Ep. 26 Rivals

On this episode of Breaking Indie, we’re coming to you straight from the Santa Fe Film Festival with a deep dive into the indie film Rivals—a gritty, character-driven thriller set against a 1930s Depression-era backdrop.

Host Brendan Roberts sits down with actors Gene Hunt and Luce Rains, two longtime staples of the New Mexico film scene, to talk about their journeys through decades of stage and screen work. From Rains’ experience in No Country for Old Men and 3:10 to Yuma to Hunt’s return to acting after years in business, the conversation explores what it really means to build a sustainable creative life outside of Hollywood.

The episode also unpacks the origins of Rivals, which began as a feature-length script before evolving into a short “proof of concept” film—highlighting the realities of indie filmmaking, from fundraising to collaboration. The actors share insight into their roles, the film’s mystery-thriller tone, and the importance of strong writing when bringing characters to life.

In Part 2, we shift perspectives and talk with filmmaker Aaron Alexander and producer Abby Max of Silence Fiction Films. They discuss building a production company in New Mexico, their focus on dark dramas and psychological thrillers, and the creative hustle behind developing multiple projects at once.

Beyond filmmaking, the episode highlights the powerful work being done with the Children's Cancer Fund of New Mexico, where Abby Max helps lead a performing arts program that empowers young cancer patients through film, music, and storytelling.

This episode is packed with real talk about acting, producing, creative perseverance, and why passion—not fame—is what keeps indie filmmakers going.

🎬 Breaking Indie is a podcast for filmmakers, by filmmakers—sharing the stories behind the craft and the people who bring it to life.