August 24, 2026 | Filed under:
In a new home in Albuquerque, the silence of grief gives way to something unexplained. In "Around Midnight," a family’s bond is put to the ultimate test in a character-driven narrative feature filmed in and around Albuquerque.
The production, a contained drama with subtle supernatural elements, employed 37 New Mexico residents, including 18 resident crew members, 9 principal actors, and 10 background talent.
“Projects like Around Midnight highlight the versatility of our landscapes and the elite caliber of our local actors and crew,” said Steve Graham, New Mexico Film Office. “Whether it’s a massive production or an intimate, grounded drama, our goal remains the same.”
Written, directed, and produced by Derek J. Bauder, "Around Midnight" follows a teenager as he navigates a difficult period of transition after a personal loss. As strange events begin to unfold within the walls of his new home, the line between reality and the supernatural blurs, forcing the family to confront their deepest fears and their relationships with one another.
The film features a strong lineup of talent with deep ties to the region, including Ryan Beane, Justin Peach ("Xeno"), Angela Olson ("The Raking Society"), Jorge Rodriguez ("Pollo Loco") and Derek J. Bauder ("Pollo Loco").
“'Around Midnight' is my debut feature, and New Mexico was the only place I could imagine bringing it to life,” said Bauder. “The state’s landscapes, crews, and film community allowed me to tell a grounded, intimate story while investing directly in the place that continues to support and inspire my work as a filmmaker.”
By utilizing an entirely local resident cast and crew, "Around Midnight" reinforced that “Film = Careers,” demonstrating that New Mexico is not only a hub for major studio productions but also fertile ground for emerging filmmakers to launch their debut features with world-class support.