The Mold

Production Announcement

Filming wraps in New Mexico on dystopian feature film, “The Mold”

“The Mold,” a new feature film from first-time director Mason McDonald and producer Tabitha McDonald, has wrapped principal photography in Albuquerque.

The production employed more than 50 New Mexico residents — including 20 local crew members, six principal actors, and 30 background performers — and stars Albuquerque-based actor Lex Lotito. The filmmakers credit New Mexico’s robust incentives, skilled workforce, and supportive creative community as decisive factors in bringing the project to life in our state.

"New Mexico has always been more than just a backdrop; it's a creative partner for productions of all sizes,” New Mexico Film Office Director Steve Graham stated. “We're dedicated to building a film-friendly ecosystem where talented artists like Mason can get their start, and Tabitha can continue to tell stories."

Set in a near-future dystopia, “The Mold” follows Hazel, an introverted metalhead and devoted film photographer who cares for her ailing grandfather. Her quiet existence unravels after she discovers a pale, faceless being in an abandoned hospital — and it follows her home. Torn between fear and fascination, Hazel traps the mysterious presence in her darkroom, where reality and terror begin to blur.

The approach reflects a broader shift in independent filmmaking, where emerging directors and producers are taking complete creative control of their projects.

“We’re making one on our own, to show that we belong in this space and that there’s no better place to make movies than New Mexico,” said Tabitha McDonald.

“Filming in New Mexico has given ‘The Mold’ its pulse — from the stark beauty of the landscape to the way light carves across stucco and concrete, every detail is molded by this place and the resilience of its creative community,” McDonald continued. “This is a story born here, and it couldn’t take form anywhere else. I hope audiences leave ‘The Mold’ rattled, thrilled, and maybe even questioning what’s been taking shape in the corners of their own lives.”

With its blend of local talent, bold storytelling, and a vision rooted in New Mexico, “The Mold” is poised to make a chilling mark on the state’s thriving independent film scene.

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