The Gallup Film Festival is having its fifth-year debut at the El Morro Theatre at 207 W. Coal Ave. on the weekend of September 16 - 18.
The festival grows each year, and the aim is to eventually have the whole city involved by extending its reach one block at a time.
Last year, GFF Director Knifewing Segura said he wanted the number of film submissions from directors, both indigenous and from abroad, to grow.
This year, Segura’s wish is a reality, as diverse genres of films have been submitted and Native American celebrities like Roger Willie and Gary Farmer plan to attend the event.
“Some of these kinds of festivals get thrown together and look like a Spaghetti Western,” Segura said, hoping to keep the festival diverse but organized.
Segura has been meeting with his board nearly every day as the festival approaches in order to ensure the September festival weekend is a success for everyone. One of the main focuses is the award ceremony on Sept. 18.
Gallup Film Festival has worked in concert with groups like the Navajo Nation Museum and Walt Disney Studios, which translated movies like Star Wars and Finding Nemo into the Diné language.
The detailed screening schedule for the festival, which is open to the public, is yet to be announced, with an Aug. 19 deadline for film submissions.
Tickets and more information can be found online at gallupfilmfestival.com.
By Andy Gibbons III
Sun Correspondent
