Roswell Shorts names 31 official selections for second edition

Roswell Shorts Indie Film Fest has announced 31 official selections for its Sept. 25-26 second edition in Roswell, New Mexico, including 10 films from New Mexico-based filmmakers. The lineup expands the festival’s local footprint while bringing in shorts from across the U.S. and abroad.

Why it matters: - Nearly one-third of the 2026 lineup comes from New Mexico filmmakers, underscoring the state’s growing independent film community. - The festival’s second edition gives local filmmakers a higher-profile platform while pairing them with shorts from outside New Mexico. - The event returns to the International UFO Museum & Research Center, a venue that reinforces Roswell’s identity as a destination for genre-driven storytelling.

What happened: - Roswell Shorts Indie Film Fest announced 31 Official Selections for its second edition. - The festival will take place Sept. 25-26, 2026, in Roswell, New Mexico. - Ten of the 31 selections are from New Mexico-based filmmakers, or about 32% of the program. - The lineup includes filmmakers from Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Lamy and other New Mexico communities. - The festival will screen at the International UFO Museum & Research Center.

The details: - The New Mexico selections are: A Family Matter, directed by Rylee Norman; A Thousand Paper Cuts, directed by Sam Quinn; Encounter, directed by Renee Pezzotta; Hope You Come Home Soon, directed by Xander Ray Richard; Lamy - Holding The Light, directed by Max Highstein; Let's Raid Area 51, directed by Frans Zayas; María Carmen, directed by Nata Aguilar; The Custodian, directed by Gabriel Vincent; The Storm, directed by Lauren Trujillo and Taylor Trujillo; and VESSEL, directed by Jacob McCaw. - The New Mexico films span narrative drama, documentary, horror, science fiction, comedy and experimental work. - Their stories cover family relationships, personal loss, local history, unexplained phenomena and genre filmmaking. - Renee Pezzotta, director of Encounter, said she is studying film production at CNM and wants to keep making films in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. - The full 31-film lineup includes narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, science fiction, horror, comedy and music video projects. - The average viewing time is 11 minutes per project. - The complete festival lineup is available at RoswellShorts.com. - The screening schedule, ticket information and more announcements will be posted on the festival website.

Between the lines: - The New Mexico-heavy slate suggests Roswell Shorts is positioning itself as a showcase for in-state talent, not just a regional stop. - The mix of local work and festival-circuit titles gives the program both community relevance and outside recognition. - The emphasis on short-form films fits a two-day festival model built for high volume and quick audience turnover.

What's next: - Roswell Shorts will release the screening schedule and ticket information through its website. - Additional festival announcements are expected ahead of the Sept. 25-26 event. - The festival will present the program over two days at the International UFO Museum & Research Center.

The bottom line: - Roswell Shorts is using its second edition to expand its footprint, highlight New Mexico filmmakers and lean into Roswell’s distinctive identity as a home for independent short films.