Crating New Futures: A Decade of FBA
The Feminist Border Arts Film Festival (FBAFF & FBA25) is proud to celebrate its 10th season and anniversary in 2025. This year, our decade-long theme, "Film and Media Arts: Crafting New Futures," invites us to explore how creative expression can shape and reimagine the world we strive to build.
Join us this Pride, on June 6-7, 2025, at the University Art Museum on the campus of New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, just forty miles from El Paso, TX, Ciudad Juárez, and the U.S.-Mexico border. Our 2nd Annual Zine Fest (FBAZF) will run concurrently on June 7.
Over the past decade, FBAFF has established itself as a significant platform for socially transformative work, rooted in the belief that film, media, and zines are powerful catalysts for change. Our curation emphasizes not just content but also form, inviting works that explore innovative storytelling techniques. We care not only about what is being told but also about how it's being told, to whom, and by whom, all with the purpose of fostering collective insight and remixed space.
Submission Process: FBA25 welcomes submissions from students, independent creators, collaborators, scholar-artists, and seasoned filmmakers. This two-day festival and exhibition interrogates and expands upon conventional narratives relating to women, gender, LGBTQ+ communities, BIPOC, and positive social change. Through film, digital projects, and media, we foster critical engagement that spans both U.S. and global contexts.
We seek submissions that engage critically with social issues, push boundaries in storytelling, and envision radical possibilities through innovative and creative expression. We welcome submissions across genres, including narrative, documentary, experimental, and animated films that challenge the norms of storytelling, representation, and social engagement.
The festival defines “feminist border arts” as a practice that challenges the limits of conventional representation through telling stories from the edge—threshold visions from the margins that create new ways of understanding and transmit underrepresented ways of knowing. Selected pieces revive the promise of cinema, the possibility of film and media arts to open minds, create new vistas, and challenge dehumanizing forms of representation.
In-Person Featured Guest Speakers
In addition to screenings and the zine fest, FBA25 will feature in-person speakers who bring together ideas and creative practices to reframe perspectives:
Nicole J. Georges: A renowned graphic novelist, social media creator, podcaster, and zine-maker, Nicole J. Georges is celebrated for her deeply personal and socially impactful storytelling. Her critically acclaimed graphic memoir, Calling Dr. Laura, which won the Lambda Literary Award, is a poignant exploration of identity, family secrets, and self-discovery. Nicole's versatile body of work spans zines, comics, and podcasts, where she delves into themes of identity, feminism, and queer culture. Her contributions to zine culture and DIY media have made her a significant voice in both the literary and queer arts communities, influencing a generation of artists with her unique blend of humor, introspection, and activism. She also created Fetch: How a Bad Dog Brought Me Home. and is making her debut in the middle-grade genre with The Ballad of X-Ray and Koko in 2026.
Tony Candelaria: A versatile director, sculptor, and puppet fabricator from New Mexico, Tony Candelaria has made significant contributions to the world of animation and film. Known for his work on the Oscar-winning Pinocchio by Guillermo del Toro, Tony's career ranges from development roles at Warner Brothers Animation to intricate puppet and model fabrication on celebrated films like Coraline and Paranorman at Laika. Beyond his work in the industry, Tony shares his expertise by teaching sculpture at the New York Film Academy, where he continues to inspire the next generation of artists.
Stef Choi: Creator of the zine Jellycake, Stef Choi is an accomplished animation character and concept artist, cartoonist, and ceramicist based in Los Angeles, California. With a diverse portfolio, she has contributed her talents to several notable animated films and series, including Coraline (2009), The Boxtrolls (2014), Space Chimps (2008), The Powerpuff Girls (2003), and Guardians of the Galaxy (2019). Stef's work is recognized for its creativity and distinctive style, which seamlessly blends her skills across different mediums, from animation to ceramics.
Dr. David Tenorio: A scholar prioritizing digital storytelling with a focus on queer transnational communities, Dr. David Tenorio's work is at the intersection of academic research and creative media. His research documents and amplifies the experiences of marginalized groups, using visual storytelling to bridge the gap between scholarly inquiry and broader cultural narratives. Through his innovative approach, Dr. Tenorio sheds light on the complexities of identity, migration, and community within LGBTQIA+ and transnational contexts, making contributions to both digital scholarship and representation.
