The Hidden Life of the Santa Fe River
More about video production in Santa Fe, New Mexico
TRAILER
NEW SCREENING: ONE NIGHT ONLY!
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 6:30PM • SKY MIDTOWN CINEMAS
Double Feature with Requiem for a River,
a wonderful film about the Rio Grande.
SOLD OUT
The Film
Flowing quietly through the heart of Santa Fe, the Santa Fe River is easy to overlook. The Hidden Life of the Santa Fe River is a vivid, cinematic journey into the colors, rhythms, and human connections that animate this cherished stream.
Through intimate encounters with the people who know and care for the river, the film reveals an intricate living landscape shaped by water, memory, and stewardship. Visually immersive and grounded in ecological understanding, it invites audiences to see the Santa Fe River anew.
To arrange a screening of this film for your organization, group, or audience, contact Max.
NEWS & LAURELS
I just received the first film festival notice for The Hidden Life of the Santa Fe River. Mindfield Abq, (which awarded platinum for my film, Lamy – Holding The Light,) has awared Hidden Life semi-finalist status, so we’re in the running for screening and awards next year. Over the next 12 months I’m hopeful about a whole series of laurels to come for this film!
Max Highstein — Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Editor, Composer
Director’s Statement
I’ve always been fascinated by small streams, and a chance encounter with a raccoon one evening focussed my attention toward the Santa Fe River. As an eastern transplant, the notion of calling an apparent dry ditch a “river” hooked my brain, and wouldn’t let go. Though a series of more than a dozen conversations with intelligent, passionate river stewards, conservationists, and government officials I came to understand what the Santa Fe River means to our community, and why it is what it is.
About The Director
Max Highstein is a Santa Fe–based filmmaker, photographer, composer, and founder of Desert Heart Multimedia. His documentary and visual work explores the human stories, landscapes, and communities that give places their character.
His recent film for the Our Lady of Light Historical Foundation has screened and received awards at film festivals. His photography has also appeared in Detaron Mag. As a composer and recording artist, Highstein has released more than a dozen albums; his work has received international airplay and recognition from the Global Music Awards, Clouzine International Music Awards, and New Mexico Music Awards.
He holds two M.A. degrees in counseling and has created widely used guided-imagery recordings and books. The Hidden Life of the Santa Fe River reflects his interest in stories of ecology, memory, and community stewardship.