SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – The Santa Fe International Film Festival has showcased Academy award-winning filmmakers and New Mexico-made films for the last 15 years. Now, in its 16th season, the event will screen more than 180 films including narrative features, documentaries, and shorts. Organizers said the festival started 1,000 attendees in its first year and they are now expecting more than 12,000 attendees in the coming days. Story continues below Space: Rare comet can be seen in New Mexico sky, local experts explain News: Drafted New Mexico bill aims to change guidelines on how board grants parole News: Valencia County Sheriff’s Office releases footage of fatal deputy-involved shooting News: Some Bosque trails in Albuquerque to be closed for maintenance The Santa Fe Film Commission said they've always made the event a priority even when the Sundance Film Festival was considering making Santa Fe its new home. "The excitement that was generated from so many at the potential of the Sundance coming, let's move that excitement over and support our own international festival that's already been here now going into its sixteenth year," said Film Commissioner Jennifer LaBar-Tapia, Santa Fe Film Office. The directors said the festival will be premiering films never before seen showcasing New Mexico like Georgia O'Keeffe: The Brightness of Light. "We're also bringing films that are otherwise inaccessible to New Mexicans. We're bringing a lot of films with pre-theatrical releases, films that were screened and nominated awards at Canne," said Director Stephanie Love-Riner, Santa Fe International Film Festival. Among the well-known filmmakers and actors attending this year is Bryan Cranston who will be receiving a lifetime achievement award. With the momentum over the years, organizers are hoping it only continues to grow. "I think what we can expect is even more people traveling each year. The city and the state to get more involved and you know being one of the top festivals in the regional festivals in the United States," said Artistic Director Jaques Paisner, Santa Fe International Film Festival. The festival runs from Wednesday through Sunday at five theatres around Santa Fe. For more information, click this link.