It stands at the center of Main Street in downtown Artesia: the long, red panel that extends above nearly every other building in sight, once a bright beacon for the moviegoers of this small town, now extinguished. 

For many in Artesia, the Land of the Sun Movie Theater (nostalgically referred to by some as “Landsun”), was more than a place of simple leisurely activity— it was a community staple that offered its patrons an escape into another world, and when it comes to Artesia, these staples are not parted with lightly. 

Just ask any townsperson who has been here long enough, and they’ll tell you the same thing: Artesia needs its theater back. 

In fact, when I asked Artesians on social media to share their thoughts on Landsun’s absence, they made their feelings quite clear.

“Going to the movies as a pre-teen/teen is just a milestone I think all kids need to have,” one response read, and another echoed the focus on its importance to our children: “The kids of the community need a place where they can go on the weekend.” 

Still more chimed in, some recalling their ventures when they were kids, stating, “I just really miss our old theater” and “ I sincerely LOVE our old theater! It has a ton of character and feels very ‘homey.’ 

There were dozens of other responses, all in agreement: Artesia needs its theater back, if for no other reason than to give the kids in this community the same life-shaping experiences we had when we were young. 

If you look at the Artesia Chamber of Commerce’s website, artesiachamber.com, you’ll see they are just as set on getting the Land of the Sun back up and operating. “Proactive community members wont rest until the building comes back to life,” the site says.

Whether this is an indication a deal is on the horizon or simply a statement of hope for Artesians, it is reassuring to know that local leaders and activists care as much as we do. 

The site also indicates the building first opened in 1947, over seventy years ago. The storied history of the theater is beautifully surprising. It’s screens have donned the classics like Dirty Dancing, The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, to more modern hits like Revenge of the Sith, Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and the Marvel franchise— all noteworthy movies in their own right, but the movies themselves were not nearly as impactful as the experience of watching them at Landsun. 

After nearly two years without our theater, Artesians can only hope the neon lights reignite soon and bring the sun back to this land.  

By: Ezekiel Montoya

Sources:

New Mexico walking tour – artesiachamber.com. (n.d.). Retrieved January 22, 2022, from

https://www.artesiachamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ArtesiaWalkingBro2020

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