Solitary

Production Announcement

‘Solitary’ wraps filming in Las Cruces, employs more than 50 New Mexicans and NMSU students

SANTA FE — The feature film “Solitary” recently completed principal photography in Las Cruces.

“Solitary” examines the dangers and psychological toll of incarceration and solitary confinement, following five inmates as they navigate the harsh realities of life behind institutional walls. The production filmed primarily at the Old Doña Ana County Courthouse.

The film stars Cameron Douglas, Karina Arroyave, Richard Cabral, Sunjay Midda and Matt Orduna. According to the production, it employed 35 New Mexican crew members and 18 New Mexico actors. Six current New Mexico State University students and 18 alumni participated across multiple departments.

The film is directed by David Midell (“The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlin,” “The Ritual”). It is produced by Ross Kagan Marks, Enrico Natali and Carl Reid.

Marks, who is a professor at NMSU’s Creative Media Institute, works to continue to bring productions to southern New Mexico, so students can gain experience.

“As a professor at NMSU, I think part of my responsibility is not just to teach and train people in the classroom, but to create real-world experiential learning opportunities,” Marks said. “That's the best way to learn and to create job opportunities for students once they graduate as alumni.”

CMI major Michael Kraenzel, serving as Second Assistant Director on “Solitary,” credits his NMSU training and connections for giving him the opportunity to work on the project — his sixth film project as a student.

“It's a very important experience. I always tell people that the connections matter,” Kraenzel said. “You should always work hard and be the hardest worker you can, but the people you meet are going to get you good jobs.”

As Second AD, Kraenzel helped manage equipment, errands, and administrative support — coordinating operations around an estimated 37,000-square-foot active set and a multi-level facility with holding areas and up to 100 rooms.

“I'm always a big defender of CMI, I think it's a very good program, but on set experience is invaluable,” Kraenzel said