CREATING A LEGACY

New Mexico’s been at the cutting edge of film for 120 years

For 120 years, the Land of Enchantment has been the backdrop to legendary films.

With its mountain slopes, desert sands and pueblo vistas, New Mexico has lured 120 years of star-studded films.

And the filmmaking industry grew dramatically here after the state Legislature approved tax incentives 12 years ago, during the administration of Gov. Bill Richardson.

Directors, producers and stars began flocking to an area offering breathtaking landscapes, luminous light, and eventually enough studios and crews to churn out their projects.

The New Mexico Film Office kicked off its commemoration of the 120th year of filmmaking in New Mexico during the Gildan New Mexico Bowl football game on Dec. 16 by tailgating with the iconic “Breaking Bad” RV.

“For 120 years, New Mexico has been at the heart of the film industry,” said Film Office Director Nick Maniatis. “We are continuing to build on that strong tradition by attracting new productions to New Mexico.”

It all started with a snowy 28-second snippet called “Indian Day School” (see story on Page 22). Filmed in 1898 by Thomas Edison’s company, this short clip follows a group of young Isleta Pueblo students running in and out of their school building. Edison’s invention of the Kinetoscope germinated the film industry.

“Easy Rider,” starring Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda, was filmed in New Mexico in 1969.

In 1951, Kirk Douglas starred in “Ace in the Hole,” directed by Billy Wilder.

Jane Darwell, Henry Fonda and Russell Simpson starred in “The Grapes of Wrath” in 1940.

Jane Russell starred in “The Outlaw” in 1943.