Bill Richardson

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has enjoyed a distinguished career in leadership, now serving his second term as Governor following reelection in 2006 by the largest margin of victory in any New Mexico gubernatorial election. Prior to his election as Governor, he served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and then as Ambassador to the U.N. and Secretary of Energy under President Bill Clinton. His diplomatic efforts in negotiating many difficult international situations have brought worldwide recognition.

Gov. Richardson has worked tirelessly on behalf of many causes on in the state, national, and international arenas. He has been deeply concerned about many issues that particularly affect New Mexico, including energy and environmental sustainability, water, and economic growth. His interest in film and advocacy for opportunities related to the film industry in New Mexico have spurred enormous energy in recent years within and beyond the state, bringing many film projects to New Mexico and leading to a newly-built studios, sound stages, and film-related facilities. The New Mexico Film Office has encouraged both the cultivation of these commercial opportunities and the creation of film-related educational programs in the state’s institutions of higher education, including Eastern New Mexico University’s new Digital Cinema Arts Degree.

We are extremely pleased and grateful that Gov. Richardson has agreed to bring his enthusiasm for this growing and creative industry to the High Plains Film Festival.