ENCHANTED VISIT
Actor Billy Boyd looks forward to appearance at Cruces film fest
Some days, Billy Boyd is able to get a late start.
It’s something he doesn’t take for granted, because he’s always on the go.
Soon, the acclaimed actor will be headed to the Land of Enchantment for the first time.
And it’s been a long time coming. “Over the last 10 years, there’s been times that I’ve almost been in New Mexico,” he says in a recent interview. “I was supposed to be there once for a holiday. Then there was supposed to be a movie that was supposed to film there. I’ve almost made it. The Las Cruces film festival is getting me out there finally.”
Boyd is best-known to international audiences as Peregrin “Pippin” in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.
He portrayed the cheerful and perpetually hungry cousin of Frodo Baggins who accompanies him on a quest to destroy the One Ring.
The singer and actor will perform at 4 p.m. March 10 at the Rio Grande Theatre as part of the Las Cruces International Film Festival, presented by New Mexico State University.
Boyd will talk about his role in “The Lord of the Rings” and his career. He will also appear at the LCIFF Awards Ceremony at 7 p.m. March 10 at the Rio Grande Theatre, where he will receive the LCIFF Outstanding Achievement in Drama and Music Award.
“I love film festivals,” he says. “Sometimes it’s even better when you are at a festival and you don’t have a film there. I hope to have time to watch some movies. I like going to the local short films block of film festivals, because I wouldn’t get another chance to see these films.”
Boyd says the power of film is undeniable.
He was recently filming in Lithuania and had a layover at the airport before heading home to California.
“Inside the airport is a cinema, and you can watch short films there,” he says. “It affected me so much that I directed a video for my band. It’s just a total other way of looking at film.”
With more than two decades under his belt as an actor, Boyd says, having a chance to speak to aspiring filmmakers and actors is an opportunity he always takes.
“If you have a dream to be a filmmaker, then pursue it with all that you have,” he says. “But don’t let it be the only thing in your life. Then when it doesn’t go well, then you have something else. If you could also find a love in writing, or taking photographs or cooking. Just make sure there is another love in your life.”