When The Lost Bus premieres on Apple TV+ October 3, 2025, audiences will be on the edge of their seats. Directed by Academy Award–nominee Paul Greengrass (United 93, Captain Phillips), the survival drama is inspired by real events: a wayward school bus driver (Academy Award–winner Matthew McConaughey) and a dedicated school teacher (America Ferrera, Emmy, SAG, and Golden Globe Award–winner) battle to save 22 children as wildfire closes in. The film is based on Lizzie Johnson’s book Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire, with a screenplay by Brad Ingelsby and Greengrass, and produced by Jason Blum for Blumhouse Productions, Jamie Lee Curtis for Comet Pictures, Ingelsby, and Gregory Goodman.

Though the story is set in California, much of the movie was filmed right here in New Mexico. Ruidoso’s soaring pines, winding mountain roads, and even the Midtown district provided the perfect backdrop for some of the film’s most gripping moments. Additional filming took place in Santa Fe, Española, Truchas, and Glorieta, where New Mexico’s varied landscapes helped recreate the desperate escape at the heart of the story.

For visitors, exploring Ruidoso is a chance to see the landscapes that drew filmmakers here. Hike Lincoln National Forest trails, drive scenic routes through the Sacramento Mountains, or shop and dine in Ruidoso, where scenes were filmed. Everywhere you go, the cinematic scenery adds a new layer of appreciation to the village’s natural beauty.

The story also resonates close to home. Ruidoso knows the heartbreak of wildfire and the resilience required to recover from it. That lived experience makes the film especially poignant here, reminding us not only of the risks of mountain living but also of the courage and compassion that emerge when a community pulls together. By visiting, you’re not only exploring film locations — you’re supporting a mountain village that continues to thrive.

New Mexico’s thriving film industry, fueled by state incentives and a wealth of skilled crew, continues to draw high-profile productions. For Ruidoso, the spotlight of The Lost Bus highlights not only our stunning landscapes but also our enduring spirit.

Plan your own star-studded escape this October:

Cozy up in a cabin, take in the fall foliage, and stream The Lost Bus as you look out over the very cinematic landscapes that helped bring it to life.