'Dramady' filmed in Rio Rancho set to premiere 

RIO RANCHO — Rio Rancho is ready for its close-up!

A comedy-drama titled "Casualty Ever After," filmed in the City of Vision, is set to premiere Jan. 17, according to a news release by writer Pete Christensen, who stars in the film and lives in Rio Rancho. 

The cast and crew had fun filming, Christensen said in an interview, but what the audience thinks of the film during the premiere will be the most telling.

"It's a good sign (the cast and crew approve), but the proof is in the product — it's not in the pudding — it's in the product," Christensen said. "Most films today are action or slapstick. This is dialogue-driven. That's not everybody's cup of tea, but it's got wide appeal."

The film is about Pete (Christensen) and Margie (Alice Andressen), who meet through online dating and eventually move in together in Rio Rancho. But just as their relationship reaches a milestone, "tragedy occurs," Christensen said. The film ends in Albuquerque, where Pete and Margie "find self-realization," he said. The film's plot was inspired by Christensen's real-life breakup with a girlfriend.

"It was therapeutic," Christensen said with a laugh, referring to the split. "But then, as I started writing it, I thought, 'This could tell a good, moralistic story about overcoming drug abuse.'"

Director John Baca, who worked with Christensen — nominated for New Mexico Actor of the Year — agreed to direct the film in March 2025 after reviewing Christensen's script.

"It's a wonderful experience to be  a part of this production, and when we wrapped post-production, there was a huge sense of pride that I had to share not only with Pete, but with our cast and crew," Baca said.

Pre-production went from March to June before filming began at the end of June, according to Baca. With two cast, two extras and up to 30 crew members, much of the filming took place at Christensen's home on High Desert Circle Northeast. Filming wrapped right before Independence Day weekend, and post-production took two months.

"My house was built 35 years ago ... and it gave (the film) a typical Rio Rancho look, and that's why we wanted it," Christensen said, adding the location saved money on production. 

Baca called Rio Rancho "film-friendly," adding with a laugh that the weather was great. "Everyone had a blast."

Christensen said Rio Rancho was "very conducive to filming," as people in the neighborhood were accommodating to the cast and crew.

The premier is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 17 PM at Glorybound Ministries, 11913 Menaul Blvd. NE, Albuquerque. The event is free and open to the public.

"The more people can come, the more people can laugh," Christensen said. "Good comedy is contagious."