route" theme honors the spirit of exploration that built our nation – from frontier pioneers to Route 66 travelers, from dreamers chasing Hollywood to filmmakers forging new creative paths.
Journey through our diverse film categories: science fiction visions of tomorrow, comedies that capture the American spirit, westerns that defined our frontier heritage, and documentaries that reveal untold stories of our past and present. Each film represents a different route through the American experience.
From our origins as the Tucumcari Rawhide Days Film Festival – where we celebrated classics like Rawhideand southwestern tales of lawless frontier towns and Route 66 beatniks – we've evolved into a destination for storytellers from around the world. Today, we showcase professional and amateur works from international, national, and local New Mexico filmmakers, each finding their unique route to the screen.
Every category offers awards to recognize the diverse paths filmmakers take to tell their stories.
Chart Your Course with Us:
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Workshops: We're mapping out educational opportunities – what route would you like to explore? Message us here or on Facebook to share your ideas.
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Sponsorship & Partnership: Ready to join our adventure? Email us at FilmTucumcari@gmail.com to find your sponsorship route.
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Volunteer Opportunities: Want to be part of the journey? Contact us here or on Facebook to discover how you can contribute to this cinematic adventure.
Find your route. Share your story. Celebrate the journey.
THE NEXT CHAPTER AWAITS
Tucumcari Film Festival 2026
Find Your Route on America's Mainstreet
The magic continues as we begin planning our next extraordinary celebration of film and artistry in the heart of New Mexico. Building on the success of our 2025 festival with 68 passionate attendees and filmmakers eager to discover Tucumcari's cinematic potential, we're crafting something truly special for 2026.
CELEBRATING AMERICA'S MILESTONES
Route 66 Centennial Celebration
As the Mother Road marks its 100th anniversary, we're exploring a dedicated category honoring the iconic highway that put Tucumcari on the map. From nostalgic documentaries to contemporary narratives, we're seeking stories that capture the spirit of America's most famous road.
USA 250th Anniversary Tribute
In recognition of our nation's semiquincentennial, we're considering an American History category that celebrates the diverse stories, struggles, and triumphs that shaped our country. This is your chance to showcase films that honor our past while inspiring our future.
EXPANDING THE CANVAS
Beyond film, we're excited about the possibility of transforming Tucumcari into a complete artistic destination:
Art Gallery Showcases
Local venues may host rotating exhibitions featuring works from Tucumcari, Quay County, New Mexico, and West Texas artists.
Artistic Competitions
We're exploring competitions for:
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Route 66-inspired artwork and photography
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Local and regional artistic pieces
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Potentially expanding to national submissions for Route 66 themed works
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Photography capturing the essence of the American Southwest
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Mixed media celebrating our cultural heritage
STAY CONNECTED
Plans are still taking shape, and we want YOU to be part of the conversation. Whether you're a filmmaker, artist, or simply someone who believes in the power of storytelling, your voice matters in creating our next chapter.
Categories, venues, and programming details are currently under consideration. Follow us for updates as we craft an unforgettable experience that honors our past while celebrating our creative future.
The road ahead is full of possibilities. Join us for the journey.
Film Indusry Panels
Every year we hope to bring panels of film industry experts, and talent to discuss relevant issues.
This year's line up is still under discussion so stay tuned.
Educational Workshops
In our second year we had a fantastic workshop on special fx makeup from the talented Jasmine Hernadez.
Just like the panels this year's line up TBA. Have a workshop in mind? Contact us today!
Film Networking!
Join us at our VIP lounge and make connections with other attendees!
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Get tickets soon!
Sponsors
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Tucumcari, NM Elks Lodge #1172
Rockabilly Raven Vintage
Film Festival Pioneers
Ruth Ann Litchfield
Scott Campbell, NM
Director
"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."
Director & Producer
"Thank you Tucumcari Rawhide Days Film Festival (TFF) for selecting and awarding my short film CHARLIE. TRDFF was extremely supportive of my AAPI Western and being a Local NM Filmmaker. I really wish I could have attended in person, but I'm motivated to make another western just in hopes to be selected again by TRDFF :) TRDFF had great communication about their event and seemed organized. Thank you Tucumcari Rawhide Days Film Festival! Organizations like yours help encourage indie filmmakers to feel seen and heard. Much appreciation!!!."
Brandon Martinez, NM
Director
“It was an honor to be a part of this film festival! The organizers of the event were very welcoming and friendly. Highly recommend being a part of this festival! Thank you all for having me!”