February 17–20, 2027
Hours: Schedule to be announced
Independent Film Meets the Mountains
Spend four winter days where independent film meets the mountains at the inaugural Ruidoso International Film Festival, February 17–20, 2027.
Set against Ruidoso’s snow-dusted peaks and pine forests, the new festival brings filmmakers and film lovers together for an intimate celebration of independent cinema. The inaugural program is planned to feature 10 feature films and 38 shorts across two screens, with filmmaker introductions, audience Q&As, workshops, and gatherings that carry the conversation beyond the theater.
Films in Conversation
Rather than organizing films simply by genre, RIFF pairs features and shorts around shared ideas and points of view. Eight curated programming slates will explore stories of land and place, Indigenous voices, international cinema, New Mexico filmmakers and stories, documentary work, independent filmmaking, suspense, comedy, and warm-hearted drama.
Short films also take center stage, with curated shorts preceding many feature presentations. Filmmakers introduce their work, followed by conversations designed to give audiences a closer connection to the people and ideas behind the films.
More Than Screenings
Beyond the screenings, festival programming includes craft workshops, filmmaker office hours, and Shoot New Mexico sessions exploring the state’s locations and film industry. The four-day celebration culminates at the striking Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts in Alto with the festival’s closing ceremony and awards.
Presented by the Lincoln County Film Society, the Ruidoso International Film Festival adds a new reason to experience Ruidoso in winter—pairing independent storytelling and creative conversation with the mountain-town restaurants, shops, scenery, and relaxed pace that make a few February days here feel like a getaway.
The complete 2027 film lineup, screening times, ticket information, and block-by-block schedule will be announced as festival programming is finalized.
When: February 17–20, 2027
Hours: Schedule to be announced
Where: Ruidoso, New Mexico; closing ceremony and awards at Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts in Alto
Admission: Ticket and pass information to be announced
Official Website: https://ruidosointernationalfilmfestival.org/
Presented by the Lincoln County Film Society, the Ruidoso International Film Festival adds a new reason to experience Ruidoso in winter—pairing independent storytelling and creative conversation with the mountain-town restaurants, shops, scenery, and relaxed pace that make a few February days here feel like a getaway.
Love film beyond the festival? Explore movies and productions filmed in and around Ruidoso, or learn how the Village of Ruidoso Film Office supports filmmakers and productions working in the area.