Join El Paso native, UTEP grad and film producer Allen Gilmer and wife and producing partner Riki Rushing as they discuss his transition from the energy industry to the movie business, and some of the work they’ve done, including executive producing Long Shadows (which had its regional premiere at Plaza Classic 2025) and The Assessment, and producing his first feature film, Death in Texas, which premiered at the Plaza Theatre in 2021. Gilmer, who is a member of the El Paso Community Foundation’s board of directors, also will talk about independent film financing, evaluating scripts, identifying talent, festival- and film-selling strategies, and the evolving distribution landscape. This free event is open to the public. Grab a cup of coffee and something to gnosh on. It’s a great opportunity for local filmmakers to learn and network. — Lisa Elliott