Indigenous stories: Pueblo and tribal land prove to be an asset to burgeoning NM film industry

Feb. 24, 1898.

A 30-second film was made on Isleta Pueblo by Edison Studios, which was run by Thomas Edison.

The short film, “Indian Day School,” shows children walking in and out of a classroom at Isleta Indian School, as a teacher directs the students.

It became the first production to film in the New Mexico territory – as well as the first to be filmed on pueblo land.

One hundred and twenty-five years later, the film industry in New Mexico continues to grow. For the better part of two decades, there’s been a push with the state’s film incentive program for more tribal lands to be used as backdrops to the numerous film and TV productions filmed in the state.

Since 2019, 15 New Mexico tribal lands and pueblos have been home to 17 productions.

“We are pleased to highlight the many pueblos and tribal lands in New Mexico that are working with and benefiting from the film industry,” says Amber Dodson, New Mexico Film Office director. “New Mexico’s Native American communities offer a unique array of spectacular locations that attract filmmakers with projects of all scopes and sizes. The film office remains committed to collaborating with pueblos and tribes, as they are already a vital part of the state’s film industry and want to spur or increase partnership.”

Tribal lands and pueblos such as Zia Pueblo, Zuni Pueblo, Cochiti Pueblo, Ohkay Owingeh, Santa Clara Pueblo, Santa Ana Pueblo, Taos Pueblo, San Felipe Pueblo, Santo Domingo Pueblo, Nambé Pueblo, Navajo Nation, Mescalero Apache Tribe, Tesuque Pueblo, To’jajilee (Cañoncito Reservation) and Sandia Pueblo have all been home to film and television productions since 2019.

The AMC series, “Dark Winds,” has been based at Tesuque Pueblo for two seasons and has the green light for a third season.

Indigenous stories: Pueblo and tribal land prove to be an asset to burgeoning NM film industry

Chris Eyre (Cheyenne/Arapaho) directed several episodes.

The series is produced by John Wirth, Robert Redford, George R.R. Martin, Zahn McClarnon (Hunkpapa Lakota) and Graham Roland (Chickasaw Nation). It is housed at Camel Rock Studios, which is one of the first film studios owned by a pueblo.

The series is based on Tony Hillerman’s series, which follows the story of Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and Deputy Jim Chee as they uncover crimes and mysteries, not only in work, but also within themselves.

According to the New Mexico Film Office, the production alone has generated notable spending in Tesuque Pueblo and will continue to grow the local infrastructure.

“Filming ‘Dark Winds’ on tribal lands has been an incredible honor and privilege,” Eyre says. “It is important to tell this story on tribal lands with Native American actors. I am grateful to the Tesuque Pueblo for allowing us to film on their land, to show some places that haven’t been seen before, and to let the industry know tribes are open for business. Mostly, I hope it will inspire other Native American filmmakers to tell their stories.”

Dodson says the state’s Film Production Tax Credit provides the same eligibility criteria for state, local and tribal governments, and it can work equally well on tribal lands.

For example, a local government, including a tribe, pueblo or nation, can lease public property to a private company, and the private company may then license the use of the public property to a film production company.

The receipts are taxable in New Mexico and, therefore, would be eligible as a direct production expenditure in the calculation of the credit.

Further, the qualifications required regarding taxation in the state and specifics as per statute, that define a direct production expenditure, apply the same way whether on tribal lands or not.

One of Netflix’s latest productions, “Rez Ball,” filmed on the Navajo Nation this year.

The film tells the story of the Chuska Warriors — a Native American high school basketball team from Chuska, New Mexico. The team must band together after losing their star player as they fight for the state championship.

Gallup native Sydney Freeland is helming the production as director. Freeland and Sterlin Harjo wrote the script for the story.

“This is a story that is so deep and close to me, and to be able to showcase our part of America with the world authentically is deeply gratifying,” Freeland says. “We set out to make a film from an authentic point of view, and our incredible cast has brought Sterlin’s and my words to life in that way. Our actors, culled from over 5,000 submissions, embody the spirit and energy of what ‘Rez Ball’ is, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.”

Santa Fe native Amber Midthunder is starring in the film alongside a full cast of Indigenous actors.

In early 2021, ABC filmed its popular dating show, “The Bachelorette,” at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa on Santa Ana Pueblo.

After being closed by the pandemic for months, production of “The Bachelorette” helped the resort bring back 80% of its staff.

“They allowed me to bring back my team and I wanted them to be here,” Claudia Wattenberg, general manager at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, told the Journal. “We were relying on the out-of-state driving market and it wasn’t happening.”

Wattenberg said the national exposure has been a blessing for the property, which is located on Santa Ana Pueblo.

Production took place for two months in early 2021.

“For nine weeks, our property was seen by millions,” she said. “We couldn’t pay for this type of exposure.”