Additional Dollars Pledged for Totah Theater Renovations

Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 1:54 PM

The $135,000 grant from New Mexico MainStreet and the New Mexico Economic Development Department will be used to purchase digital projection and sound equipment. The equipment upgrades will allow for screenings, local movie premieres, film festivals, and more.

From San Juan County

Thursday, January 28, 2021

The County and the City of Farmington wanted to provide a little more insight into the recent announcement of funds awarded for the Totah Theater in downtown Farmington.

As you know, the Totah Theater is undergoing renovation which will include upgrades for ADA compliance, infrastructure improvements, and equipment upgrades to make the half-century-old theater state-of-the-art. The $135,000 grant from New Mexico MainStreet and the New Mexico Economic Development Department will be used to purchase digital projection and sound equipment. The equipment upgrades will allow for screenings, local movie premieres, film festivals, and more.

“This investment in the Totah Theatre proves that the film industry is more than just the Rio Grande corridor,” said San Juan County Commission Chairman John Beckstead. “With continued coordinated efforts of the local, county, and state level, the spotlight on the four corners is bright. Our moves to diversify into the film industry are taking shape.”

The County and the City are dedicated to supporting initiatives that will help bolster our local economy and are pleased to partner on this project. The film industry in NM creates direct spending in the state in excess of $500,000,000 (and climbing). Productions in San Juan County are eligible for an additional 5% “Out of Zone” tax credit, on top of New Mexico’s already competitive incentives. New Mexico offers up to 35% tax credit. The Totah Theatre will serve as a hub for productions, provide sought-after office space for productions to use for the time they are filming.

This historical jewel in downtown will be restored to its former glory for non-film uses also, like live music, stage shows, and as a valuable education facility for local schools. Additionally, the state-of-the-art equipment will allow for grand premieres and screenings of local work.

“The Totah Theater is a historical feature of our downtown area,” said Farmington Mayor Nate Duckett.” The theater has been a presence in our community since 1949, and these funds will serve, not only as a means to reestablish this venue but as an investment by the state in our local economy.”

More from Local News

Update: Driver Cited for Street Racing (video)

The driver of the red Toyota Supra, 22-year-old Kalynn Kenworthy, was charged with racing on highways. Kenworthy has an extensive history of traffic violations, including citations for racing in August 2025 and in 2023, as well as more than seven speeding citations within the past four years, each averaging more than 15 mph over the posted speed limit. Additional charges are pending against the driver of the white passenger car.
Dineh Benally Pleads Guilty to Charges from Illegal Marijuana Farms

According to court documents, from approximately January 2018 to November 2020, Benally, 48, and his co-conspirators established over 30 farms, covering more than 400 acres, on land obtained from Navajo Nation members. To fund this illegal enterprise, Benally and a co-conspirator traveled to California and created front companies to solicit Chinese investors. These investors were charged cash fees ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 for counterfeit cannabis cultivation licenses.
Three Injured in Farmington Shooting, Suspect Arrested

It was discovered that several individuals had been injured. A juvenile sustained a graze wound, a 16-year-old was shot in the leg, and an 18-year-old was shot in the chest and transported to Albuquerque in critical condition. The vehicle involved in the crash is connected to the shooter. At this time, the shooter has been identified as an 18-year-old male.
Woman Injured in Shooting, Suspect Arrested

As three individuals tried to leave a party, a male subject began shooting, unintentionally striking the vehicle and, subsequently, a passenger inside the vehicle. The passenger was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center and later transported to UNM in Albuquerque, where she is awake and in stable condition.
Arrest Made in Fatal Hit & Run

Using multiple means of evidence, the driver was identified as Alvin Paul who was driving a 2003 white Chevrolet when he veered off the road, hitting Shirley. Paul did not stop or report the crash and surveillance footage from a nearby business proved Paul as the driver. He later admitted to operating the vehicle carelessly. At the time of the crash, Paul’s driver’s license was revoked from a prior DWI arrests. He has two prior DWI convictions and is currently on probation for the second DWI.
Candidates File for Municipal Elections

Candidates filed for municipal elections today. Elections will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.