When Sandy Steele Deerman set out to produce her latest film, she wasn’t sure whether her hometown of Las Cruces could support a full-scale movie production. But the community quickly proved her wrong.
Filmed almost entirely in Las Cruces and Mesilla — including scenes shot in the house where Deerman grew up — 3 will make its world premiere this weekend at the Las Cruces International Film Festival. The film, which Deerman calls “a rom-com with a mystical twist,” follows a man named Kai who, after being laid off from his job as an art teacher, learns from a mysterious oracle that he has just three days left to live.
What unfolds is a soul-searching sprint through love, loss, faith and the little things that make life worth living.
Filming at home
Deerman, who now splits her time between Texas and southern New Mexico, said filming in Las Cruces wasn’t just a sentimental choice — it made sense practically and financially. New Mexico offers one of the highest film tax incentives in the nation, and Deerman had the benefit of deep local ties.
“Our crew came from Las Cruces. They were such good people,” she said. “I don’t know if we would have gotten the camaraderie that we got in Cruces anywhere else.”
The production leaned into that familiarity. Kai’s house in the film is Deerman’s mother’s home, where she herself grew up. They spent four days filming there — a personal and emotional experience.
Though the film could have been shot anywhere, Deerman said filming in Las Cruces gave 3 a special texture and heart.
“The community came out and just really helped out,” she said. “It was fantastic. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with the crew. And as soon as everything was over, we missed everybody.”
Small town, big themes
While the premise of 3 is mystical, its emotional core is grounded in everyday struggles: grief, unemployment, mental health, seeking faith and unexpected love.
“The writer did such an amazing job at bringing out different facets of life,” Deerman said. “Everybody walks away from it relating to something.”
That emotional depth has already resonated with early audiences. At private screenings, viewers often shared personal stories. One woman told Deerman the film reminded her of a past relationship — and that it stirred up emotions she hadn’t expected.
“She cried through the whole thing,” Deerman said. “But that’s what we hope for, in a way — that it hits home.”
She added with a laugh, “Some of us are criers. My partner’s a crier too.”
A few detours along the way
Like many indie productions, 3 encountered a few unexpected twists. One planned location fell through due to a miscommunication — but within hours, the team found a new site. Another scene was supposed to be filmed on the zip line in Ruidoso, but wildfires made that impossible. Instead, New Mexico State University offered the crew access to “A” Mountain for a last-minute pivot.
“The president of NMSU and her staff welcomed us with open arms,” Deerman said. “It turned out to be a beautiful location.”
A festival homecoming
The Las Cruces International Film Festival marks the official world premiere of 3, and Deerman said she couldn’t be more thrilled.
“It’s a beautiful way to come home,” she said. “Each film only has one chance to premiere — and we’re doing that in Las Cruces.”
Beyond seeing Helen Hunt and other headliners, Deerman said she’s most excited to reconnect with cast, crew and community members who helped bring 3 to life.
“I’m just so excited — I’m jumping out of my drawers,” she joked. “It’s been fantastic.”
What’s next?
Deerman and her team — Arthur Clarke and director Peter Ney — are now navigating distribution options, weighing multiple offers with care. 3 is also set to screen at the Houston Film Festival on April 26.
Their next project, Cowboy Billy, is already in pre-production. Based on the true story of a Texas bank robber who reemerged years later to commit one last heist, Cowboy Billy is a stark departure from the heartwarming tone of 3 — but it’s equally rooted in place.
“We’ve already got a short film done, and the feature script is ready to go,” Deerman said. “It’s a very different genre. But we’re excited.”
As for 3, Deerman is content to watch the film find its wings in the very community where it began.
“It’s just really exciting to share it with the people who made it possible,” she said. “This film belongs to Las Cruces.”
The film 3 is scheduled to screen at the Las Cruces International Film Festival on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM at the Rio Grande Theatre.