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LAS CRUCES – The Las Cruces-based feature film “Walking With Herb” will have a hometown premiere April 29 at the Amador Pavilion on south Main Street.

The film stars Academy Award Nominee Edward James Olmos ("Stand and Deliver," "Selena," "Battlestar Galactica"), George Lopez ("The George Lopez Show," "The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl," "Rio"), Academy Award Nominee Kathleen Quinlan ("Apollo 13," "Breakdown," "The Doors"), Billy Boyd ("The Lord of The Rings") and Christopher McDonald ("Requiem for a Dream," "Happy Gilmore.").

Ross Marks, New Mexico State University professor, directed and produced the film. He said several of the film’s stars will be in attendance of the Las Cruces premiere. The late Academy Award nominee and Tony Award winner Mark Medoff ("Children of a Lesser God") wrote the screenplay. Several NMSU Creative Media Institute faculty members and students were also involved in the making of the film as crew members.

Filming took place largely in Las Cruces in September 2018 and several days in Artesia. The City of Las Cruces contributed $50,000 to the making of the movie.

More: Edward James Olmos talks about wrapping up "Walking With Herb" and thanks Mark Medoff

“The film is a wonderful celebration of the city of Las Cruces and New Mexico State University,” Marks wrote.

The comedy follows the story of a bank executive and former amateur golfer (Olmos) who struggles with his faith after a tragedy, but is guided by his motorcycle-riding angel, Herb (Lopez).  

Tickets to the premiere are available for purchase and proceeds will be donated to Jardín de los Niños – a nonprofit educational program that aids homeless or near-homeless children.

The event will be held outdoors at the Amador Pavilion starting at 5 p.m. Cocktails, dinner and an auction will precede the film’s premiere. Tickets are $100 per person or $500 for a table of six. A $2,500 Gold Sponsorship is also available which will support several programs at Jardín de los Niños and include two tables and 24 drink tickets at the premiere. Gold sponsors will also receive a signed movie poster.

More: Homegrown film directed by NMSU professor gets international release

Due to the ongoing pandemic, COVID-safe restrictions will be adhered to. Social distancing and face masks will be required. The event dress code is listed as New Mexico formal.

The national release of the film will be the following day, April 30, in over 2,000 movie theatres across the country.

Ticket and sponsorship details are available at give.jardinlc.org/walkingwithherb or by calling 575-522-2111.

Leah Romero is the trending reporter at the Las Cruces Sun-News and can be reached at 575-418-3442, lromero@lcsun-news.com or @rromero_leah on Twitter.

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