‘Dark Winds’ season five filming in New Mexico, bringing nearly 900 jobs

The fifth season of AMC’s “Dark Winds” is filming in New Mexico through July, employing nearly 900 New Mexicans in cast, crew and background roles.

‘Dark Winds’ season five filming in New Mexico, bringing nearly 900 jobs
Zahn McClarnon, “Dark Winds” executive producer and star, in a scene from the AMC series, which films in New Mexico. (Courtesy photo / AMC)

AMC series based on Tony Hillerman’s “Leaphorn & Chee” novels continues production through July in Santa Fe and Tesuque Pueblo

Organ Mountain News report

SANTA FE - The AMC series “Dark Winds” is filming its fifth season in New Mexico, employing nearly 900 people as production continues through July in and around Santa Fe and Tesuque Pueblo.

According to the New Mexico Film Office, the production includes 564 New Mexico crew members, 67 New Mexico principal actors and 250 background actors and extras from the state.

Based on Tony Hillerman’s “Leaphorn & Chee” novels, “Dark Winds” follows Navajo police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee in the 1970s Southwest as they investigate violent crimes while confronting personal trauma and spiritual questions.

The series stars Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, Jessica Matten and New Mexico resident Deanna Allison Reines. Actor A Martinez also appears in the series.

Zahn McClarnon, wearing a Navajo police uniform, sunglasses and cowboy hat, sits inside a Navajo Police vehicle in a scene from AMC’s “Dark Winds.”
Zahn McClarnon, “Dark Winds” executive producer and star, in a scene from the AMC series, which films in New Mexico. (Courtesy photo / AMC)

“‘Dark Winds’ is a prime example of what the New Mexico film industry is about,” New Mexico Film Office Director Steve Graham said in a statement. “This production has found its home in the state and continues to not only tell a New Mexico story but have New Mexicans working in front and behind the camera to bring those stories to life on the small screen.”

The series was created by Graham Roland and includes executive producers such as George R.R. Martin, Robert Redford, Chris Eyre, John Wirth and Anne Hillerman. AMC renewed the show for a fifth season as season four began airing.

The New Mexico Film Office also announced it was a finalist for two awards at the Cannes Film Festival, including a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion award tied to “Dark Winds” and its focus on culturally authentic storytelling and opportunities for underrepresented communities.

According to the state, film and television production has generated more than $3 billion in direct economic impact in New Mexico during the past five years.

People seeking additional information about the production can contact the project office at darkwindsproductionoffice@gmail.com.

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