ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Netflix, the New Mexico Film Office, and the Las Cruces and Albuquerque Film Offices are partnering to bring multiple local screenings of the feature film “Chupa” at The National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, the Allen Cineport 10 Theatre in Las Cruces, and The Fountain Theatre in Mesilla. “Chupa” was filmed in Albuquerque, Mesilla, Estancia, and the Zia Pueblo.
The Jonás Cuarón directed film stars Demián Bichir, along with Evan Whitten, Christian Slater, Nickolas Verdugo, and Ashley Ciarra, as they tell the story of a teenager (Whitten) who, while visiting his family in Mexico, gains an unlikely companion when he discovers a mythical creature hiding on his grandfather’s (Bichir) ranch. Alex and his cousins (Verdugo & Ciarra) must embark on the adventure of a lifetime to save him. The film will be released on Netflix on April 7th.
“The film ‘Chupa’ is a great example of our partnership with Netflix, and the significant impact film has on the state of New Mexico,” said Amber Dodson, Director of the New Mexico Film Office. “With over 900 high-paying jobs and spend in areas outside the Santa Fe-Albuquerque corridor, it is exciting to see the industry’s influence throughout the state.”
“We are honored to host these screenings in gratitude for the wonderful work that so many people in New Mexico put into making this film,” said Nick Maniatis, Director of Studio and Production Affairs at Netflix. “The state is full of incredibly talented cast and crew members. And the locations in New Mexico are unmatched. We can’t wait for everyone to see the state – and its people – shine in this movie.”
“Albuquerque is always eager to help host the next, great Netflix production,” said Cyndy McCrossen, City of Albuqeurque Film Liaison. “Especially a film with such great story-telling and broad appeal as in ‘Chupa’. The City is ready to support projects with hundreds of film-ready vendors, an A-Team professional crew roster and many outstanding locations.”
The production employed over 900 New Mexicans – 300 New Mexico crew members and 650 New Mexico background artists.
“Film and television productions have the unique ability to film anywhere in the state and inject significant spend into the local economy,” added State Senator and Film Las Cruces President Jeff Steinborn. “Having a dedicated, full time film office allows us to jump on these opportunities and expertly market areas like the Town of Mesilla to the film and television industry.”
“The community was happy to welcome this Netflix production to our wonderful small town of Mesilla,” said Mesilla Mayor Nora Barraza.
Additional information on Netflix’s local productions can be found at NetflixNM.com, a new website making it easier for fans to see and explore unique Netflix filming locations in the Land of Enchantment. NetflixNM.com is the first U.S. site of its kind for Netflix and allows fans to visit filming locations of popular titles like Stranger Things 4, End of the Road, The Harder
They Fall, Army of the Dead, and Daybreak.
Netflix Special Screenings MESILLA and LAS CRUCES
The Town of Mesilla, Mesilla Valley Film Society and Film Las Cruces have coordinated with Netflix to provide two screening venues for this heartfelt, family friendly movie. Residents in Doña Ana County will have a special opportunity to receive a sneak peak of the film before its official release. Seats are limited and will be prioritized to locals that worked on or assisted the film production during their time in southern New Mexico. Location details and information on how to RSVP can be found below.
Fountain Theatre
Date: Thursday, April 6th, 2023
Time: 4:30pm (Doors open at 4:00pm)
Call the Fountain Theatre or email info@mesillavalleyfilm.org to reserve a space.
Allen Cineport 10 – Las Cruces
Date: Thursday, April 6th, 2023
Time: 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:30pm)
RSVP Link: https://forms.gle/
ALBUQUERQUE
The New Mexico Film Office and the Albuquerque Film Office have coordinated with Netflix to provide a special screening of “Chupa” to locals that worked on or assisted the film production during their time in the Albuquerque area. Location details and information on how to RSVP can be found below.
National Hispanic Cultural Center, Bank of America Theatre
Date: Friday, April 7th, 2023
Time: 6:00pm (Doors open at 5:30pm)
RSVP Link: https://forms.gle/
