Spoken Words in New Mexico
The spoken words of people in New Mexico, speaking as a community and speaking as individuals.
Our Productions
Browse a selection of our productions.
Jacob Smith
Independent Run for NM Governorship
Jacob Smith, an independent candidate for New Mexico governor in 2026, delivered a prayer, a speech, and answered some questions outside the Santa Fe State Capitol. He prayed for safety during the special legislative session, urging bold change, bravery from leaders, and reduced hateful rhetoric amid recent violence.
Smith announced his candidacy, emphasizing unity across New Mexico's diverse communities and independence from parties or donors. He criticized government failures like corruption, wasteful spending, and lack of transparency, promising performance audits, citizen oversight, and real consequences for breaches of trust.
Key proposals addressed crime (harsher gang penalties, community prevention), economy (workforce training, diversification beyond oil/gas), water scarcity (infrastructure investments, tribal collaboration), education (stable funding, community-tailored plans), and healthcare (rural access incentives). He criticized the current administration's special session as self-serving and called for legislative reforms.
Smith urged support via his website, envisioning an accountable, transparent "new New Mexico" for all residents.
From Firefighter to Mayor
Eddie Varela's Vision to End Crime and Homelessness
Eddie Varela, a retired firefighter and Christian candidate for Mayor of Albuquerque, addressed supporters at a campaign fundraiser. He expressed deep emotion for his volunteers' dedication, sharing personal stories like parading in his jacket and discovering the origin of his surname's spelling variation! Varela called for a moment of silence for victims of a Minneapolis school shooting, warning of similar violence in Albuquerque if crime and homelessness aren't addressed.
He recounted his decision to run after consulting with Jesus Christ, assembling a trusted core team, and highlighting firefighters as the backbone of his campaign. Introducing the dog Willow as a mascot that boosted visibility, Varela celebrated gathering over 4,000 petitions legitimately, contrasting it with opponents' methods.
Outlining future strategies, he emphasized meeting large groups, producing targeted videos for seniors and youth, and promoting affordable housing to restore the American Dream. Varela urged more volunteers for street campaigns and social media sharing, affirming his commitment to Christian values and hard work for victory.
Shorty’s Legacy
A Widow’s Plea for Help Amid Homelessness
Miss Akin, widow of Shorty Akin, shares her struggle with homelessness, a tumor, and the theft of essentials like shoes. Shorty, a compassionate soul, once drove countless individuals to drug and alcohol rehab programs, providing free one-way bus tickets to help them escape addiction.
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Now, Miss Akin faces the harsh realities of street life alone, where even the homeless steal from each other out of desperation. Pastor Ralph and volunteers tirelessly distribute food, water, and clothing, but the crisis deepens daily.
This segment exposes the relentless challenges of those living on the margins, like Miss Akin, who lack access to basic needs, including medicine. Her story is a powerful call to action, urging the community to step up and support those trapped in homelessness. Without collective effort, this growing crisis will only worsen, leaving more people without hope or resources.
Above the Clouds
Albuquerque's Hidden Homeless Crisis
Ralph DiPalma, a 55-year volunteer minister, critiques Albuquerque's handling of homelessness. He argues that repeat offenders, drug dealers and addicts, are dominating streets, recruiting the simple minded, easily intimidated, and newly homeless into addiction, while law enforcement stands idle.
DiPalma condemns longterm harm reduction programs, like free needle exchanges, for enabling rather than curbing drug use. He describes escalating prostitution, violence in encampments, and mislabeling of addicts as mentally ill to secure federal funds. Contractors, he claims, collect millions without producing lasting rehabilitation successes.
Drawing from his own recovery through faith, DiPalma highlights personal stories of suffering, including theft, assaults, and failed shelters. He calls for federal investigation into corruption in city and state governments, emphasizing genuine rehab over enabling policies.
Ultimately, the film urges divine guidance and action to save the genuine homeless from a deteriorating crisis.