Alejandra Jimena Medina Gomez: An emerging animator from Mexico and a favorite at FBAFF, Alejandra Jimena Medina Gomez has quickly gained recognition for her impactful and distinctive work in animated film. Known for her surreal approaches and feminist queer sensibilities, her films have been featured at FBAFF on two previous occasions, with her unique style also showcased on the official poster for FBAFF 2023. Alejandra’s contributions are pushing the boundaries of animation, establishing her as a rising star in the field.
Dr. Kylo-Patrick Hart & Dr. Alissa Burger: Key members of the editorial team behind Queer Studies in Media and Popular Culture, Dr. Kylo-Patrick Hart and Dr. Alissa Burger are at the forefront of advancing queer studies within media and cultural analysis. Queer Studies in Media and Popular Culture is a leading publication dedicated to fostering critical scholarship at the intersection of queer theory, media studies, and popular culture. Through their editorial work, they play a crucial role in shaping academic discourse around LGBTQ+ issues, media representation, and the cultural impact of queer identities, helping to push the boundaries of traditional film and media studies.
Spotlight: Intersecting Worlds of Animation, Illustration, Zines, and Comics: While we continue to embrace all forms of creative expression, this year, we are placing a special spotlight on the intersection of animation, comics, and illustrated zines—art forms that uniquely capture the imagination and push the boundaries of storytelling. With featured guests like Nicole J. Georges, Tony Candelaria, Alejandra Jimena Medina Gomez, and Stef Choi, we invite submissions that explore these mediums to craft compelling narratives and extend the senses, offering new ways to experience and interpret the world. Our 2nd Annual Zine Fest (FBAZF), running concurrently on June 7, will also delve into these intersections.
Selection Process: Submissions to FBA25 undergo a rigorous selection process. Our selection committee and reviewers are comprised of filmmakers, scholars, artists, activists, and interested persons with expertise in film, media arts, gender and sexuality studies, and social justice. Their collective insights ensure that the works chosen for the festival meet our high standards for artistic innovation, social relevance, creative, and critical thinking.
Judging Criteria: Submissions are evaluated based on a set of criteria that align with the mission and objectives of Feminist Border Arts. These criteria include but are not limited to:
Artistic Innovation: Originality in form and content.
Social Relevance: Significance in addressing issues related to gender, sexuality, social justice, and transformation.
Storytelling Technique: Skill in the craft of storytelling, whether through film, digital media, or other forms.
Thoughtful Exploration: Depth and nuance in exploring the subject matter, showing a well-considered approach and meaningful inquiry or narrative.
Audience Engagement: Potential for fostering critical thought and dialogue among festival attendees.
Filmmaker Participation: While we are unable to provide accommodations for filmmakers, we highly encourage your participation in the festival. Your presence enriches the dialogue and experience for all attendees. If your work is selected and you plan to attend, please inform us so we can maximize your engagement at the event.
Making the Scene: FBA25 is a convergence of creative minds, scholars, activists, and community builders, where meaningful connections are forged, and critical discussions are sparked. Whether you’re a curious cinephile, a filmmaker pushing the boundaries of storytelling, a scholar blending theory and practice, or a community member advocating for social justice, FBA25 provides fertile ground for collaboration and cross-disciplinary dialogue.
Context: Las Cruces and New Mexico have emerged as prominent filmmaking destinations, celebrated for their breathtaking landscapes, supportive local film communities, and rich cultural heritages. This crossroads of cultures and creativity offers an ideal setting for exploring themes of borders, identity, and social change through the powerful mediums of film and media arts, as well as for inspiring your next film or creative project.
The state is also home to 23 federally recognized Native American tribes, including 19 Pueblo communities, three Apache tribes, and the Navajo Nation. These communities have distinct languages, cultures, and histories, and their lands are interspersed throughout the state, creating a complex landscape of internal borders.
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Note: Festival and exhibition dates and the venue are subject to change under compelling circumstances. We are committed to providing a high-quality experience and will communicate any changes as soon as possible.
Awards
Feminist Border Arts is a highly selective, university-affiliated film festival, deeply rooted in the interdisciplinary fields of Women’s, Gender, and LGBTQ+ Studies. We use film and media arts as essential tools for research, creative expression, and education. With less than 1% of submissions making it into our curated program, being featured is a significant achievement that reflects your work's contribution to pushing the boundaries of storytelling, representation, and social engagement. Our festival is committed to advancing critical conversations through the powerful medium of film, aligned with our mission to foster social justice and transformative creativity and learning.
