Back to the 'Boneyard': Feature film inspired by the unsolved West Mesa murders to hit theaters in July

Jun. 21—Vince McDaniel is one with the community.

The Albuquerque-based producer and actor's latest project, "Boneyard," is gaining attention across the country.

It's something that he embraces.

"The film was made to raise awareness for missing women," McDaniel said. "The movie was inspired by events that happened in Albuquerque."

It's been 15 years since 11 women and an unborn child were found buried in unmarked graves on Albuquerque's West Mesa.

Today, investigators continue the search to find their killer as tips continue to come in on a weekly basis.

"Boneyard" delves into the harrowing world of the West Mesa murders.

The film stars Mel Gibson and Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and explores the lives of misguided youth navigating dangerous streets while evading predatory monsters driven by sick desires. It is directed by Asif Akbar.

Jackson takes on the role of a determined police chief grappling with a serial killer terrorizing his city. In a bid to solve the heinous crimes, he enlists the help of Mel Gibson, who plays a seasoned detective brought in to crack the case.

McDaniel co-wrote, produced and stars as Detective Graham in the film.

"I've been on these streets and seen what goes on," McDaniel said. "The purpose of this film was to take the events that happened and bring light to the matter."

McDaniel said this film marks the first major production by his Dream Team Productions. Although he has produced over eight films to date, "Boneyard" will be a significant milestone by being the first one his production company is associated with, shining a spotlight on real-life events that shook the community.

McDaniel's dedication to ensuring these tragic events are not forgotten is evident in every frame of the movie.

"(The film) not only promises to be a riveting cinematic experience but also serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength of New Mexico's communities," McDaniel said. "We are also working on a documentary where we are speaking with the families of the women."

Preproduction began in New Mexico in 2022 before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, to be filmed.

"Everything was ready to go in New Mexico and we were registered with the state," McDaniel said. "We had to more or less follow the money. We moved production to Las Vegas and then had to start preproduction all over again."

Tamas Nadas, a former Albuquerque Police Department detective, signed on as a producer of the film.

Nadas was able to bring some insight to how a detective handles cases.

McDaniel and Nadas decided to collaborate on the film to create opportunities for New Mexicans.

"We were having some issues as actors getting to the next level and we came together to create this project ourselves," McDaniel said.

Nadas said it was important to create a vehicle that would take both McDaniel and himself to the next level.

"In New Mexico, you only get the one-liners, or maybe five lines in a film," he said. "We've both done those types of films. We wanted more."

Lionsgate is gearing up to distribute the film in theaters beginning in July. It premieres on July 5, at Icon Cinema Four Hills off Tramway Boulevard and Central SE.

McDaniel said the whole point of the film is to shine a light on the events that took place 15 years ago.

A reward of up to $100,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this crime.

Anyone with information concerning the victims and/or potential suspects is asked to contact the 118th Street Task Force at 1-877-765-8273 or 505-768-2450. Crime Stoppers can be called at 505-843-STOP.