SW New Mexico News

The film "Santa’s Cousin," featuring students from New Mexico State University's Creative Media Institute (CMI), is set to premiere in Santa Fe on January 31 at the Violet Crown Theater. Directed by Ross Marks, a professor at CMI, the movie will be shown as part of NMSU Days in Santa Fe, an event organized by the NMSU Foundation to highlight the university and Las Cruces community.

Released on December 4, 2024, "Santa’s Cousin" stars Eric Roberts, Johnathan Stoddard, and Alexandra Harris. The story follows Colton, Santa's cousin, as he attempts to save a Christmas Jubilee in Ruidoso while discovering love. Filmed in Las Cruces and southern New Mexico, the project allowed students to earn academic credits through participation in its production phases.

“This project represents the perfect marriage of education and professional filmmaking,” said Marks. He emphasized that students gained hands-on experience rarely available at the undergraduate level. Marks also serves as deputy director of the New Mexico Media Arts Collective and founded the Las Cruces International Film Festival.

New Mexico State University offers a unique opportunity for film students to earn course credit by working on professional feature films. Enrico Pontelli, dean of NMSU’s College of Arts and Sciences stated: “The Creative Media Institute is a cornerstone of innovation and opportunity.”

The screening event will include a discussion led by Marks and producer Keagan Karnes before the film's debut. Tickets are available online for those interested in attending.