ABOUT RACK FOCUS NM
Rack Focus New Mexico is a dynamic 3-month short film race and competition held in Albuquerque, NM, offering filmmakers the chance to showcase their work to a packed theater and compete for exciting cash prizes!
PITCH SESSION AND NETWORKING
THE HISTORIC LOBO THEATER
APRIL 12th
2pm-5pm
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION: $125
(before 4/12/2026)
*PITCH DAY REGISTRATION: $150
FILM SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
July 12th, 2026 at 10:00pm MDT
RED CARPET PREMIERE
THE HISTORIC LOBO THEATER
August 8th & 9th
Turn Your Film Into a Buzz-Worthy Moment
Pre-order your spotlight at Rack Focus New Mexico! In partnership with Serious Goose Productions, filmmakers can lock in exclusive access to pitch sessions, personalized judge feedback from industry pros, and red carpet interviews—perfect for boosting your marketing and social media presence. Don’t just compete—amplify your film, connect with creatives, and make your moment last beyond the screen. Pre-order now—prices go up after the screenings!
JUDGES
2026
The judges for the Rack Focus NM Film Competition are a carefully selected group of seasoned industry professionals with a genuine passion for indie filmmaking. With expertise ranging from acting to production, they bring a sharp eye for identifying the most creative and unique films in the competition.
AWARDS
BEST FILM
BEST ACTRESS
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
BEST ACTOR
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY (NEW)
AUDIENCE AWARD
OUTSIDE THE BOX
Deidre Michelle
Talent Agent
Chad Brummett
Journalist/ Actor
Israel Luna
Filmmaker
COMPETITION RULES
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Maximum runtime: 10 minutes.
Films longer than 10:00 will be disqualified. -
AI is strictly prohibited.
This competition is intended to showcase your creative work. -
No production or filming before the kickoff pitch session on April 12th, 2026.
Projects started earlier will be disqualified. -
Teams will have three months to complete their film.
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Stock footage limit: 10 seconds total.
More than 10 seconds will result in disqualification. -
Content: Any subject or genre is allowed, but X-rated material is not permitted. Films should remain within PG–R guidelines.
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Participation: You may work on multiple films or teams. There is no limit.
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Cast & Crew: You may pay your cast and crew if you have the budget. SAG participation is allowed, but SAG members should ensure their paperwork is handled with their local SAG office.
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Copyright: All music, logos, and copyrighted materials must have proper permission or licensing.
Films without proper clearance will be disqualified. -
Submission Deadline: Films must be received by 10:00 PM on the official due date (announced at the pitch session).
Submissions received at 10:01 PM or later will be disqualified.
Submissions: Email: rackfocusnm@gmail.com
Send via WeTransfer, Dropbox, Google Drive, or another file transfer service.
File Formats:
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Apple: ProRes 422 or .h264 (.mov, not HQ)
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PC: MP4 (h.264) or .AVI
Screening: PG films will screen during the day block. R-rated films will screen during the night block.
All rules apply equally to every participant. No exceptions will be granted.
PAST COMPETITIONS:
2025
JUDGES
2025
Carissa Mitchell
Talent Agent
Christopher Taylor
Cinematographer
Rachel Paulson
Writer/Director/Actress
2025 WINNERS:
BEST FILM
1st Place: Light Sensitive
2nd Place: Hitori
3rd Place: Apple Tree
BEST ACTRESS
Lex Lotito - Light Sensitive
BEST ACTOR
Zaqueriah Pacheco - Light Sensitive
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Tiffany Cole - Apple Tree
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Rio Alexander - Raking Society
AUDIENCE AWARD
Hitori - Friday
Light Sensitive - Sunday
OUTSIDE THE BOX
In the Box - Friday
Am I Yours - Sunday
more red carpet photos:
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© 2026 RACK FOCUS NM