East of Albuquerque, the Sandia Mountains magnificently rise up as a jewel in the crown of Albuquerque’s natural treasures -- the bosque, the Rio Grande and the volcanos. There is perhaps no other American city so dominated by a natural icon. Endlessly beautiful, awe inspiring, ever changing and timeless; they leave an indelible mark.
KNME presents an hour-long special local production, “The Sandias,” which premieres Monday, Nov. 12 at 9 p.m. and will be aired throughout the month: Thursday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 21 at 8 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 22 at 9 p.m.; Sunday, Nov.25 at 1 p.m.; and Monday, Nov. 26 at 9 p.m.
View “The Sandias” at: The Sandias. Partial funding for the production of “The Sandias” was provided by the Albuquerque Tricentennial Committee.
This 60-minute high definition documentary by KNME focuses on the remarkable light show on Sandia Crest along with the fascinating ecology, geology, rich history and overall appreciation of the Sandia Mountains.
Cities prize the attributes that make them distinctive and foster community. And in most cases they have created one: St. Louis’ Gateway Arch, Paris’ Eiffel Tower, and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. As Albuquerque grows into a big city, it needs an icon. Looking east, the choice is obvious.
“Along with the Rio Grande, the bosque and the volcanos, the Sandia Mountains frame Albuquerque in a magnificent way,” said Michael Kamins, KNME executive producer.
“We are blessed with environmental assets found in few other urban areas. No wonder we are so popular. Urban sprawl, dwindling water supply, and other growth problems continue as threats, making the same old questions even more relevant today. What will it be like to live in Albuquerque in the next few decades? How do we preserve the things we love, that make us unique? How do we educate residents about the importance of our natural resources so they sustain our community for future generations?
“Although Albuquerque has been wise to preserve many things, the job is not done and probably never will be,” Kamins said. “Fortunately we still have options. Albuquerque is not a place to be treated carelessly and New Mexicans’ quality of life is dependent on how well we all treat the natural gifts around us. Perhaps ‘The Sandias’ will help New Mexicans find a deeper respect for these mountains.”
In appreciation of these mountains, KNME follows the story of environmental lighting designer Jito Coleman creating the crest lighting for the Tricentennial.
In “The Sandias,” Geologists Sean Connell, New Mexico Tech, and Jayne Aubele, New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, give fascinating insights into billions of years of geologic history. UNM paleontologist Barry Kues conducts a fossil tour of the crest’s 300 million year old sea life.
Author Mike Smith shares stories gathered for his new book Towns of the Sandias, while Robert Julyan, co-editor, Field Guide to the Sandia Mountains, explores the mountain’s life zones, which vary as much as going from Albuquerque to British Columbia. Learn also about the Sandia’s reclusive rattlesnakes and renowned rosy finches. Painter Wilson Hurley and others share their love of the mountains.
The magnificent Sandias also speak for themselves. Raging snowstorms, tranquil autumn afternoons and spring blooms are photographed in HD video motion pictures. Taken from different perspectives, at different times of day and year, “The Sandias” captures the presence of the mountains.