Sunday, October 26th | Doors 6:00 PM | Screening 6:30 PM

Las Cruces, NM — The Rio Grande Theatre and Film Las Cruces have teamed up to host a free special one-night-only screening of The Devil’s Mistress (1965), the first feature film made entirely in Las Cruces by New Mexico State University English professor Orville Wanzer. Widely regarded as the first fully independent regional film in the state, Wanzer’s genre-bending and ambitious project carved out a path for local filmmaking long before New Mexico became a hub for cinema.

Film Liaison Andrew Jara stated, “It goes to show that film has been part of the culture of Las Cruces for a long time and it’s great to show this film

The free screening will be presented by filmmaker and former NMSU film professor Julia Smith who is currently directing Birth of the Acid Western, a documentary inspired by Wanzer’s film and the rediscovered archive of his work at NMSU. Growing up with a deep appreciation for the region’s stories and its creative spirit, Smith has been working to preserve Wanzer’s legacy and bring his contributions to light for a new generation of audiences.

The evening will open with the trailer for Birth of the Acid Western, followed by a director introduction, and then the rare chance to see The Devil’s Mistress on the big screen.

“This isn’t just a film screening—it’s a chance to reconnect with Las Cruces’ hidden film history and to celebrate one of the city’s earliest contributions to independent cinema,” said Smith.

Event Details:
Rio Grande Theatre, Las Cruces
Sunday October 26, 2024

Free to the public

Doors at 6:00 PM | Screening at 6:30 PM