Whitaker returns to N.M. for latest film

Forest Whitaker didn’t get enough of New Mexico.

The Oscar-winning actor and director will return to the Land of Enchantment for his latest project, the film “Enemy Way.”

It will begin to shoot around Albuquerque and Deming beginning in April.

“Enemy Way” tells the story of an ex-convict who gets a second chance, but the local law wants to send him back to prison. According to the Internet Movie Database, the film is currently in pre-production and is listed under the name “Bill’s Law.” A budget for the film is not available.

“We are pleased to be co-hosting the filming of ‘Enemy Way,’” said Deming Mayor Andres Z. Silva. “As with other movies that have been shot in the region and state, the film industry continues to find that New Mexico’s hospitality is second to none.”

According to the New Mexico Film Office, the production will employ at least 70 New Mexico crew members and 300 principal and background talent. Casting calls are expected to be held closer to the production’s start date.

The film will be directed by Rachid Bourchareb, who worked on films “Outside the Law” and “Days of Glory.” It will be produced by Jean Brehat and Allen Bain. Bain was a producer in the 2012 film, “Just Like a Woman,” which was filmed partially in New Mexico.

Whitaker was last in the state while filming “The Last Stand,” with Arnold Schwarzenegger. He picked up an Oscar in 2007 for his role in 2006′s “The Last King of Scotland” and has also starred in films such as “Panic Room,” “Platoon,” “Good Morning, Vietnam,” “Phone Booth” and “The Color of Money.” He has also directed films such as “Hope Floats” and “Waiting To Exhale.”
— This article appeared on page C2 of the Albuquerque Journal