IHE News:

A new locally produced film is set to premiere at the SALA Event Center Friday, Oct. 24, offering audiences a suspenseful journey into the heart of Northern New Mexico. Jemez: A Murder Mystery, directed by Justina Medina and Celeise Serna, will screen from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., marking a major milestone for the region’s independent film scene.

The film, rated PG-13 and not recommended for children, explores the emotional aftermath of a mysterious death in a tight-knit mountain community. With themes of trauma, secrecy, and legacy, the story unfolds in the rugged terrain of the Jemez Mountains, where every character is a potential suspect and no truth comes without consequence.

Edited by Roger Anaya and produced by Jon Ebanks—a Los Alamos High School graduate—the project showcases the talents of regional artists committed to telling stories rooted in place and emotional depth. Ebanks leads Invisible Hand Entertainment, a creative collective registered in Los Alamos that specializes in film, audio and video production, website design, and photography.

“Los Alamos is where I grew up. It’s my home,” Ebanks stated. “So it’s very special to me to premiere our film here. Especially at such an artistic facility like SALA Event Center.”

Following the screening, audience members will have the opportunity to meet the cast and take photos with them. In addition, three lucky viewers will win exclusive gift bags featuring original art from Just Art 505, coupons, and gift certificates from Wolf and Mermaid Cafe and Kylee’s Atomic Fades.

Tickets are available at sala.losalamos.com/events/jemez-a-murder-mystery, but seating is limited and early reservation is strongly encouraged.

Organizers say the premiere will be more than just a screening—it’s a celebration of local storytelling, creative collaboration, and the power of film to spark conversation.