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Dark Winds, the American crime drama series based on Tony Hillerman's "Leaphorn & Chee" novels, premiered on AMC and AMC+ on June 12, 2022. Originally developed by Graham Roland, the program stars Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, Deanna Allison and others.
Strong following for the riveting show resulted in a second season premiere in 2023. Dark Winds attracted many viewers with its rich narrative and cultural depth, especially because of its filming sites over the breathtaking settings of the Navajo Nation and New Mexico.
Set in the 1970s, the show tracks Navajo police agents Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee as they expose sinister secrets within their homeland. The show gains even more mystery from the intriguing Southwest desert scenes. Mostly shot in New Mexico, filming included sites reflecting the cultural and geographical relevance to the narrative, enhancing its authenticity.
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The appeal of Dark Winds is much enhanced by its breathtaking backdrop. New Mexico and the Navajo Nation were selected as the main filming locations, reflecting the show's close links to Native American culture,.
Key filming sites were Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, Espanola and Camel Rock Studios. These gorgeous locations heighten the suspenseful story of the show by allowing viewers to experience the beauty and mystery of the Southwest.
The official synopsis says:
"A thrilling Southwestern Noir from George R.R. Martin and Robert Redford that follows Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and his Navajo Tribal Police deputies as they investigate a series of crimes."
Filming locations of Dark Winds
Filmed in several famous sites around New Mexico and the Navajo Nation, Dark Winds offers the show a visually rich and real feel. The series was filmed mostly at Camel Rock Studios, Espanola, Kayenta, Monument Valley Tribal Park and Pueblo de Cochiti.
Camel Rock Studios
Camel Rock Studios, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, played a crucial role in the production of the show. As the first-ever Native American-owned film studio, it was the main hub for filming.
Much of the interior and controlled scenes were shot here under the guidance and support of Native American leaders. The studio allowed the team to create the show’s intricate and immersive settings.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is among the particularly noteworthy sites featured in Dark Winds.
Monument Valley, gave the performance dramatic visual intensity, thanks to its soaring red rock formations and expansive desert views. It's one of the most identifiable backgrounds, as many of the outdoor scenes showing the expanse and solitude of the Navajo Nation were shot here.
Espanola
Espanola, a small city rich in Spanish, Native American and modern American influences, served as one of the filming spots.
As the original capital of the first European settlement in the US, it offered a historical depth that aligned with the show’s cultural themes. It also highlights the Southwest's unique blend of communities, adding another layer of authenticity.
Kayenta and Mexican Hat
Kayenta, in northeastern Arizona, served as another filming location for Dark Winds.
This small town acts as a gateway to the iconic Monument Valley and provided a rugged desert landscape that perfectly fit the series' tone. Likewise, Mexican Hat, a tiny settlement with a striking rock formation, was used to add to the show's distinct Southwestern atmosphere.
Other stunning filming locations
The production of the show also took the cast and crew to several other breathtaking spots.
Cochiti Pueblo, a historic site in the middle of the Rio Grande Valley, played an essential role in the show. The picturesque trails and scenic views of the area gave the production team the perfect outdoor settings for the intense and suspenseful moments in the series.
The plot in detail
Following seasoned Navajo tribal police lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and his deputy Jim Chee as they look at a string of unexplained and violent crimes, Dark Winds, set in the 1970s, explores issues of cultural conflict, law enforcement challenges and personal struggles.
Leaphorn and Chee face their pasts as they try to solve crimes, giving the exciting story emotional complexity. All set within the vast and strikingly beautiful Southwest, the narrative combines suspense, action and introspection.
Production and direction
One particularly noteworthy commitment of Dark Winds is to Native American representation. The program really reflects the Navajo Nation and its culture with Native American directors, writers and actors.
A member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Director Chris Eyre oversaw the filming with an eye toward making sure that Navajo life was faithfully portrayed. The producers of the show also tried to involve nearby communities, improving the accuracy and respectfulness of the representation.
Can you visit the filming locations?
Many of the places where Dark Winds was filmed are accessible to the public. For instance, visitors can explore Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and take in its majestic rock formations.
Similarly, Santa Fe, Espanola and Kayenta offer a mix of historical, cultural and natural sites for tourists. However, certain filming spots, like Camel Rock Studios, may not be open to the public for tours.
Insights about filming locations
Dark Winds was chosen to be filmed in New Mexico and the Navajo Nation with purpose. These sites let the show highlight less well-known aspects of Native American life in addition to offering the appropriate look for the series.
Filming in these locations brought a sense of authenticity that improved the narrative and anchored the story in a real, culturally important site. The show's commitment to respecting the culture and people it presents shows in the choice to film on location.
Using Southwestern settings, Dark Winds made a strong statement that set it apart from other crime dramas. Filming in sites including Camel Rock Studios, Monument Valley and Kayenta helped the show faithfully portray Navajo life and culture.
Viewers are treated to amazing sequences that intensify the suspense and drama as they track Leaphorn and Chee on their investigations. Dark Winds is an interesting watch for those who enjoy crime drama, as the chosen sites honor the cultural roots of the story and provide visual richness.
