DAILY LOBO new mexico
The little fish see Page 4
The Independent Student Voice of UNM since 1895
thursday April 25, 2013
New UNM group to schmooze NM film Film association aims to beef up students’ credentials by Katherine Luce
news@dailylobo.com Film students reeling in the face of an uncertain economy have a new resource to help hone their talent and tap into the local industry. Students in the UNM cinematic arts program formed the UNM Film Association earlier this semester, the first club of its kind at the University. Its goal is to inform students about basic film industry mechanics, such as acting, modeling, directing, producing, editing, music, photography, and writing. The association would also help them find jobs in the industry. “Most film groups tend to focus on the film appreciation and critique side only, but we recognize that we are in ‘show business,’ so we want to broaden our focus to getting students work experience in this field in hopes they graduate with a career,” said Terrence Au, co-founder of the association. Megan Pham, the other cofounder, said the association is different in that it is a business- and career-driven association as well as a film criticism association. She said they hope to connect with studio executives to offer internships, meet interested students and acquire apprenticeships.
“We recognize the importance of film criticism and theory, but film at a basic level is a business of connections, and we are focused more on what happens before a film is completed,” Pham said. Au said the association hopes to work with the local film industry to create projects for hiring resident students, in light of the new state tax incentives that give studios tax breaks when they hire New Mexico citizens. These incentives are part of the “Breaking Bad” bill signed into law by Gov. Susana Martinez which aims to attract more film and TV productions to the state. He said the association hopes to continue the growth of the New Mexico film industry by providing opportunities for students to work in the industry. The association will achieve this by providing the real world experience students need to develop skills desired by employers in the industry, he said. “The film association is working with the city and state film offices, and will be the direct link between movie studios shooting in-state interested in recruiting students,” Au said. “There has never been a link this strong until now.” Pham said filmmaking is a process that involves many talents, so the association hopes to bring together students of all majors to network, giving the
Sergio Jiménez / Daily Lobo Bystanders gaze up at the art installation on the wall of George Pearl Hall on Monday night. The new UNM Film Association has used the outside space as a projection screen every night this week to showcase student videos and photographs from the Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media Program, the cinematic arts department and art studio classes. The projections run every night from 8:40 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. until Tuesday. members more opportunities to find jobs and projects. Pham also said the association plans to invite industry leaders to speak about how to establish contacts, and to give students an understanding of what it takes to make a career out of their major. “These guest speakers will be people of different film roles who will talk from a more raw, personal experience,” Pham said. Both co-founders said the
association also has other goals, such as planning a semesterly UNM film festival in the SUB theater to showcase studentmade productions. Attendees would have a chance to talk to the filmmakers to ask questions and exchange ideas. The association also plans to showcase student films during lunch hours for students to experience the films throughout the year.
To become involved: email unmfilm@gmail.com.
No fees or requirements to join. UNM students, CNM students, Southwest University of Visual Arts students and APS students can join. “Like” Facebook.com/UNMFilm to receive updates about speakers, jobs, meetings, and the UNM Film Association.
NM plant for horse slaughter gets OK
MOTHER ERDA
by Jeri Clausing
The Associated Press
Mark Grace / Daily Lobo Amanda Rich, administrator for Erda Gardens, inspects two freshly picked beets at the garden’s main location Wednesday afternoon. The farm participates in biodynamic farming practices, which entails a holistic approach to farming and tending to certain plants according to an astrological calendar. See full story on Page 8.
Inside the
Daily Lobo volume 117
issue 146
ww w.g ath erin gof nat ion s.co m
ROSWELL, N.M. — About 5 miles from this southeastern New Mexico town’s famed UFO museum, tucked between dairy farms, is a nondescript metal building that could be home to any number of small agricultural businesses. But Valley Meat Co. is no longer just another agricultural business. It’s a former cattle slaughterhouse whose kill floor has been redesigned for horses to be slaughtered and processed into meat for shipment overseas. It’s also ground zero for an emotional, national debate over a return to domestic horse slaughter that has divided horse rescue and animal humane groups, ranchers, politicians and Indian tribes. And Tuesday, it moved one step closer to becoming the first plant in
see Horses PAGE 3
TODAY
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