The Las Cruces International Film Festival is kicking off its opening night with showings of New Mexico film “Little Brother,” directed by Korean American writer and director Sheridan O’Donnell.
The ninth annual LCIFF is supported by New Mexico State University and Visit Las Cruces.
Since its release in 2023, “Little Brother” has received several award nominations. The film won honors for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor at the Next Generation Indie Film Awards.
Four showings of the film are scheduled at 6:30, 6:45, 7 and 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 at the Allen Theatre Cineport 10 at 700 S. Telshor Boulevard.
The film follows Jake and Pete, estranged brothers who embark on a road trip together from Albuquerque to Seattle. Starring Daniel Diemer as Jake, Philip Ettinger as Pete and J.K. Simmons and Polly Draper as their overbearing parents, the story explores the strained relationship between the two brothers as they travel for 1,400 miles following Pete’s most recent suicide attempt.
“We are looking forward to the filmmakers and stars of the film who will attend and greet the audience and host a question-and-answer session after the screenings,” said Ross Marks, executive director of the festival and professor in NMSU's Creative Media Institute.
O’Donnell, Ettinger, executive producer Mary Haarmeyer and producer Kegan Karnes will be on hand to engage with the audience after the showings to briefly discuss the making of the film.
The annual film festival includes five days of feature-length films, short films, animation from filmmakers across the U.S. and around the world. The event also includes workshops and VIP parties.
Tickets to attend the screening of “Little Brother" are on sale now for $25. Other tickets for the April 3-7 festival include VIP Passes for $150, All-Access Passes for $75 and Day Passes for $25 at lascrucesfilmfest.com.
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CUTLINE: New Mexico Film “Little Brother” will open the ninth annual Las Cruces International Film Festival on April 3 with four showings and question and answer sessions with the audience. (Courtesy photo)