The New Mexico Film Office announced this week a call for proposals for productions by New Mexico Filmmakers. Now in its fifth year, the New Visions/New Mexico contest awards up to $20,000 and possible free equipment rental to help fund original films. Your Northern New Mexico Newsroom has more information about the award program.

The postmark deadline for original narrative, documentary, animation and experimental film proposals is October 8, 2010. Applications must be received by mail only. Recipients of awards will be announced December 6, 2010. The Film Office will be presenting free informational seminars about how to prepare a proposal for the competition.

In return for production funding, the program requires award recipients to educate other New Mexicans interested in working in film. Taos’ Frederick Aragon won State money to help him complete the animated film, “Coyote Tales: Mystery’s Night.” Aragon recently completed a series of hands-on workshops to help other Taosenos advance their skills in animation.

For more information on Aragon and his “Coyote Tales,” go to http://www.frederickaragon.com/

For more details on the New Visions/New Mexico competition, visit the New Mexico Film Office at http://www.nmfilm.com/locals/nm-filmmakers/new-visions-contract-awards.php.