Santa Fe’s illustrious film industry dates way back to 1898 when the 38-second Indian Day School was filmed at Isleta Pueblo, outside of Albuquerque. Many films and much television has followed, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Young Guns, and City Slickers and the more recent Longmire, Manhattan, No Country for Old Men, Crazy Heart, and True Grit.
In fact, New Mexico as a whole has been a dramatic draw for filmmakers, in part through Netflix’s Albuquerque presence and The City Different’s Santa Fe Studios, Camel Rock Studios, and Aspect Media Village.
As the industry continues to grow, so does the opportunity to gain a unique understanding of filmmaking. In Santa Fe, you’ll find everything from independent theatre experiences to live entertainment and film festivals. And film buffs can spend days checking out location sights.
Get Your Festival Fix
With its vibrant film and TV industry, Santa Fe is a film festival natural. The Santa Fe International Film Festival, now an Academy Award-qualifying festival, is a spectacular event for film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Make your plans for the upcoming 2025 dates of October 15–20 or October 14–19, 2026! Boasting more than 160 new films—international, American independent, Indigenous, New Mexican, shorts—and more than 150 visiting filmmakers and industry members, the festival also offers special receptions, industry panels, and discussions with film professionals throughout downtown Santa Fe and its Railyard district. Recent festival awardees include Bryan Cranston, Sterlin Harjo, Oliver Stone, Catherine Hardwicke, Tantoo Cardinal, and Godfrey Reggio. And don’t miss Variety for the Screenwriters "10 to Watch" event.
And if one film festival is good, more is better! Make your plans for the mighty Santa Fe Film Festival, born in 2003 and held in February or the Santa Fe Jewish Film Festival, launched in 2010, and held year-round, presenting 15 films each season, to gain a greater understanding of Jewish culture, religion, history and/or identity through award-winning documentaries, narrative first-run features, Israeli cinema and more. Interviews with the film’s producer/director, facilitated discussions, and talks by experts create an added dimension.
Enjoy Small Theaters & Movie Houses
Festival time or not, Santa Fe always presents a case of movie mania. Our movie-mad town boasts more than one indie theater for parking with a pal and a box of popcorn. The Jean Cocteau Movie House, one of the few remaining single screen theaters, owned by Game of Thrones’ George R.R. Martin, includes screenings of the old, new, and quirky as well as intimate conversations with filmmakers, authors, artists, and performers. It’s quite a charming space! Heighten your experience with mixed drinks, beer, wine and mead (a humorous nod to Game of Thrones fame) and savory snacks. And then check out Martin's other realms, all cohabitating on that same corner—Beastly Books, Sky Railway, and Milk of the Poppy. Read a Hollywood Reporter piece about this fiefdom!
Again, if the latest and greatest is not necessarily your draw, don’t overlook the lineup at the Center for Contemporary Arts, which treats film fans to a collection of first-runs, award-winning foreign films and oddball offerings. The big and beautiful screen and stellar sound system are the anti-multiplex experience. And the ample gallery space is a big plus, with exhibitions that showcase regional and national contemporary artists.
Sky Cinemas, devoted to screening independent, documentary, international, and Hollywood films is located right on the tracks and across from the famous water tower in the Railyard district. Order from their large menu of gourmet items and pair your meal with a crisp, refreshing beer or glass of wine from their ever-growing selection. A pager will alert you when your meal is ready, so you can enjoy it while you watch! When your movie is over, walk around the historic Railyard District for some ice cream at La Lecheria or perhaps some live entertainment under the water tower.
The Lensic Performing Arts Center, launched as a movie house and vaudeville stage, has been entertaining locals and visitors since 1931. The Spanish-Moor style theater building seats 800 and hosts an occasional classic movie, in addition to 200 nights of world-class performances annually. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a movie or show in grand style and comfy seats!
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