Former Albuquerque television sportscaster Charlie Minn has spent his last few years off the air transforming himself into a documentary-making machine. He’s written, directed and produced a string of investigative films in and around New Mexico. His first was the Las Cruces high school football rivalry film Cruces Divided. He followed that up with the hard-hitting exposé A Nightmare in Las Cruces, about a brutal 1990 killing in southern New Mexico. His most recent film, 21 Outs, looks at the 2009 state baseball championship won by tiny Socorro High. His biggest interest, though, is the drug-related murder rate in Juarez, Mexico, a topic to which he’s dedicated three films (8 Murders a Day, Murder Capital of the World and The New Juarez). Now, the enthusiastic Mr. Minn is keen to pass on his knowledge of filmmaking. He’ll be in town this weekend to lead an intense seminar and interactive workshop at the Digital Arts and Technology Academy (1101 Lamberton Place NE). Minn will discuss each of his documentaries from pre- to post-production. He’ll also share how he was able to carve his own niche in Hollywood, often booking and distributing films himself to theaters across America. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 2 and 3. Tickets will set you back $199 ($149 with student ID). To reserve your space, go to eventbrite.
Reel World: Horse Opera Horse Opera
Horse lovers, take note. On Tuesday, Feb. 5, starting at 6:30 p.m., producer and director Donna Wells and Corrales horse photographer Lynne Pomeranz will present their film “She Had Some Horses” at the Esther Bone Memorial Library. This 48-minute documentary (its title taken from a Joy Harjo poem) showcases women whose lives have been transformed by horses. The film was shot around Cerrillos and Chama and features interviews with the founders of two wild mustang sanctuaries, an equine bodywork therapist and three photographers. This event is free and open to the public. Esther Bone is located at 950 Pinetree SE in Rio Rancho.
