Independent feature "Icebox" filming in New Mexico

• Feature could employ 580, most as background talent

An independent feature "Icebox," produced by Icebox Productions, LLC will begin principal photography July through early August in Albuquerque and Española.

"We welcome 'Icebox' to New Mexico,” State Film Office Director Nick Maniatis said Tuesday. “In addition to the economic impact for crew and vendors, 'Icebox' will employ 40 New Mexicans in principal roles. That is testament to the deep talent pool of actors we have here in our state.”

The production also will employ 80 New Mexico crew members and about 500 New Mexico background talent.

"Albuquerque is pleased to be the home base for yet another film that employs many New Mexicans," Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry said. "Our economy is benefiting from the film industry which is continuing to do well in our city and state."

The independent feature is directed by Daniel Sawka and produced by James L. Brooks of "The Simpsons" and "Jerry Maguire"; Diego Luna of "Rogue One"; Gael Garcia Bernal of "Mozart in the Jungle"; Richard Sakai of "The Simpsons Movie" and "Jerry Maguire"; Julie Ansell of "Edge of Seventeen" and "Spanglish"; David S. Greathouse of "Hacksaw Ridge" and "The Night Manager"; and co-produced by New Mexican Brent Morris of "Frank," "Monster" and "Smoke Signals."

Starring Anthony Gonzales, Genesis Rodriguez, Matthew Moreno, Omar Leyva, "Icebox," is the story of Oscar, a young boy from Honduras, who is forced to leave his home country and attempt to reach his uncle in the United States.