LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO— On APRIL 11th, 2026 the Las Cruces International Film Festival will honor Mesilla Mayor & co-owner of Salud! Restaurant Russell Hernandez with its esteemed “Hometown Hero” award. The Las Cruces International Film Festival Hometown Hero award recognizes someone with ties to the area that has given back to the community. The award distinguishes an individual who has made significant contributions to the community both within Southern New Mexico and beyond. The award is given at the LCIFF awards ceremony each Spring. Mayor Hernandez will be on hand to accept the award at the LCIFF awards ceremony April 11th 7pm at the Rio Grande Theatre. Past recipients of the LCIFF celebrated “Hometown Hero” award include Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Russell Allen, Belia Alvarez & Curtis Rosemond, Irene Oliver Lewis, Greg Smith, the honorable Xochitl Torres Small, Marcie Dickerson and Wanda Bowman.
Las Cruces International Film Festival founder and Executive Director Ross Marks said, “Mayor Russell Hernandez commitment and love of Southern New Mexico is apparent in everything he does. He makes Southern New Mexico a better place just by being himself. He leads with compassion and kindness. He is a devoted member of our beloved community and has given of his time and resources throughout his esteemed career. The Las Cruces International Film Festival is proud to honor Mayor Russell Hernandez and his extraordinary life. He is just getting started. We expect even more great things from him. He is a true leader and a visionary.”
Las Cruces International Film Festival founder and Executive Director Ross Marks said, “Mayor Russell Hernandez commitment and love of Southern New Mexico is apparent in everything he does. He makes Southern New Mexico a better place just by being himself. He leads with compassion and kindness. He is a devoted member of our beloved community and has given of his time and resources throughout his esteemed career. The Las Cruces International Film Festival is proud to honor Mayor Russell Hernandez and his extraordinary life. He is just getting started. We expect even more great things from him. He is a true leader and a visionary.”
Ticket prices for LCIFF 2026 are as follows:
- VIP Passes – $200.00
- All-Access Pass – $100
- Day Pass – $35
- Michael Rooker Guardians Of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Celebrity Screening – $35
To purchase tickets and for more information go to www.lascrucesfilmfest.com.
For more information contact Ross Marks at rossm@nmsu.edu, or (575) 646-6149.
The 11th Las Cruces International Film Festival takes place April 8-12, 2026 and will be live and in-person at the Allen Theatres Cineport. Tickets are available at www.lascrucesfilmfest.com.
Celebrated actor Michael Rooker will on hand to receive the LCIFF “Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment” award April 9th with a screening of his film “Guardians Of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”
Actor Steve Zahn will open the festival on April 8th with a screening of deeply personal film “She Dances.”
The LCIFF Poster Party featuring local artist Asiah Thomas Mandlman is March 6th 5:30pm-8pm at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum.