On the same weekend film fans will meet to watch the Oscar Awards, at The Screen, in Santa Fe, Governor Richardson say's he is moving to keep the local Santa Fe art-house cinema scene alive by allocating $150,000 to support and enhance programming there.Richardson also wants supporters of The Screen to consider relocating the struggling program from its present location at the College of Santa Fe to a new home at the Jean Cocteau theatre.
"My intent is to ensure the continued vitality of this unique cultural resource," Governor Richardson said. "I think The Screen program is a vital asset not only to the community at large but, with the addition of the educational and interactive components, to our growing local filmmaking community. I want to make sure this program continues as the overall situation with the College of Santa Fe sorts itself out."The Governor did not say where the money for the project would come from. The programs, and education series, would be run by the state Department of Cultural Affairs.
The Screen's proximity to the RailRunner could encourage filmmakers, and film aficionados, from Albuquerque, Bernalillo, and other areas outside of Santa Fe, to benefit from film curation at The Screen.
Since its inception in 1998, The Screen has featured contemporary foreign and American-made art and independent films, and as well as classic European and American movies. With funding from Governor Richardson and in response to the public outcry, this venerated cultural venue will be preserved.
