Creating indie magic: NM filmmaker John M. Broadhead brings 'The Art Painting' to AFMX

John M. Broadhead is a storyteller.

He brings those narratives to life via Reflection Films.

His latest short film, “The Art Painting,” will be one of a handful of New Mexico short films to screen at the Albuquerque Film and Music Experience at noon, Sunday, Oct. 1, at the Historic Lobo Theater in Nob Hill.

Broadhead says the production was filmed in February.

He wrote the script over a year ago, and the runtime on the film is 25 minutes.

“I don’t think there is a way to tell the story in a shorter time,” he says. “I’ve worked with a lot of the same people on my projects. This one was extremely ambitious. It can definitely be overwhelming because I set out to write the most minimalist script.”

The premise for the story is simple. It tells the story of a man trapped in a room.

“I wanted to see what new directions we could go,” he says. “Audiences expect to see the story go down a psychological thriller or horror film route. In a lot of ways, it stays in the realm of surrealism. It’s a wild ride into the madness of the creative process.”

Broadhead says the entire cast and crew are all New Mexicans.

Clint Obenchain stars in the film. The crew is rounded out by Jannis Schelenz as director of photography, Charles Davies as co-producer/gaffer, Justin Engel as the sound mixer, Robert Posey as the makeup artist and Jaime Giovannone as the set painter.

As with every production, there are some speed bumps.

Broadhead says he spent much of last year looking for a location.

“You think finding a single, barren concrete bedroom is easy,” he says. “It’s not. All the warehouses we checked were out of space. In January, we rented a little space in Opera Southwest, and we had two weeks to build our set and tear it down.”

Creating indie magic: NM filmmaker John M. Broadhead brings 'The Art Painting' to AFMX

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The crew filmed for five days and then four more days of pick-up days.

“It was a total of nine shoot days,” he says. “We moved quickly and got it done. I’m ready for an audience to see the finished product. We worked hard and got a really good-looking film done.”

Film has always been at the forefront of Broadhead’s life.

Though he was born in California, he’s called New Mexico home since he was five.

More than a decade ago, he started his company and became a part of the thriving independent film community in New Mexico.

He wants to bring more awareness to the independent film scene, as it’s just as important as the Hollywood films that call New Mexico home for production.

“It’s been overshadowed,” he says of the independent film scene. “It’s kind of sad that you have all this creative passion and vision. I don’t want it to taper off. I want to be part of the reversing of that. Albuquerque can definitely be a creative hub. In my mind, it would only take a couple of projects to take off to show that there is a thriving independent film community here.”

SEND ME YOUR TIPS: If you know of a movie filming in the state, or are curious about one, email film@ABQjournal.com. Follow me on Twitter @agomezART.