Las Cruces is having a Hollywood moment — and the whole country is taking notice. The comedy-drama Olmo, filmed right here in the Mesilla Valley, opened in theaters nationwide on August 7, 2026, bringing a heartfelt slice of local history to audiences across the United States.

Directed by Fernando Eimbcke, Olmo is a coming-of-age story set in Las Cruces in the 1970s, following a 14-year-old Mexican American boy named Olmo as he navigates the joys and challenges of adolescence. The film has already earned rave reviews from critics, celebrating its warm portrayal of the region’s culture and community spirit.

The excitement doesn’t stop at the multiplex. Visit Las Cruces has launched a self-guided film tour tied to the movie, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore the real-life locations where Olmo was brought to life. The tour offers a fun, immersive way to connect with the city’s streets, neighborhoods, and landmarks that served as the backdrop for the film’s story.

Together, the nationwide theatrical release and the new self-guided tour shine a well-deserved spotlight on Las Cruces as a vibrant destination with a rich cultural identity worth sharing with the world. For locals, it’s a chance to see their hometown celebrated on the silver screen — and then walk the very ground where the cameras rolled.

Whether you catch Olmo at your nearest theater or lace up your walking shoes for the film tour, this is a wonderful moment to feel proud of the community that inspired it all.

Sources: The Lufkin Daily News, Desert Exposure