Native Pueblo's Studio Fuels Film & TV Renaissance

The Tesuque Pueblo has established the world's sole movie studio owned and operated by a Native tribe, transforming a former casino into a thriving production center. This unique facility, located just north of Santa Fe, New Mexico, is currently the home base for the AMC mystery series "Dark Winds." The studio's strategic location offers access to 100 acres of varied desert terrain and over 17,000 acres of surrounding tribal land, ensuring authentic Southwestern backdrops.

Beyond its scenic advantages, the studio plays a vital role in fostering Indigenous talent. It provides essential training for Native crew members and serves as a dedicated space for future productions centered on Native stories. Executive producer Chris Eyre emphasizes the importance of filming on tribal land, highlighting it as a character in itself and a reflection of the show's commitment to authenticity and respect for Navajo traditions.

While "Dark Winds" utilizes interior sets on stages and some filming in Albuquerque, the backlot's genuine Southwestern landscapes are favored for their eclectic beauty. The pueblo's development corporation hopes the studio's success will pave the way for more film and television projects with Indigenous content, further empowering Native communities to tell their own stories.