April 30, 2026 | Filed under: News
It’s been two years since production of “I’ll Be Gone in June” set foot in New Mexico to film.
On May 17, the film will debut at the Festival de Cannes — bringing the New Mexico landscape to a global audience.
“I’ll Be Gone in June” is directed by Katharina Rivilis and is produced by Léa Germain.
The film is set in 2001, and follows Franny, a 16-year-old exchange student from Germany, who arrives in the sleepy desert town of Las Cruces. Far from home,
Franny struggles through awkward school days, stifling heat, and restless nights until she meets Elliott, a boy whose quiet sadness mirrors her own. As America reels from 9/11, something resonates within Franny and an unexpected tenderness begins to bloom.
Rivilis and Germain said the project chose to film in New Mexico because of the state's rich desert landscapes and its ability to capture the essence of small-town life.
The production employed over 50 New Mexicans, including 25 resident crew members, 22 resident principal actors, and 10 resident background talent.