The film, directed by Sandy Steele Deerman, follows a man named Kai who learns from a mysterious oracle that he has just three days left to live. The movie is a heartwarming tale of love, loss, faith, and the little things that make life worth living.
Filming at home was a deliberate choice for Deerman, who grew up in Las Cruces and now splits her time between Texas and southern new mexico. The community offered a special advantage: New Mexico has one of the highest film tax incentives in the nation, and Deerman had deep local ties.
- Deerman leaned into the familiarity of filming in Las Cruces, using her own childhood home as the setting for Kai’s house in the film.
- The production team came from Las Cruces, and their local camaraderie was a key factor in the film’s success.
- The community came out to support the production, making it a truly collaborative effort.
- Deerman said filming in Las Cruces gave 3 a special texture and heart.
- The film’s emotional core is grounded in everyday struggles: grief, unemployment, mental health, seeking faith and unexpected love.
- The movie’s themes have already resonated with early audiences, who have shared personal stories and emotions.
| Key Locations: | New Mexico, Las Cruces, Mesilla, NMSU |
| Cast and Crew: | Sandy Steele Deerman, Arthur Clarke, Peter Ney |
Deerman and her team encountered a few unexpected twists during filming, including a miscommunication that led to a new location and wildfires that forced a last-minute pivot to a nearby university.
Some highlights from the film include:
- “A” Mountain, a stunning natural location
- A sentimental scene filmed in Deerman’s mother’s childhood home
- A heartwarming love story
- A mystical twist
Mystical refers to the film’s blend of the ordinary and the extraordinary, exploring themes of faith and the unknown.
Highlights
- The film’s premiere at the Las Cruces International Film Festival
- The community’s response to the film, with viewers sharing personal stories and emotions
- The film’s unique texture and heart, thanks to filming in Las Cruces
The film 3 makes its world premiere at the Las Cruces International Film Festival on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Fans can catch the movie at the Rio Grande Theatre from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Sandy Deerman and her team are excited to share their work with the community that supported them throughout the production. What’s next for Sandy Deerman and her team?