Our awards are not monetary but carry deep significance within the context of our festival's mission. The categories may vary each year to reflect the unique focus and ethos of that season's festival.
Audience Awards: Chosen by festival attendees, these awards honor the works that most strongly connect with and captivate our diverse and engaged audience.
Jury Awards: Selected by an independent panel of judges, these awards recognize films that demonstrate exceptional artistic achievement and originality.
Directors' Awards: Chosen by the festival co-directors, these awards celebrate films that exemplify artistic innovation and make a significant social impact.
Advisory Board Awards: Determined by our advisory board, these awards recognize works that excel in social relevance, artistic excellence, and boundary-pushing creativity.
Rules and Terms
Before submitting your film, review these conditions:
1. Thematic Relevance: Your film must directly address topics related to women, gender, LGBTQIA+, social justice and transformation, disability, intersectionality, the environment, peace, and/or transnational and global issues. All films, regardless of the language, must include English captions to be screened at the festival.
2. Original Work & Legal Compliance: Your film must be an original work and legally cleared for exhibition by FBA. Ensure that you have the necessary licenses or permissions for all music, trademarks, and literary material used in your film.
3. Indemnification: By submitting, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless Feminist Border Arts, its organizers, and partners from any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including attorney's fees and court costs) arising from issues related to copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, or the screening of your work.
4. Film Length & Production Timeframe: Accepted lengths for short films are 60 seconds to 39 minutes, and for feature films, 40 to 120 minutes. Films must have been produced post-January 1, 2023.
5. Non-Refundable Fees: Submission fees are non-refundable and are essential to support the festival, including covering the costs of reviewing, processing, and evaluating each submission.
6. Fee Waivers: If you are unable to pay the submission fee and believe your film qualifies for a waiver, please contact us at gensxprof@gmail.com.
7. Digital Submission: If selected, your film must be submitted in digital format (MP4 or MOV) with embedded captions or subtitles in English. We will need to download a copy as soon as possible.
8. Content Guidelines: Films may suggest or depict violence, sexual content, and strong language, but no people, animals, or creatures should be harmed in the making of your film.
9. Rights & Permissions: If selected, you retain all rights to your film. However, you grant FBA the right to include it in the festival and exhibition programming, archive it, and use images and clips for promotional purposes, as well as for possible additional screenings or festival tours for a period of 12 months or longer for “best of” programming.
10. Accessibility: We welcome films in any language, but all films must include embedded English captions, including those in English. This ensures accessibility for all audiences. Selected filmmakers will be asked to add subtitles or captions in English if not already included.
11. Multiple Submissions: Multiple entries are welcome, but each must be submitted separately and is subject to its own submission fee.
12. Screening Selection: Acceptance into the festival does not guarantee your film will be screened. It will be an official selection, but due to limited screen time over the two-day festival, not all selected films may be exhibited. However, there may be opportunities for satellite and showcase programming. We strive to accommodate as many films as possible, but space is limited.
13. By submitting a film, the filmmaker(s), copyright, and distribution rights owners agree to have the film screened by FBA, if selected.
14. Promotional Materials: Provide a biography of the artist/filmmaker, along with details about the work, including the title, duration, production date, country of filming, a brief synopsis, and stills for promotional use.
15. No Screening Fees: FBA does not offer screening fees. By submitting through FilmFreeway, you agree not to request a screening fee as a requirement for your film's participation if selected.
16. Online Availability: Films that are publicly available online (without password protection or being unlisted) are not eligible for live audience exhibition at FBA.
17. Commercial Distribution: Films in commercial distribution are not eligible for submission. Such works may be considered for invited screenings and special events; please contact festival organizers at gensxprof@gmail.com with details.
18. Educational Use: By submitting your film, you grant FBA the non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, and unlimited right to use archived copies of your work for non-commercial educational purposes, including workshops, lectures, classroom use, and academic research. Please note that this is not guaranteed, and you may opt-out of this possibility by contacting the festival organizers at gensxprof@gmail.com.
19. Final Selection: The selection of films and other works by FBA is final and not subject to appeal. By submitting your work, you acknowledge and agree to this condition.
Important Deadlines
- August 15, 2024: Opening Date
- October 15, 2024: Early Bird Deadline
- January 5, 2025: Regular Deadline
- February 15, 2025: Late Deadline
- March 7, 2025: Extended Deadline
- April 5, 2025: Notification Date
- June 6 – 7, 2025: Event Date
