The Las Cruces International Film Festival will feature free panels, workshops and celebrity talks focused on film careers and industry insights.

Minerva Baumann, New Mexico State University

LAS CRUCES - Do you want to learn more about acting? Maybe you’re interested in stunts and fight choreography. Or if the world of horror is your cup of tea, you’ll hear from the pros at the Las Cruces International Film Festival. Several panels and workshops will be offered along with celebrity talks at the 11th annual festival, April 8-12.

These are coordinated with New Mexico State University’s Creative Media Institute to provide career-focused training for students, and the community is invited to participate. All are free and open to the public.

Actor Michael Rooker will be on stage with Ross Marks, NMSU CMI professor and LCIFF executive director, to discuss Rooker’s extensive career in film and voice acting from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 9, in the theatre in the ASNMSU Center for the Arts, 1000 E. University Ave.

Filmmaker Shane Black will join Marks for a discussion about the film industry and his experience as the writer of “Lethal Weapon” and the director of “Nice Guys” from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Friday, April 10, at the Allen Theatres Cineport 10, 700 S. Telshor Blvd.

Panelists for the “Inside the World of Horror” discussion will gather from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, at the historic Rio Grande Theater, 211 Main St. A lineup of industry veterans will take the stage, including Academy Award-nominated actor Bruce Davison, known for his iconic role in “Willard,” actress Kimberly Beck from “Friday the 13th,” director Lucky McKee, best known for directing cult horror films, most notably “The Woman”  and “The Woods,” and rising horror director Andrew Jara, whose notable works include the award-winning feature “The Empty Space,” “The Last Ones” and “Borderland.”

“Attendees can expect an enlightening discussion as the panelists explore the intricacies of horror filmmaking, the evolution of the genre and what makes horror films resonate across generations,” said Kyle Ivy, LCIFF marketing and communications director. “The audience will be encouraged to participate in the creative processes that drive horror storytelling, as well as explore themes of fear, suspense and imagination in cinema.”

Some of the other workshops include:

A workshop on stunts and fight choreography from 2 to 3:15 p.m. will share insights into the technical and safety aspects of performing and filming action sequences Friday, April 10, at the Allen Theatres Cineport 10.

“Financial Literacy and Planning in a Gig Economy” will run from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., providing practical advice for filmmakers and creatives managing finances in project-based industries on Friday, April 10, at the Allen Theatre’s Cineport 10.

The “Acting Workshop” will run from noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at the Rio Grande Theatre.

Tickets to the film festival are available now. VIP passes are $200, All-Access Passes are $100, Day Passes are $35 and admission to celebrity screenings is $35. Tickets are available now at www.lascrucesfilmfest.com.

Minerva Baumann writes for New Mexico State University Marketing and Communications and can be reached at 575-646-7566, or by email at mbauma46@nmsu.edu.