RATON, N.M. - s4story -- Nine outstanding films were added to the list of Gold Winner contenders for the American West Film Fest's annual showcase in January in Raton, New Mexico as September's official winners. Included were "Echo Rhyme" by Caleb Johnson and Jeff Johnson, "Unfrayed" by Michelle Muldoon, "UNHOUSED" by Barbara Ford Grant, "Nimbus" by Aaron Scott Lininger, "Eutierria" by Adam Witmer and Sophie Witmer, "The Deal" by Marina Montaruli, Cristian Giuseppe Santoro, and Vanessa Chimenti, "Limited Slip" by Clint Calvert and Caleb Johnson, "Back In The Saddle" by Joel Oelze, and "Never Call 911" by William Elder.

In addition to the Gold Winners, September awarded a list of outstanding films in Honorable Mention category as well, these films included "ELIAS" by Kostiantyn Mishchenko, "Episode 2 Bird Woman, Sacajawea" by Lynn Rogoff, "FIFTY" by Amr Elnahla, "Five Years Out" by Sammi Cannold, "Honoring Long Person" by Chris Cassels, "NOIR MOORE" by Valeriy Zayets, "Marfa" by Matt Rasch, and "Time Travel Hotel" by 821R (Honey R).

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The festival will continue to award monthly Gold and Honorable Mention Winners until the end of 2026. In January, AWFF will be closed for submissions and the annual event will be held on the 16th at the Isabel Castillo Performing Arts Center in Raton, New Mexico. The 2027 season will begin in February following the showcase.

All submissions are being received exclusively on FilmFreeway and rules, winner, and more details about the event can be found on the AWFF at www.awff.com.