Reminder: Spotlight On New Mexico at 2026 Cannes
NMFO Takes Part in 'I'll Be Gone in June' Premiere, Hosts New Mexico Day at Film USA Pavilion
FRONT AND CENTER AT CANNES
New Mexico Film Office Shines Spotlight on Local Film Industry
There is no bigger stage in the film world than Cannes, and this year New Mexico stepped into the spotlight. The New Mexico Film Office used the 2026 Festival de Cannes as an opportunity to showcase the state's incentives, world-class cast and crews and production-ready infrastructure to a global audience including independent filmmakers and the international decision-makers who fill slates and greenlight projects.
New Mexico Film Office Director Steve Graham and Rochelle Bussey, senior program director, had face-to-face time with producers and filmmakers throughout the trip, hosting panels and events to show the world what New Mexico has to offer.
On May 14, the office presented New Mexico Day, which was held at Film USA's Pavilion. The event drew over 250 attendees and helped create a buzz among filmmakers — especially independent filmmakers.
Attendees to New Mexico Day learned firsthand about the experience of filming in New Mexico through the conversation with "I'll Be Gone in June" director Katharina Rivilis and producer Léa Germain. Santa Fe International Film Festival’s Jacques Paisner joined us along with writer/director Julia Eringer to discuss New Mexico film. When filming in Las Cruces, "I'll Be Gone in June" employed over 50 New Mexicans, including 25 resident crew members, 22 resident principal actors and 10 resident background talent.
Rivilis and Germain told the crowd about their experiences filming in the state. It was great to hear their perspective on how New Mexico is really a one-stop shop for productions to come and do their projects, and as an independent filmmaker, they really felt like we were able to support them on all aspects.
We also supported the film by attending its premiere in the Un Certain Regard programming at the festival. Seeing Las Cruces on the big screen for an international audience really drove home how amazing our landscapes are and how effective our canvas is in the hands of gifted artists. The hard work of the filmmaking team and the New Mexico crew came together to create magic.
In addition to New Mexico Day, we also hosted an IndieWire networking event with American Pavilion the following day, which was also well attended.
For nearly 20 years, New Mexico has continued building a stable production-ready film industry with experienced crews, expanding infrastructure and locations that can double for almost anywhere in the world – or play themselves. Combined with a refundable incentive of up to 40%, productions of all sizes continue finding long-term success here.
One of the things we are most proud of is the collaborative environment productions find here. Filmmakers often come for the landscapes and incentive program, but they leave talking about the crews, the communities and the overall experience of making a project in New Mexico.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
We reinforced at Cannes that New Mexico continues to be a serious global production hub, not just a regional market.
International producers and studios are increasingly looking for locations that offer strong incentives, experienced crew, soundstage infrastructure, and film-friendly government support — all areas where New Mexico is competitive.
Conversations at Cannes highlighted how important workforce development and crew training have become worldwide.
There is growing interest in states and regions that can support productions from development through post-production in one ecosystem.
The market continues to evolve toward streaming, international co-productions, and content partnerships across multiple platforms.
LOOK BACK AT NMFO'S TIME @ CANNES
MISSING OUT? FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Learn More About NM's Film Incentives
Sign Up for The New Mexico Film Office Newsletter
Explore New Mexico Filming Locations
The mission of the New Mexico Film Office is to improve the lives of New Mexicans by growing the entertainment industry opportunities in the state.
As the first film commission in the United States created to market an entire state to the industry in 1968, NMFO has led the way for over 50 years.
NM Film Office is a division of Economic Development New Mexico
New Mexico Economic Development Department | 1100 South St. Francis Dr Joseph M. Montoya Building | Santa Fe, NM 87505-4147 US
Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice