The Weight of it All

Production Announcement

New Mexico-made thriller showcases local talent in a powerful story of survival and recovery

A story of survival, recovery, and second chances, the independent feature film “The Weight of It All” has wrapped production after filming in Albuquerque, Tijeras, and Questa this summer.

Directed by Joel Hager (“The Silo Project”) and produced by Dannie McCallum and Levi Lobo, the film tells a powerful story set in the New Mexico communities where Lobo grew up. The production features local talent, including Lobo in his first leading role. “It's great to see a project using local talent and landscapes in a story so deeply connected to New Mexico,” said New Mexico Film Office Director Steve Graham. “’The Weight of it All’ is a testament to the power of our local artists and the unique stories our state has to offer.”

“The Weight of It All” tells the story of Luna and Alfi, a couple torn apart by a traumatic event. Luna finds stability and community in a sober living house, but her fragile new life is threatened when Alfi reappears, fresh out of prison. Now, Luna must confront her past and decide whether Alfi can truly change and join her in the battle for their future.

Set against the rugged beauty of Questa and the dramatic landscapes of Tijeras, the film grounds its narrative in the places that shaped Lobo’s own life.

The film employed approximately 40 New Mexicans, including 15 crew members, five principal actors, and 15 background talent. “The Weight of It All” stars Dannie McCallum (“ECHO”), Levi Lobo (“Fast Color”), Daniel Pattison (“Big Sky”), and Liesa Reece.

“Filming in the Trumbull community and the childhood home I built with my late father was a profoundly personal journey,” said Lobo. “It allowed me to weave a story of perseverance and resilience, grounded in the soul of New Mexico. This state’s embrace of filmmakers, from the smallest indie projects to major industry productions, shows it’s a place where every story can thrive.”