LAMY – HOLDING THE LIGHT

TRAILER (Film Coming Soon)

Lamy – Holding the Light is a heartfelt portrait of a small New Mexico village coming together to preserve its heritage. Through moving interviews with residents and members of the Our Lady of Light Historic Foundation, the film shares personal stories of faith, memory, and community tied to the beloved Our Lady of Light church.

Once the spiritual heart of Lamy, the church now stands deconsecrated, awaiting restoration as a space for gatherings and renewal. Woven with glimpses of the village’s railroad history and the iconic Legal Tender restaurant, and underscored by original music, the film captures both the spirit of place and the determination of a community holding on to its light for future generations.

Lamy – Holding the Light shines on the quiet grace of adobe walls—crafted from earth and sun—standing as a testament to time and sustainability. This film whispers of a community’s vow to cherish and restore what is already whole, honoring nature’s gifts and the stories they hold within.

Max Highstein — Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Editor, Composer
Interviews Featuring: Members of the Our Lady of Light Historic Foundation and Lamy residents

Director’s Statement

I have lived near Lamy, New Mexico for over thirty years, often passing by the old church that seemed quietly waiting through time. When the chance arose to tell the story of its revival, I was introduced to a remarkable community of individuals, each with their own unique and compelling connection to this place. What moved me most was the genuine passion and heartfelt commitment everyone shared to restore this beautiful building and reawaken its spirit.

It was both an honor and a privilege to listen to their stories and capture their voices on film. Beyond the people, the church itself is a captivating character—an uncommon fusion of traditional adobe craftsmanship with distinctive architectural details rarely seen in small churches of this region. Being inside that space conveys a profound sense of warmth and welcome, inspiring a quiet kindness simply by stepping through its doors.

About The Director

Max Highstein is the owner and creative force behind Desert Heart Multimedia. A multifaceted filmmaker, photographer, composer, and author, Max prioritizes projects that foster happiness, healing, and connection.

His films and photography reveal the heart and soul of his subjects with warmth, invitation, and a touch of whimsy. Recent works for the Our Lady of Light Historical Foundation and the Santa Fe Animal Shelter have earned critical praise. His recent music video garnered a One Earth Award and featured at the Santa Fe Film Festival. A fashion shoot of his appeared in the Fall 2024 edition of Detaron Magazine.

Max is also an accomplished musician with over a dozen albums receiving global airplay, topping the Roots Music Report chart, and winning multiple accolades including the Global Music Awards and New Mexico Music Awards.

In addition to his creative pursuits, Max holds two master’s degrees in counseling. His guided meditation audio recordings have sold more than 100,000 copies worldwide. His acclaimed book, The Healing Waterfall: 100 Guided Imagery Scripts for Counselors, Healers, & Clergy, available in English and Spanish, is used by thousands of professionals internationally.