Breaking Indie

Ep. 26 Rivals

On this episode of Breaking Indie, we’re coming to you straight from the Santa Fe Film Festival with a deep dive into the indie film Rivals—a gritty, character-driven thriller set against a 1930s Depression-era backdrop. Host Brendan Roberts sits down with actors Gene Hunt and Luce Rains, two longtime staples of the New Mexico film scene, to talk about their journeys through decades of stage and screen work. From Rains’ experience in No Country for Old Men and 3:10 to Yuma to Hunt’s return to acting after years in business, the conversation explores what it really means to build a sustainable creative life outside of Hollywood. The episode also unpacks the origins of Rivals, which began as a feature-length script before evolving into a short “proof of concept” film—highlighting the realities of indie filmmaking, from fundraising to collaboration. The actors share insight into their roles, the film’s mystery-thriller tone, and the importance of strong writing when bringing characters to life. In Part 2, we shift perspectives and talk with filmmaker Aaron Alexander and producer Abby Max of Silence Fiction Films. They discuss building a production company in New Mexico, their focus on dark dramas and psychological thrillers, and the creative hustle behind developing multiple projects at once. Beyond filmmaking, the episode highlights the powerful work being done with the Children's Cancer Fund of New Mexico, where Abby Max helps lead a performing arts program that empowers young cancer patients through film, music, and storytelling. This episode is packed with real talk about acting, producing, creative perseverance, and why passion—not fame—is what keeps indie filmmakers going. 🎬 Breaking Indie is a podcast for filmmakers, by filmmakers—sharing the stories behind the craft and the people who bring it to life. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411785/support] Please like and subscribe. The Breaking Indie Podcast can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud, and Youtube.

Ep. 25 Goldie Tom and Ryan Begay

In this episode of Breaking Indie, we sit down with filmmakers Goldie Tom and Ryan Begay, who brought two powerful films to the Santa Fe Film Festival: the documentary Honor Song and the narrative short Cleaning Is a Cakewalk.  Ryan shares how his journey from serving five years in the U.S. Air Force to working as an engineer eventually led him into filmmaking—and how that path inspired Honor Song, a documentary exploring Native American veterans and the role culture, prayer, and song play in their lives before, during, and after military service. The conversation dives into how personal experiences, reconnecting with fellow veterans, and learning more about post-service struggles helped shape the film’s emotional core. Goldie and Ryan also talk about collaborating on Cleaning Is a Cakewalk, a heartfelt short about a young boy tasked with cleaning his community’s chapter house before a cakewalk celebration. Featuring children speaking largely in the Navajo language, the film aims to inspire younger generations to embrace their language and culture while seeing themselves represented on screen. Along the way, the discussion covers the realities of indie filmmaking—documentary vs. narrative production challenges, working with child actors, translating scripts into Navajo, and building creative partnerships within the Native filmmaking community. Goldie even shares stories from her days producing heavy metal shows in Gallup and how that DIY spirit carried over into producing films. It’s a fun, insightful conversation about culture, collaboration, and carving out space for Native voices in cinema. Follow the filmmakers: * Instagram: @ryanbegay505 * Instagram: @missgolden1 * Facebook: Goldie Tom * Facebook: Ryan Begay Breaking Indie is a podcast for filmmakers, by filmmakers—sharing real conversations from the trenches of independent film. 🎬 Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411785/support] Please like and subscribe. The Breaking Indie Podcast can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud, and Youtube.

Ep. 24 Chris and Will, Altitude Murals (Advertising)

Ep. 24 Chris and Will of Altitude Murals, Advertising  In this special, slightly off-brand episode of Breaking Indie, we step outside the world of filmmaking and into the streets of Santa Fe to talk art, advertising, and large-scale storytelling. Recorded during the 25th Anniversary Santa Fe Film Festival, host Brenden Wedner sits down with Chris and Will of Altitude Murals, a father-and-son team whose hand-painted poster became the visual identity of this year’s festival. From vintage billboard painting in the pre-digital era to modern mural workflows inspired by Michelangelo himself, Chris and Will break down the craft, technique, and problem-solving behind large-format art. The conversation dives into: * The lost art of hand-painted billboards and wall signs * Scaling small designs into massive murals using centuries-old techniques * Typography, visual hierarchy, and why fonts have “tone” * Working in extreme weather and still getting the job done * The surprising parallels between mural painting and filmmaking Whether you’re a filmmaker, designer, or creative problem-solver, this episode explores how storytelling transcends medium—and why art on a wall isn’t all that different from art on a screen. 🎨🎬 Breaking Indie — a program for filmmakers, by filmmakers… and the artists who inspire them. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411785/support] Please like and subscribe. The Breaking Indie Podcast can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud, and Youtube.

Ep. 23 Alexandra Lexton & Oliver Dixon, Doc Filmmakers

In this episode of Breaking Indie, we’re coming to you from the Santa Fe Film Festival with two powerful conversations about documentary filmmaking, balance, and finding your voice as an artist. First, we sit down with filmmaker Alexandra Lexton, director of the feature-length documentary Fool’s Paradise Lost. Alex shares the deeply personal journey behind the film—an exploration of healing, reconnection to nature, and restoring both our inner and outer wilds. Shot across the United States and Tanzania, the film brings together environmental voices, indigenous wisdom, and spiritual reflection. Alex opens up about the five-year process of making the film through COVID, working as a small, often solo crew, and how personal crisis led her to one of her most meaningful projects yet. Then, we’re joined by Oliver Dixon, a first-time filmmaker whose short documentary Sky is also screening at the festival. Oliver talks about making his very first film as a college student with limited resources, following his friend Sky as she navigates preserving her Indigenous identity while pursuing a Western education and career. It’s a grounded, honest conversation about access, storytelling, and learning to trust your voice behind the camera. From seasoned filmmakers to first-timers, this episode is all about why we tell stories, how documentaries find us, and what it really takes to bring a film to life—no matter where you’re starting from. 🎬 Films discussed: Fool’s Paradise Lost & Sky 🎙 Recorded at the Santa Fe Film Festival 🎧 A program for filmmakers, by filmmakers Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411785/support] Please like and subscribe. The Breaking Indie Podcast can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud, and Youtube.

Ep. 22 Laurel Harris and Laurie Clemens Maier

In this episode of Breaking Indie, host Brenden Roberts sits down with filmmakers Laurie Clemens Maier and Laurel Harris, the creative team behind the short film 47. What begins as a lively, candid conversation quickly unfolds into a deeply personal and timely discussion about creativity, collaboration, and the realities many women face as they navigate career, identity, and the question of motherhood. Laurie and Laurel share the real-life experiences that inspired 47, a narrative film exploring what happens when a woman who’s done “everything right” professionally is confronted with the possibility that she may never have children. The conversation dives into fertility, societal expectations, financial barriers like IVF, and the stigma surrounding women of a certain age—topics that are rarely discussed openly, but resonate deeply with many. Along the way, the trio also talks indie filmmaking, wearing multiple hats on set, building long-term creative partnerships, and why telling honest stories matters. With humor, vulnerability, and insight, this episode is a reminder that independent film isn’t just about making movies—it’s about starting conversations. 🎬 Featured Film: 47 🌐 More info: 47themovie.com [http://47themovie.com] IG: @laurelleafproductions 🎙️ Show: Breaking Indie Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411785/support] Please like and subscribe. The Breaking Indie Podcast can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud, and Youtube.