Local Filmmaker Awarded Grant

Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at 12:00 AM

Ramona Emerson of Reel Indian Pictures has been awarded a grant of $3600 from the New Mexico Film Foundation. The money is to be used for completion of Emerson's documentary called "Mayor's of Shiprock" which follows the efforts of the Northern Dine Youth Committee to make their home a better place.

From the New Mexico Film Foundation:

We are happy to announce that Ramona Emerson of Reel Indian Pictures has been awarded a grant of $3600 from the New Mexico Film Foundation. The money is to be used for completion of Emerson's documentary called "Mayor's of Shiprock" which follows the efforts of the Northern Dine Youth Committee to make their home a better place.

This new grant is the result of a partnership between the New Mexico Film Foundation and the Isora Foundation based in Alubuquerque, New Mexico. Wendy Wells, Director of the Isora Foundation explains, "The Isora Foundation's mission is to fund projects which empower individuals to improve conditions within their own communities. During our 20016 funding cycle, we reached out to the New Mexico Film Foundation to see if they knew of film projects which would meet our mission goals." Dirk Norris, Executive Director of the New Mexico Film Foundation suggested a number of current projects to Wells for her consideration. One of those films was Emerson's project. "The film, currently in production, by Ramona Emerson, "The Mayors of Shiprock” seemed like great fit for us. By providing a funding award, we were not only able to support a local New Mexico filmmaker but support her efforts to highlight the incredible work Navajo youth are doing to bring about change within their own community. This film is a story of empowerment. We felt that it's message could bring hope and inspire youth everywhere.

This is the first time we have funded a New Mexico film in production. We are very excited about our partnership with the NM Film Foundation, " said Wells. This is the second grant the New Mexico Film Foundation has awarded Emerson. Earlier in the year she was one of 17 submissions to the Beau McNicholas Post Production Grant. There will be an award ceremony as part of the New Mexico Film Foundation's annual Summer Soiree Fundraiser. where Emerson will receive the Isora Grant.

More from Local News

New Farmington Temple Prepares for Public Open House

The public is invited to tour the Farmington Temple from Thursday, July 17, through Saturday, August 2, 2025, excluding Sundays.
SJRMC & San Juan College agree to expand Nursing Program

Full-time nursing faculty members will receive a $10,000 annual stipend on top of their base salary to enhance the program’s capacity. In addition, students will have an opportunity to enter into an agreement with SJRMC to receive a substantial $4,800 living stipend per semester,
Downtown Farmington gets National Main Street Accreditation

Historic Downtown Farmington’s performance was evaluated through assessments conducted by the organization’s personnel and board of directors, and New Mexico MainStreet, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify local programs that meet rigorous national community evaluation standards.
Man Arrested for Fruitland Murder

Following verbal arguments at the house of Adrian Begay (age 45), De Andre Julian (age 23) left with his girlfriend, Adrian Begay’s daughter, Adriana Begay (age 21) to a nearby residence. Adrian Begay followed them to the exterior of the residence when De Andre Julian produced a handgun and shot Adrian Begay multiple times in the chest at close range.
Arrest Made in Farmington Killing

After a lengthy investigation, Ms. Greenfield’s death was determined to be a homicide and detectives identified 27-year-old Serrono Rippingale as the suspect. On June 26th, 2025, an arrest warrant for Murder (2nd degree felony) and Tampering with Evidence (3rd degree felony) was obtained and served on Serrono Rippingale.
Farmington Hires New Museum Director

“Nathan’s expertise in the museum industry, combined with his global perspective and passion for community engagement, make him a tremendous asset to Farmington,” said Christa Chapman, Director of Cultural Affairs. “We’re excited to see how his leadership will shape the future of the Farmington Museum System.”