When most people think of movies set in Las Vegas, they picture the bright lights, casinos, and chaos of the Strip, not an action-packed thriller buried deep in the Nevada desert. But that’s exactly where filmmaker Mark D. Bonner takes us in his gripping new suspense film, Rear Desert. In the Season 9 finale of The Str8Up Show Podcast, we sit down with the award-winning filmmaker to discuss the creative journey behind Rear Desert , from the inspiration that sparked its intense storyline to the powerful themes that drive its emotional core. Mark opens up about what it takes to bring bold ideas to life on screen, the challenges of independent filmmaking, and how audiences are already responding to his work with high praise. Whether you’re a movie lover or an aspiring filmmaker, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and storytelling wisdom straight from one of the industry’s most passionate voices. Watch Rear Desert here: https://bit.ly/49kqO8m Follow Mark D. Bonner: Instagram – @RearDesert | @TheMindOfMFilms