In March 2008, over 600 New Mexico-based filmmakers of diverse backgrounds gathered at the NM Filmmakers Conference and First Vision Forum in Albuquerque. There, they enjoyed two and a half days of speakers, panels, networking events, and exhibits from businesses throughout the state and beyond.

The Film Office gives special thanks to all of the attendees, panelists and speakers, especially keynote speaker Jeff Valdez and acclaimed director Gregory Nava, who offered a wealth of information with great passion and inspiration. Plus John Forbes, Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center; Tim McNeal, Disney/ ABC; Carlos Peinado, Institute for American Indian Arts; Kathleen Broyles, Sundance Institute; Kathryn Galan, National Association of Latino Independent Producers; David Behm, the International Cinematographers Guild; Richard Davis and Sheldon Mirowitz, the Berklee College of Music; Heather Rae; Dan Bigbee; Barbara Martinez-Jitner; Van Hayden; Mitch Levine, Film Festival Group; Harris Tulchin, Esq.; Harlan McKosato of Native America Calling; plus Nancy Laflin, Julie Crane, Nosotros and Native Roots.

In addition, we thank the following for their kind support: the Hyatt Regency Albuquerque, PSAV, the NM Music Commission, Screen Actors Guild, SAGIndie, New Mexico Lighting and Grip, Kodak, Panavision, Albuquerque Studios, HDNM Studio Services, the NM Law Group, the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, NM Governor’s Commission on Disability and UNM.

Finally, we acknowledge the NM Filmmakers who graciously shared their work during the conference:
Debra Anderson, Nanobah Becker, Pierre Berrera, Janet Davidson, Ramona Emerson, Don Gray, Erin Hudson, Chris Jonas and Molly Sturges, Tamarind King, Armando Kirwin and Daniel Dinning, Hannah Macpherson, Scott and Paula Merrow, Rick Romancito, David Stout and Cory Metcalf, Jonathan Sims, David Valdez and Philip Gunn

» NM Filmmakers Conference and First Vision Forum 2008
Film Office Director Lisa Strout on opening night		Corey Metcalf performs "Noisefold"		Harlan McKosato of Native America Calling hosts the opening night screening and performance
Partygoers		Eric Witt of the Governor's Office introduces Gregory Nava		NM filmmaker James Bustamante works on a scene with Gregory Nava
Conference attendees visit with exhibitors		Audience member		Audience member
Audience Member		Richard Davis from the Berklee College of Music		Kathleen Broyles of the Sundance Institute
Audience member poses a question		Producer Heather Rae		Producer Dan Bigbee
Charmaine Jackson-John, Keynote speaker Jeff Valdez, Mateo Ulibarri and Lisa Strout		Mitch Levine, Film Festival Guru		Kathryn Galan, Executive Director of NALIP
Posing a question		Harris Tulchin, Esq.		Carlos Peinado of IAIA
Producer Van Hayden		NM Filmmaker Don Gray with Jodi Delaney
Photos by Don Gray