Las Cruces native Keagan Karnes has been active in the New Mexico film community for more than a decade. “Brewmance,” his debut feature as a director, was filmed in Las Cruces and included students in New Mexico State University’s Creative Media Institute. Karnes not only directed but also produced the film with his Albuquerque company Inspirado Films.
“Brewmance,” a romantic comedy set in a small craft beer brewery, premiered at the 2025 Las Cruces International Film Festival in April as the opening night film. “This movie is about community,” Karnes said. To make a movie in my hometown and to premier it in my hometown was really rewarding.”
Karnes, a 2013 graduate of NMSU’s CMI program, started Inspirado with partner Richard Farmer, a company they envision as a launching pad “to elevate New Mexico filmmakers,” Karnes said.
Karnes has maintained close ties with Ross Marks, CMI professor, award-winning film director and executive director of the Las Cruces International Film Festival.
“I had an exceptional experience at CMI. I got the standard great education that you would expect out of a top-tier state film school,” Karnes said. They (The instructors) “inspired us to go create. They were very hands on with us.”
Karnes attended the media magnet program at Sierra Middle School along with the media program at Las Cruces High School before joining CMI at NMSU. In 2022, Karnes returned to his alma mater to teach a course in the CMI program titled “The Business of Film” to share how the industry functions in the 21st century to help prepare students entering a rapidly changing film market to become successful both as artists and as businesspeople. Karnes is currently a sitting member of the Governor’s Council on Film and Media Industries.
Karnes’ collaboration with Marks and CMI students is also on display in the holiday romance “Santa’s Cousin,” released last year, with veteran actor Eric Roberts playing the role of “Santa.” Marks directed and Karnes produced the film, which was shot in Ruidoso.
“Santa’s Cousin” was made under an innovative agreement between NMSU, Karnes and the film’s other producers, allowing students to earn a full semester’s worth of credits while actively participating in all aspects of production. From pre-production to post-production, students worked in various roles alongside seasoned professionals, gaining valuable industry experience.
“This project represents the perfect marriage of education and professional filmmaking,” said Marks. “Thirty-two of our students gained unparalleled hands-on experience working alongside industry professionals thanks to Keagan.”
A special screening of “Santa’s Cousin” was shown in Santa Fe during the 2025 spring session of the New Mexico Legislature.
While Karnes continues his success as a filmmaker in Albuquerque, his advocacy for filmmaking in New Mexico is strong and his heart remains connected to Las Cruces. He is in close touch with his former CMI professors and alumni, playing a pivotal role in advancing the film industry in southern New Mexico.
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Cutline: NMSU alumnus Keagan Karnes has been a successful filmmaker in Albuquerque since his graduation from New Mexico State University's Creative Media Institute in 2013. (Courtesy Inspirado Films)
Cutline: Poster for "Brewmance," NMSU alumnus Keagan Karnes' debut film as a director. His film premiered at the 2025 Las Cruces International Film Festival.(Courtesy Inspirado Films)
Cutline: Poster for "Santa's Cousin," film produced by NMSU alumnus Keagan Karnes, directed by Ross Marks, which employed 32 NMSU students in the Creative Media Institute as well as a handful of NMSU alumni. (Courtesy Inspirado Films)