Sherry Kollmann Chancellor of NMSU Global | nmsu.edu
Sherry Kollmann Chancellor of NMSU Global | nmsu.edu
A new holiday film, "Santa's Cousin," will premiere on December 4 at Allen Theatres Cineport 10 in Las Cruces. The film, produced by Inspirado Films in collaboration with New Mexico State University (NMSU) and Heartstrings Media, was shot in Las Cruces and southern New Mexico during October and November of 2023.
The movie tells the story of Santa's cousin who saves a Christmas Jubilee in Ruidoso while finding love. It features actors Jonathan Stoddard, Alexandra Harris, and Eric Roberts. Ross Marks, an NMSU Creative Media Institute (CMI) professor and filmmaker from Las Cruces, directed the film.
Marks described the project as his best experience as a director due to the involvement of students. "Making ‘Santa's Cousin’ was the best experience I have ever had as a director," he said. The production allowed NMSU film students to earn credits towards their degrees while gaining practical experience working alongside professional actors like Roberts.
Eric Roberts expressed gratitude towards the students: “You guys are one of the best groups in 700 appearances on film that I’ve ever had.” Marks highlighted that this opportunity is unique to NMSU’s film school: “New Mexico State University is the only film school in the nation where the students take a class and actually make a professional feature film that is the class.”
Producer Keagan Karnes emphasized their mission to tell stories rooted in New Mexico. “We’re on a mission to tell world-class stories in New Mexico,” he stated. Writer and executive producer Mary Haarmayer spoke about bringing her script to life while providing opportunities for students: “It is such an honor to take this story from script to screen while providing opportunities for students."
Marks also works with the New Mexico Media Arts Collective to create career pathways for graduates entering independent films produced locally. He praised student enthusiasm throughout production: “Every day was a joy because the students bring so much enthusiasm and excitement.”
"Santa's Cousin" showcases not only local talent but also aims at promoting New Mexico’s culture through cinema.
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