May 20, 2026 | Filed under: Spotlight
Makaio Frazier’s journey within the film industry has been one of growth.
The native New Mexican grew up surrounded by the arts as his mother is a dancer and his father is a filmmaker. Yet, the world of film didn’t really come calling until he worked on the New Mexico-made feature “Frybread Face and Me” in 2021.
Working as a set decorator, he fell in love with the medium. Today, Frazier is at the helm of Chile Line Media and his short film “The Way We Carry Water” had a festival run. It premiered last year at the Santa Fe International Film Festival and most recently picked up Audience Choice and Best Local Short awards at the Las Cruces International Film Festival.
Filmed in Alcalde, the production follows a young man named Marcos as he confronts the sudden loss of his grandfather. As the weight of grief mirrors the flowing waters that sustain his family's land, Marcos navigates the complexities of grief while striving to preserve his family's acequia, a lifeline that nourishes their crops and cultural heritage.
“Being part of the film industry here in New Mexico has helped my trajectory tremendously,” Frazier says. “The industry has always ebbed and flowed and despite the recent slowdown, my production company is taking off. I’ve been able to network with local producers. It’s been a blessing and I feel at home in New Mexico creating captivating stories. This is my personal oasis in the desert.”
View the trailer here.