NMSU professor produces horror film starring Al Pacino, set for national release June 6

Ross Marks, a Creative Media Institute professor and Las Cruces film leader, helped bring 'The Ritual' to life after connecting with the director at LCIFF

Minerva Baumann, New Mexico State University

LAS CRUCES - A new horror film starring Al Pacino will hit theaters nationwide on June 6 — and it has a strong Las Cruces connection.

Ross Marks, a professor at New Mexico State University’s Creative Media Institute and founder of the Las Cruces International Film Festival, served as producer on The Ritual, a psychological horror film inspired by the last officially sanctioned exorcism on U.S. soil.

The film, directed by The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain filmmaker David Midell, features Pacino alongside Dan Stevens, Ashley Greene, Abigail Cowen and Patricia Heaton. It will have an invitation-only premiere at Allen Theatres Cineport 10 on Thursday, June 5 before its national release the next day.

Midell and Marks connected at the Las Cruces International Film Festival, where Midell’s previous film won the Grand Jury Prize. That relationship ultimately led to the development of The Ritual.

“I was so impressed by David and his film that I offered to help get his next project off the ground,” Marks said. “David gave me the script, and I knew right away it would make for great cinema. Through some industry contacts, I was able to get it to Al — and we were off and running.”

The film centers on two priests — one grappling with his faith, the other confronting personal demons — as they attempt a dangerous exorcism.

Marks said the film underscores LCIFF’s mission to nurture rising talent in the industry. He continues to support young filmmakers as a producer, including on Love On Tap by NMSU alumnus Keagan Karnes. Marks said he has three additional projects in development.

Watch the trailer for The Ritual:

Minerva Baumann writes for New Mexico State University Marketing and Communications and can be reached at 575-646-7566, or by email at mbauma46@nmsu.edu.