From the Land of Enchantment to ‘Land of Dreams’: New Mexico-filmed movie to open festival

LAS CRUCES – The eighth annual Las Cruces International Film Festival will open with a screening of “Land of Dreams,” a New Mexico-filmed movie released in June 2022.

“Land of Dreams” is a political satire and follows the story of an Iranian American woman discovering the meaning of being a free American. According to a news release, the story is set in a small town in a future where the country completely closes its borders.

The main character, Simin, works for the U.S. Census Bureau, though the department now “explores the dreams of citizens for unknown intentions. Playful and poignant, the film acknowledges the greatness of the American experiment while offering a warning beacon for what could come.”

The feature film stars Sheila Vand (“A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night,” “Argo”), Isabella Rossellini (“Blue Velvet,” “Enemy”), Matt Dillon (“There’s Something About Mary,” “The House That Jack Built”), William Moseley (“The Chronicles of Narnia,” “The Royals”), Christopher McDonald (“Happy Gilmore,” “Hacks”) and Anna Gunn (“Breaking Bad,” “Sully”).

Directors include visual artists Shoja Azari and Shirin Neshat (“Women Without Men,” “Looking For Oum Kulthum”). The project was produced by Sol Tryon, Amir Hamz and Christian Springer. Ross Marks, executive director of LCIFF, said the film’s stars, directors and producers are expected to attend the film’s screening in Las Cruces in April.

The opening night screening is at 7 p.m. April 12 at Allen Theatres Cineport 10, 700 S. Telshor Blvd. Those involved with the film will greet audiences and host a question and answer session following the movie.

Tickets to see “Land of Dreams” at $25 and available for purchase online at www.lascrucesfilmfest.com, along with tickets for other screenings throughout the five-day festival.

Giancarlo Esposito (“Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul,” “The Mandalorian”) will be recognized April 13 as the recipient of the 2023 LCIFF “Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment” Award. The actor is also scheduled to attend the festival in person.

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Leah Romero is the trending reporter at the Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached at 575-418-3442, LRomero@lcsun-news.com or @rromero_leah on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: New Mexico-filmed movie 'Land of Dreams' to open 2023 festival