Ross Kagan Marks

Ross Kagan Marks is a highly acclaimed film professor at New Mexico State University's Creative Media Institute. With an impressive portfolio of over 18 award winning films, Marks has worked alongside Hollywood legends like Al Pacino, Brendan Fraser, and Faye Dunaway. Marks has directed and produced numerous award-winning films, including "Walking With Herb," "The Twilight Of The Golds," "The Ritual," and "Homage." His films have won awards at prestigious festivals like Sundance, Chicago, Cleveland, and Berlin. As the founder and executive director of the Las Cruces International Film Festival, Marks has been instrumental in promoting the film industry in Southern New Mexico. The festival has grown to become the largest film festival in the country run by a university attracting over 80,000 visitors and 1,500 filmmakers since its inception. Marks' teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience and collaboration. He encourages his students to take risks and learn from failures, citing his own experiences in the film industry. His classes are designed to be immersive, with students analyzing various film projects and gaining insight from Marks' extensive knowledge. Marks is a driving force behind nurturing young talent. He's worked with New Mexico State University students and alumni on various projects, including "Santa's Cousin," and "Love On Tap," providing them with real world experience and networking opportunities. He serves as Associate Deputy Director of the New Mexico Media Arts Collective, an organization tasked with growing and training the film crew base in the state of New Mexico. He is a mentor for the acclaimed Stowe Story Lab. In recognition of his contribution to the arts, Marks received the Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts in 2024. This prestigious award acknowledges his dedication to fostering emerging talent in the film industry, his outstanding artistic achievements, and his role promoting New Mexico as a film destination.