The Chaperones

Production Announcement

Indie Breakout India Donaldson chose New Mexico for A24 feature, ‘The Chaperones’

SANTA FE - The Land of Enchantment served as the backdrop for a compelling cinematic road trip as the feature film "The Chaperones," a project from A24, Plan B, and Icki Eneo Arlo. The production wrapped filming in the scenic northern New Mexico towns of Raton and Santa Fe in December.

The film is the sophomore feature from director India Donaldson, whose debut “Good One” earned critical praise at Cannes and Sundance. The film is written by Sebastian Black in his feature debut. It follows three slacker friends hired to transport a troubled teen across the country. Starring David Jonsson, Cooper Hoffman and Paul Dano, the story provided a fresh take on responsibility, friendship, and the unexpected journeys of life. The cast also includes Billy Barratt, Alfred Molina, Tim Meadows, Dolly De Leon, and Danielle Deadwyler.

"We were incredibly proud to welcome a prestigious team, including A24 and Plan B, along with breakout director India Donaldson, to New Mexico," said Steve Graham, director of the New Mexico Film Office. "This project was a perfect fit for our state, showcasing the dramatic versatility of our landscapes, from the plains of Raton to the historic heart of Santa Fe. The production hired over 150 New Mexicans, ensuring this investment translated directly into high-paying jobs for our skilled crew and talent and boosted the regional economy."

The decision to film extensively in Raton directly benefited the regional economy by leveraging the state's Rural Uplift incentive designed to drive production outside major metropolitan hubs.