June 10, 2020
Las Cruces Area Filmmakers Showcased in New Statewide “Wear a Mask” Public Service Announcements
SANTA FE –The State of New Mexico has released four public service announcement (PSA) commercials urging people to wear face masks and promote COVID Safe Practices.
The short videos are available for sharing on social media and New Mexico TV stations as public service announcements in 30- and 15-second lengths.
The public health project was spearheaded by Film Las Cruces in collaboration with Las Cruces filmmaker, Rajeev Nirmalakhandan. The PSA’s showcase three Las Cruces and border region filmmakers, in addition to a filmmaking member of the Navajo Nation.
The videos are available for viewing here:
30-second versions
Masks: https://youtu.be/-CCO0vyxfYU
That Guy: https://youtu.be/hbDcsDzBSfU
Family/Spanish: https://youtu.be/TEquLUeGgsc
Family/English: https://youtu.be/U1YkG1BHG5Y
Navajo: https://youtu.be/Gh1ZHw85kMg
15-second versions
Masks: https://youtu.be/FW_Z7rTNK00
That Guy: https://youtu.be/4pOIHRRzIGw
Family/Spanish: https://youtu.be/Trm9nWlOOdw
Family/English: https://youtu.be/iCs3n2w4A9M
Navajo: https://youtu.be/sa9ShAhIKEM
To download high-resolution versions, click on this link.
The filmmakers are:
- Rajeev Nirmalakhandan, a filmmaker and faculty member at the Creative Media Institute at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. His last film, “The Odd Way Home” starring Rumer Willis, was filmed primarily in New Mexico and went on to play at festivals across the country.
- Ramona Emerson and Kelly Byars of Reel Indian Pictures, a Native-owned production company located in Albuquerque. The pair have more than 20 years’ experience in film, both in front of and behind the camera, and they are currently in production on their eighth documentary and first docuseries. Emerson is a Member of the Navajo Nation.
- Keagan Karnes, an award-winning Producer and Creative Executive and Director of New Mexico operations for LA-based company Optimism Entertainment. He has produced branded content for clients like eHarmony, Match.com, and Dawn Foods. In addition to his branded work, Keagan also produces feature films including “Walking With Herb” starring Edward James Olmos and George Lopez and “Land Of Dreams,” directed by renowned visual artist Shirin Neshat. Optimism Entertainment partnered with Christa Valdez at the New Mexico Spotlight Foundation on the PSA.
- Carlos Humberto Tejeda Vera, better known as “Cabe,” a borderlands filmmaker, actor and animator focused mainly on storytelling. He is currently working on the pre-production for his first feature length romantic comedy with D-Raiz Productions based in Mexico City.
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