.png)
Tucumcari Film Festival
Student Film Festival
$500 in Prizes
Southwest's Premier Academic Competition
Calling all film students! The Tucumcari Film Festival is the Southwest's most student-friendly film competition, offering $500 in cash prizes exclusively for student filmmakers. Whether you're in middle school, high school, or college, we celebrate emerging talent with affordable submissions and real recognition.
Why Students Choose Tucumcari Film Festival
$500 Student Prize Pool
- Donated by Altrusa International Tucumcari
Lowest Submission Fees in the Southwest
- Starting at just $9.50
Multiple Student Categories
- Middle school through college divisions
Historic Venues
- Screen your film at the iconic Odeon Theatre
Educational Partnerships
- Connected to Mesalands Community College
Industry Networking
- Meet working filmmakers and producers
Student Categories & Submission Fees
Middle & High School Students
-
New Mexico Student Works - Any length documentary or narrative
-
Submission Fees: $9.50 (Earlybird) to $14.00 (Late)
-
Eligible: All middle and high school students
College Students
-
New Mexico Student Works - Any length documentary or narrative
-
Student Narrative/Documentary - Any length, any genre
-
Submission Fees: $15.00 (Earlybird) to $35.00 (Late)
-
Special Student Rates: Up to 67% off standard submission fees
All Students Can Also Enter
-
Route 66 Shorts - $5.66 to $18.66
-
Western Films - $20.00 (Student rate)
-
Modern Western Shorts - $5.00 to $18.00
-
Fantasy/Sci-Fi Shorts - $5.00 to $18.00
What Makes Our Student Program Special
Real Cash Prizes
Unlike many festivals that only offer certificates or trophies, we provide $500 in actual prize money for student winners. This funding comes from our community partner Altrusa International Tucumcari, demonstrating real investment in emerging filmmakers.
Educational Value
Our festival isn't just about competition - it's about learning. Students get:
-
Panel discussions with working industry professionals
-
Q&A sessions with filmmakers
-
Networking opportunities with producers actively scouting New Mexico
-
Experience screening in professional theater environments
Academic Recognition
Festival selections and awards provide valuable credentials for:
-
College applications and film school portfolios
-
Scholarship applications
-
Internship and job applications
-
Graduate school submissions
Festival Experience
Historic Venues
Your film could screen at the Odeon Theatre, a restored 1936 movie palace featuring:
-
2K-4K digital projection
-
Dolby 7.1 surround sound
-
RealD-3D capability
-
Classic movie theater atmosphere
Or at the Tucumcari Railroad Depot, a unique historic venue with 4K laser projection.
Festival Schedule
Tentative Date: May 1-2, 2025
(Subject to Change)
-
Student Showcase: Dedicated screening block for student films
-
Awards Ceremony: Recognition for all student categories
-
Networking Reception: Meet industry professionals and fellow filmmakers
-
Panel Discussions: Learn from working professionals
How to Submit
Submission Timeline
-
Call for Submissions Opens: December 2024
-
Earlybird Deadline: Lowest fees available
-
Regular Deadline: Standard rates
-
Late Deadline: Final opportunity (higher fees)
Submission Requirements
-
Must be a currently enrolled student (middle school through college)
-
Film completed within the past two years
-
All genres and lengths accepted in student categories
-
Digital submission via FilmFreeway or direct upload
-
Student verification required (school ID or enrollment letter)
-
Follow General Submissions Guidelines (on FilmFree Page)
Why the Southwest Needs Student Voices
The Southwest has rich storytelling traditions, from Native American narratives to Route 66 legends to modern border stories. Student filmmakers bring fresh perspectives to these timeless themes. Our festival celebrates both traditional Southwest stories and innovative new voices that reflect our region's evolving culture.
Popular Student Themes at Our Festival
-
Route 66 documentaries and narratives
-
Modern Western interpretations
-
Southwest landscape cinematography
-
Small-town community stories
-
Cultural heritage explorations
-
Environmental and social justice themes
Get Started Today
Ready to submit your film?
-
Visit our submissions page when entries open in December
-
Follow us on Facebook for updates and deadlines
-
Contact Bobby Hockaday, Festival Director, with questions. (Email FilmTucumcari@gmail.com)
-
Join our mailing list for early notification of submission opening
Questions?
Contact Festival Director Robert 'Bobby' F. Hockaday for any questions about student submissions, categories, or the festival experience. We're here to help student filmmakers succeed!
Don't miss your chance to be part of the Southwest's premier student film competition. With $500 in prizes and the lowest submission fees in the region, Tucumcari Film Festival is where student filmmakers launch their careers.