Bringing Ruidoso’s Christmas Charm to the Big Screen
In Santa’s Cousin, directed by Ross Marks, the picturesque village of Ruidoso becomes the heart of a heartfelt Christmas story. The film captures the magic of the season while showcasing Ruidoso as an inspiring destination for filmmakers and holiday travelers alike. With its holiday parades and traditions, cozy mountain charm, and vibrant community spirit, Ruidoso provides the perfect backdrop for a story that celebrates the wonder of the holidays.
Ruidoso: The Perfect Christmas Movie Destination
Ross Marks: A Director’s Vision
Ross Marks, director of Santa’s Cousin and professor at the Creative Media Institute (CMI) at New Mexico State University, brought a distinctive vision to this holiday film. Marks enlisted 34 of his CMI students who worked behind the scenes on costumes, production, and electrical work, making the movie both a professional and educational endeavor.
Marks’ love for Southern New Mexico inspired him to create a holiday film highlighting the region’s sunny, sometimes warm, yet festive atmosphere. “The sunny climate during the holidays offers a fresh take on Christmas,” Marks explained. “It’s not something you see often in holiday films.”
Local Inspiration: A Script Written with Ruidoso in Mind
For screenwriters Mary Haarmeyer and Judy Pennell, Santa’s Cousin was always meant to be set in Ruidoso. Both are native New Mexicans who have cherished the town since childhood, often visiting with their families. “Our hearts are in Ruidoso. That’s why we set the movie there,” they shared.
The entire Village of Ruidoso was woven into the script, capturing the town's essence, from its charming streets to its festive traditions. Among the story’s heartfelt moments is a young boy’s Christmas wish to protect the wild horses that roam the community, adding a touch of local charm to the narrative.“The spirit of the rescue was to allow the horses to roam while remaining safe,” the writers explained.
Another influence was Ruidoso’s annual Christmas Jubilee, which became the basis for the film’s “Jingle Bell Jubilee.” The screenwriters described Ruidoso as “the perfect little Christmas town,” blending small-town charm with holiday magic.
Ruidoso as a Holiday Setting
Although much of Santa’s Cousin was filmed in Las Cruces due to budget constraints, Ruidoso remained the heart of the story. Budget limitations made it challenging to film entirely in Ruidoso, as housing and feeding the cast and crew exceeded the resources of this independent film. However, pivotal scenes, including its annual Festival of Lights Parade, brought Ruidoso to life on screen.
Actor Knut Eric Brekke, who plays the fictional Mayor Harper, participated in the actual parade, riding at the front and waving to the real residents of Ruidoso. This seamless blend of fiction and reality added authenticity to the film, showcasing the vibrant community spirit.
The Community’s Role
The making of Santa’s Cousin wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Ruidoso community. Locals collaborated on several scenes, and the Ruidoso Convention Center played a key role in production. The warm reception from Ruidoso residents left a lasting impression on the cast and crew.
Actor Knut Eric Brekke described filming in Ruidoso as “like a warm hug.” Although he wasn’t able to visit his favorite spots during filming, Brekke shared that he loves exploring places like Simple Sugars and Midtown with his family when they come to Ruidoso. He noted that the genuine kindness of the town’s residents made the experience unforgettable.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite its low budget and tight schedule, the production of Santa’s Cousin thrived under Marks’ leadership and the team's creative energy. Marks embraced the limitations, stating, “The fewer resources you have, the more creative you get to be.”
The involvement of CMI students added another layer of significance to the film. Marks viewed the project as an opportunity to teach and inspire the next generation of filmmakers, a value shared by actor Brekke, and screenwriters Haarmeyer and Pennell.
A Unique Southwestern Christmas
Through Santa’s Cousin, Ruidoso offers a distinctive perspective on Christmas, blending its Southwestern desert landscapes with the warmth of community and festive traditions. From wild horses to the Festival of Lights Parade, the film encapsulates the heart and soul of Ruidoso.
For viewers and visitors alike, Santa’s Cousin highlights the magic of Ruidoso during the holidays, making it not only a memorable filming location but also a must-visit Christmas destination.
The success of Santa’s Cousin was made possible through the collaborative efforts of individuals and communities across New Mexico. Actor Knut Eric Brekke expressed gratitude to his schools and students in Las Cruces for their overwhelming support, saying, “I try to teach my students the strength to go after their dreams.” Screenwriters Mary Haarmeyer and Judy Pennell also emphasized their pride in showcasing New Mexico: “We want to focus on how proud we are of our state, people, and economy.” Additionally, special recognition goes to Mr. Allen for screening the movie in theaters across New Mexico and Colorado, helping to share the magic of Santa’s Cousin far and wide.
Produced in partnership with New Mexico film company Inspirado Films, with New Mexico State University and Heartstrings Media, Santa’s Cousin involved local talent, including NMSU students gaining hands-on experience. The film is available on DirecTV, Dish, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, Vubiquity, and Fandango.