Residents of Ruidoso are still starstruck after the quiet village was turned into a big-box movie set, with actor Matthew McConaughey as the star.

Onlookers watched in excitement as a yellow school bus cruised around town, including in the heart of Midtown, a tourist-favored area. McConaughey, a Texas native, was captured in several videos and photos at the wheel.

Film crews were in Ruidoso to produce the movie “The Lost Bus” from April 1 to April 7, according to a news release by the Village of Ruidoso.

The film explores what went wrong in California’s Camp Fire, the nation’s deadliest wildfire in a century, and included stories of a bus driver and teacher who helped through a wildfire, played by McConaughey, according to IMDB.

It also stars America Ferrera, and credits Jamie Lee Curtis as one of the film’s producers.

Ruidoso native Jesus Figueroa works for a tree removal service in the village and captured videos, now gone viral, clearly showing McConaughey speaking into a radio while driving the bus, and, in another scene, sitting in an old pickup truck.

“It was nice seeing them around,” he said. “They used the two main streets in Ruidoso. It was well organized.”

The film also showcased several local spots, like Ruidoso’s neighborhood pharmacy and gas station, said Kerry Gladden, public information officer for the Village of Ruidoso.

“The crews were here several days before getting things set up,” she said. “It was exciting to have that going on right outside your door.’

Gladden said McConaughey was joined by British director Paul Greengrass, best known for the Jason Bourne franchise. Gladden captured the two on the sidewalk outside of her office.
While other movies have been shot in the Ruidoso area, including most recently “The Best Man” starring Luke Wilson, Gladden said “The Lost Bus” could be the biggest.

“In the past some smaller budget movies, like a Hallmark Christmas movie,” she said. “This is the first big budget movie that has been shot here. I think it’s like a $200 million dollar project.”

While filming has wrapped up, Gladden said the village is still reeling from the production’s economic impact.

“They bring traffic directors, security, so it contributes vitally to our local economy,” she said. “They rented a ton of airbnbs, hotel rooms and cabins. Plus, just having people here who need to eat, and everyday things they do while working.”

Figueroa, whose videos are still being shared on social media, said some had frustration navigating their way around film crews for the week, but he’s happy to see Ruidoso getting a financial boost.

“It brings money into the city and that’s what counts,” he said.