Governor Bill Richardson's office announced this morning that it will allocate $150,000 "to support and enhance programming at The Screen."



The announcement also speaks of possible plans to move the struggling theater from its current location on the campus of the College of Santa Fe to the Railyard's Jean Cocteau Theater, currently the home of the New Mexico Film Museum offices.

Richardson, who has been a champion for the film industry by introducing incentive packages to help the industry grow within New Mexico, says in his announcement "I think The Screen program is a vital asset not only to the community at large but, with the addition of the educational and interactive components, to our growing local filmmaking community.  I want to make sure this program continues as the overall situation with the College of Santa Fe sorts itself out."

The College of Santa Fe announced in mid-January that it would have to close the theater for financial reasons. Since then many members of the community have come forward to help to keep The Screen alive. Richardson's move means that The Screen will now be run in conjunction with the Department of Cultural Affairs.

At this time Screen curator Brent Kliewer has not been reached for comment.