Celebrating New Mexico's Film Community

Local filmmakers, projects making waves in festivals around the country

On Set in New Mexico: Film & Media Conference 2026 is taking place Sept. 2–3 at the new CNM Film and Media Arts Collective at the historic Albuquerque Rail Yards . The conference will bring together industry professionals, emerging talent, businesses, educators and production leaders from across New Mexico and beyond for two days of learning, networking, and industry engagement. Learn more and purchase tickets below.

REGISTRATION DETAILS COMING SOON!

SPOTLIGHT ON NM-FILMED PROJECT

NM Production Manager Makes Leap into Director's Chair with 'In Between'

Filmmaking is part of Brent Morris’ DNA.

After years of producing and production managing, the New Mexico filmmaker is stepping out as writer director of the short film, “In Between.”

At the beginning of June, near Gallup, the New Mexico-based producer’s directing dream became a reality as he put together a talented and dedicated team to film a proof of concept.

“In Between” is the story of a young boy, Ezra, and his mother, Janiece, as they journey from Philadelphia to the Navajo Nation, where they encounter a family Ezra believes is his from a previous life.

TOP: A scene from the short film "In Between," which stars New Mexicans Ryan Begay, second from left, and DezBaa’. ABOVE: New Mexican Brent Morris directs a scene from his latest production, which filmed in Gallup.

In the form of a supernatural thriller, Ezra's knowledge and memories help solve the mystery of his past life. The storyline also touches on the issues of uranium extraction and its legacy on the Diné people. Aided by Navajo Nation police officer Nora Kee and her missing and murdered people's task force, Ezra leads them to a climactic finale of karmic retributive justice.

“The unique, diverse cultural perspectives here enhance storytelling on a personal level. It is such a joy to do creative work in the vast landscape here and I’m grateful to have found support from the local community,” Morris said.

Stay tuned as Morris works to take the short film into a feature film and shoot in 2027.

This is just one story of a New Mexican moving up within the industry.

NEW AT THE NMFO

The New Mexico Film Office is making it easier to register online, by updating its locations and production resources directories.

EASIER REGISTRATION

A streamlined online system simplifying production registration and tracking.

UPDATED DIRECTORIES

Improved crew, vendor, and location directories designed to make industry connections faster and easier.

BETTER CONNECTIONS

Helping productions connect with local resources, crews, and services to keep projects moving.

Visit New Mexico Film Office Site

JOURNEY TO SCREEN

From New Mexico to Tribeca.

Congratulations to the team behind "The Long Haul" on its world premiere at the 2026 Tribeca Festival on June 7 in New York City. We're excited to see this New Mexico-filmed project make its debut and connect with audiences on one of the industry's biggest stages.

Originally filmed under the name “Dead Letters,” the production filmed in Las Cruces and Ruidoso in March 2025, the film stars three-time Emmy-winner Margo Martindale, Stephen Root, Cole Sprouse, Yalitza Aparicio, Jefferson White and Wes Studi.

“The Long Haul” is an intimate portrait of an American long-haul truck driver who is forced to confront her past, present, and future as she faces the potential parole of her daughter’s murderer. The production employed over 100 New Mexicans, including 65 resident New Mexico crew members, three principal actors, and 80 background talent.

Wishing the entire team a successful festival run.

NEW MEXICO STORIES

Award-winning documentary, 'American Hate - Survivors Speak', continues festival run

New Mexico filmmaker and college teacher Harry Gantz worked diligently on the documentary “American Hate – Survivors Speak.”

The hard work was recognized at the Las Cruces International Film Festival in April as it picked up “Best Documentary” and “Grand Jury Prize” awards.

The documentary confronts the rise of violent hate crimes in the United States through the voices of survivors and their families.

Hate crimes have intensified over the last decade, impacting communities of color, religious and ethnic minorities, and LGBTQIA communities. Between 2014 and 2022, reported hate crimes more than doubled; advocacy organizations say the true number is multiples higher.

These first-person accounts allow viewers to see, hear, and feel what it means to be targeted because of who you are or what you believe. The film moves from the scene of each crime to its long-term consequences: the grief, the haunting memories, and the permanent rupture in everyday life. Yet despite the devastation, survivors and their communities have discovered a renewed sense of purpose to advocate, organize, and seek justice.

Gantz teaches at Northern New Mexico College in Film & Digital Media Arts (FDMA), which has students study and practice of media, communication and digital arts, as well as basic filmmaking, television, audio production and photography.

The film is currently on a festival run and more local screenings to come.

NMFO IN THE COMMUNITY

From left, Cyndy McCrossen, Steve Graham, producer Drew Barnett-Hamilton, Jennifer La Bar-Tapia and Eli Villalpando at the Produced By Conference in Los Angeles.

That's a wrap on 2026 Produced By

At the end of May, New Mexico Film Office Director Steve Graham traveled to Los Angeles for the Producers Guild’s annual Produced By Conference.

Joining Graham at the conference was Cyndy McCrossen, Albuquerque Film Office liaison, Jennifer LaBar-Tapia, Santa Fe Film Office film commissioner and Elijah Villalpando, Film Las Cruces associate film liaison.

The group worked together to promote filming in New Mexico through one-on-one meetings with producers, sponsoring a table to have…