New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Film Contest invites filmmakers to engage in a creative challenge unlike any other. In addition to telling stories rooted in agriculture, ranching, and rural heritage, participants will be required to incorporate a designated cultural phrase — revealed only at the kickoff event on Wednesday, Jan. 14 and used word-for-word — into their films. This unexpected element adds a shared creative constraint that encourages originality, ingenuity, and authentic storytelling. Selected films will be honored in a museum setting and receive the unique opportunity to screen at the Las Cruces International Film Festival, connecting filmmakers with audiences, peers, and industry professionals across New Mexico and beyond.
Important Dates
January 14, 2026 – Kickoff event (attendance mandatory)
February 2, 2026 – Earlybird Deadline $22 for standard and students (must show ID)
February 27, 2026 – Regular Deadline $25 for standard
March 6, 2026 – Awards Night at the Las Cruces Independent Film Festival Poster Reveal Party
Sponsored by:
NEW MEXICO FARM & RANCH HERITAGE SHORT FILM CONTEST
RULES, TERMS & CONDITIONS (ONLINE SUBMISSION)
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING
By submitting a film to the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Short Film Contest (“the Contest”), the submitting filmmaker (“Entrant”) agrees to the following Rules, Terms, and Conditions.
- ELIGIBILITY
- The Contest is open to students and the general public unless otherwise stated.
- Entrants must comply with all submission deadlines and requirements.
- Minors (under 18 years of age) must have parent or legal guardian consent.
- ORIGINAL WORK & RIGHTS
- The submitted film is an original work.
- The Entrant holds all necessary rights, permissions, and clearances for content included in the film (including music, images, footage, and performances).
- THEMATIC REQUIREMENT
- Films must meaningfully relate to agriculture, ranching, rural life, or heritage, with a clear connection to New Mexico.
- CULTURAL PHRASE REQUIREMENT (MANDATORY)
- All films must include the official cultural phrase revealed at the Contest kickoff event.
- The phrase must be used word for word, without alteration, paraphrasing, or omission.
- The phrase must be clearly identifiable within the film (spoken or on-screen).
- Failure to include the phrase exactly as provided may result in disqualification.
- CREATIVE CHALLENGE ACKNOWLEDGMENT
- Entrants acknowledge that the delayed release of the cultural phrase is an intentional creative challenge and accept this condition as part of participation.
- SELECTION & EXHIBITION
- All selection decisions are final.
- Selected films may be exhibited at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum.
- Selected films will screen at the Las Cruces International Film Festival in April 2026, subject to festival scheduling.
- OWNERSHIP & USE OF SUBMITTED CONTENT
- By submitting, the Entrant agrees that all submitted content becomes the property of the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Short Film Contest.
- The Contest, the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, and designated partners may use, reproduce, edit, adapt, exhibit, distribute, and archive the content, in whole or in part, at their sole discretion, for any lawful purpose, including educational, promotional, exhibition, marketing, and archival use, without further permission or compensation.
- FILMMAKER CREDIT & ATTRIBUTION
- Filmmaker credits will always be listed and publicly acknowledged when a film is exhibited or screened in full, where reasonably practicable.
- Full credits will be maintained in official programs, listings, and archival records.
- WAIVER OF CLAIMS
- Entrants waive any right to inspect or approve the use of their film.
- Entrants release the Contest, the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, and affiliated partners from any claims related to use, presentation, or context of the submitted content.
- NO COMPENSATION
- Participation is voluntary.
- No monetary compensation is provided for submission, selection, exhibition, or use of submitted content.
- PUBLIC INSTITUTION NOTICE
- Participation does not imply endorsement by the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum or the State of New Mexico.
- ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS (REQUIRED CHECKBOX)
☐ I have read, understand, and agree to all Rules, Terms, and Conditions of the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Short Film Contest.
PARENT / GUARDIAN CONSENT FOR MINORS (ONLINE)
REQUIRED ONLY IF FILMMAKER IS UNDER 18
By submitting on behalf of a minor, the parent or legal guardian certifies the following:
☐ I am the parent or legal guardian of the minor filmmaker.
☐ I grant permission for the minor to participate in the Contest.
☐ I consent to all Rules, Terms, and Conditions, including ownership and usage of the submitted content.
☐ I understand that no compensation is provided.
☐ I affirm that I have the legal authority to provide this consent.
FINAL SUBMISSION CONFIRMATION
☐ By submitting this film, I certify that all information provided is accurate and that I agree to be bound by these Rules and Terms.
