Aaron Alexander
Executive Director
A writer, producer, and director, Aaron founded Silence Fiction Films. He also founded Mindfield Film Festival – Albuquerque, where he serves as Executive Director and brings independent storytellers together.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Independent stories meet in Albuquerque.
Ten years of independent film, screenwriting, and connection. Join us in Albuquerque, August 26–29, 2027.
Four days for independent film. A year of discovery.
Mindfield Film Festival returns August 26–29, 2027 for its 10th anniversary. The four days begin with a filmmaker welcome on Thursday. Friday and Saturday bring theatrical screenings to Albuquerque’s historic Guild Cinema. Sunday brings filmmakers and industry guests together for the Mindfield Screenwriters Forum, special events, and the annual awards.
Our program welcomes narrative and documentary films, animation, experimental work, music videos, trailers, and screenplays. We bring emerging and alternative voices from around the world into conversation with New Mexico’s film community and with the audiences, producers, distributors, agents, and other professionals who attend.
From year-round honors to the live festival
Mindfield recognizes work throughout the year in qualifying rounds. Award recipients receive a laurel and enter consideration for the annual festival. The live jury then curates its Official Selections separately, so a qualifying-round award does not itself promise a screening.
The selected films screen in Albuquerque and compete for annual honors. For writers, every submitted screenplay receives written judging feedback, regardless of placement. Writers attending with an Official Selection script may also join the moderated Screenwriters Forum.
A stage for films and screenplays
Official Selections compete for Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond distinctions. Diamond winners in the main categories receive a crystal trophy. The Diamond winners of Best Feature Script and Best Short Script receive $1,500 and $750, respectively.
The 2027 program also introduces Horror Short to the main competition, with its winner receiving the Natasha Chisdes Trophy of Horror. Filmmakers are encouraged to attend, but attendance is not required for an Official Selection screening or annual award eligibility.
For the current categories, dates, eligibility, and full rules, see Mindfield’s FilmFreeway listing.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND MINDFIELD
Meet the festival team.
Mindfield is shaped by filmmakers, producers, and collaborators who believe an independent film deserves a real audience and a meaningful conversation.
Gene Hunt
Associate Director
An actor and filmmaker who has been part of Mindfield since its first year, Gene is a trusted voice in the festival’s leadership. As Associate Director, he helps shape key decisions and supports the team wherever needed.
Abby Max
Director of Operations
An actress, model, and producer with Silence Fiction Films, Abby is a central figure in Mindfield’s leadership, shaping the festival’s direction and key decisions while overseeing its operations. Her creative instincts and eye for presentation elevate the festival experience for filmmakers and audiences alike.
Natasha Chisdes
Festival Producer
As Festival Producer, Natasha plays an essential role in Mindfield’s growth. Her commitment helps the festival expand what it offers filmmakers and create a more ambitious annual experience. The Natasha Chisdes Trophy of Horror recognizes her lasting contribution.
SPECIALIZED ROLES
Festival contributors.
These collaborators lead distinct parts of the Mindfield experience.
Nick Heeb
Screenplay Jury Chair
Nick is a published novelist, produced screenwriter, and college writing professor with an MFA in Creative Writing from Bowling Green State University. He wrote the crime novel The Lucky Clover, and his fiction has appeared in South Dakota Review and BULL: Men’s Fiction. As Screenplay Jury Chair, he leads Mindfield’s screenplay jury and moderates conversations with selected writers.
Rachel Michaela
Program Anchor & Liaison
Rachel is a film and television actress, improviser, and educator. She serves as board chair and executive and artistic director of Improv New Mexico and is a founding member of The Faculty Lounge. She brings that stage experience to Mindfield as program anchor and liaison.
Christina Gopal
Costume Showcase Producer
An actor and producer, Christina founded Diva’s Perfect Productions and heads the modeling division at DMe Talent Agency. She brings that film and fashion experience to Mindfield as producer of its costume showcase.