College of Santa Fe alum Ari Aster to helm A-list 'Eddington'; Emma Stone, Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Austin Butler star

Ari Aster has been at the helm of films such as “Hereditary,” “Beau is Afraid” and “Midsommer.”

The College of Santa Fe alum is back in New Mexico with his latest film, “Eddington.”

According to Amber Dodson, New Mexico Film Office director, the project is filming in Albuquerque, Santa Fe County and Truth or Consequences.

The film follows a small-town New Mexico sheriff with higher aspirations.

Aster has amassed an A-list cast for the feature. Oscar winners Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone will star alongside Pedro Pascal, Luke Grimes, Austin Butler, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward and Clifton Collins Jr.

Casting calls were held less than a month ago in the state.

"New Mexico is established as a premier production hub where projects of all genres come to life,” Dodson said. “The combination of our breathtaking landscapes, expert crew, and competitive film incentive attracts top-tier films like ‘Eddington’ to New Mexico—not only to film in places like Truth or Consequences but also to tell a story set in the Land of Enchantment."

According to Dodson, the production will employ over 300 New Mexicans — 230 crew members, 59 principal actors, and 105 background talent — with an estimated economic impact of over $52 million.

Asster spent his adolescence in New Mexico and graduated from The College of Santa Fe in 2010.

He will write, direct, and produce alongside Lars Knudsen under their Square Peg banner, and Academy Award-winner Darius Khondji will serve as the director of photography.

"A big-talent film in T or C is great for our local economies,” Rep. Tara Jaramillo, D-Soccorro, Dona Ana, Sierra. “It supplies jobs for caterers, carpenters, and camera crews, a surge in business for motels and restaurants, and puts a spotlight on the unique beauty of our rural communities, attracting visitors who might never have considered them before. It's a win-win for everyone involved – the filmmakers get stunning scenery and a skilled local workforce, and our communities get an economic boost."

According to the film office, in fiscal year 2023, spending on productions outside the Albuquerque-Santa Fe Corridor reached $21 million.

“Since the Legislature modernized the Film Tax Credit to further incentivize film production in rural communities, spending outside this corridor has surpassed $36 million this fiscal year, with four months still to go,” the film office released.