Santa Fe Film Festival

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Arts & CultureSanta Fe
Dates17–21 February 2027Confirmed listing
Duration5 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsThe festival has been recognized as one of
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Santa Fe Film Festival in Santa Fe

The Santa Fe Film Festival is a nonprofit independent film festival founded in 1999 by Kurt Young and Joanna England, historically held in late fall and now running each February, with its 2027 edition expanding to a statewide New Mexico showcase. The festival highlights world and independent cinema alongside films with New Mexican, Native American, and Latino themes, presenting juried awards including the Milagro Award and an Audience Award voted on by festival-goers.

When Kurt Young and Joanna England launched the Santa Fe Film Festival in 1999, its first Best Feature award went to Cider House Rules, a sign of the kind of prestige independent cinema the founders hoped to bring to New Mexico's capital.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The festival has been recognized as one of the top independent film festivals in the United States, and its awards have honored films that went on to wider acclaim, including Cider House Rules in its inaugural 1999 edition and Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner and Y tu mama tambien in the early 2000s

02

The mystery stays covered

Longtime director Jon Bowman shaped the festival for a decade, building out categories for Native American and Latino film alongside documentary, short, and feature awards, and past Lifetime Achievement honorees have included cinematographer Laszlo Kovacs and First Nations filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin

03

The city starts moving

In 2026 the festival announced it would go statewide starting with its February 2027 edition, extending its screenings and industry programming beyond Santa Fe to reach filmmakers and audiences across New Mexico

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The Audience Award

Water and renewal

Living ritual

decided by festival-goers rather than a jury

The sacred route

Living ritual

has been part of the festival's format for years and gives regular attendees a direct hand in choosing a winner

The local code

Living ritual

The festival has long paired its main juried categories with dedicated Best Native American Film and Best Latino Film honors

Tradition 5

Living ritual

a structural choice reflecting the cultural mix the founders wanted the festival to represent from its earliest editions

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

17–21 February 2027

Getting around

For Santa Fe Film Festival, plan transport around the exact Santa Fe venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Winter layers and a warm coat, since the festival now runs in February when Santa Fe sees cold days and possible snow; venues are heated, so what you wear between screenings matters more...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For Santa Fe Film Festival, stay near the part of Santa Fe you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map35.69 N, 105.94 WOpen in Google Maps

Santa Fe, NM

Nearest airportABQ — Albuquerque International Sunport
TransportFor Santa Fe Film Festival, plan transport around the exact Santa Fe venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Santa Fe Film Festival, stay near the part of Santa Fe you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Santa Fe via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Santa Fe, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for February.Compare faresFestival gearWinter layers and a warm coat, since the festival now runs in February when Santa Fe sees cold days and possible snow; venues are heated, so what you wear between screenings matters more than what you wear inside.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Santa Fe Film Festival?

Santa Fe Film Festival is listed for 17–21 February 2027. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Santa Fe Film Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Santa Fe, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

5 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Santa Fe, NM

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLsantafefilmfestival.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates17–21 February 2027
Source statusOfficial source linked
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