Back for its fifth year of unique entertainment, the Albuquerque Film & Music Experience (AFME) will provide a weeklong lineup June 6 th –June 11 th . In addition to one-of-a-kind musical performances, independent and blockbuster films and opportunities to engage with filmmakers, actors and musicians, AFME will be featuring showcase events with special guests, including “The Dude” himself, Jeff Bridges, 13-time Grammy ® Award-winning artist; T Bone Burnett, acclaimed actor and producer; Wes Studi; Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackfoot’s legendary guitarist Rickey Medlock; actress Ali MacGraw; guitarist and producer Stevie Salas; The Fosters’ Annika Marks and many others.
“Each year, AFME is getting bigger and better with exciting events and talent in attendance, and this year’s lineup is second-to-none,” said Ivan Wiener, AFME Executive Director. “We’re thrilled to bring such incredible talent to Albuquerque, and to continue our mission to have Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico recognized as a center for outstanding achievements in the entertainment industry. AFME’s vision continues to be focused on honoring the power of film, music and all storytelling through the arts, and our 2017 lineup does just that—all while allowing opportunities for up-and-coming talent and students to interact with, and learn, from some of the best in the industry.”
2017 events include everything from a Youth Film Acting Camp, Intimate Conversations, panels and workshops with actors, talent agents and musicians, 55 select films, food events, live music, and after parties each night.
“We are truly offering a diverse line up for everyone—families, film and music lovers, aspiring actors, musicians and filmmakers, foodies and all who enjoy quality events,” added Wiener.
In addition to great events, this year’s 2017 AFME Music Award will be presented to T Bone Burnett, esteemed and innovative artist, songwriter, producer, performer, record company owner and artist’s advocate—the man behind some of the most beloved and well-known movie and television soundtracks and Grammy® winning records.
The 2017 AFME Visionary Award will be presented to Stevie Salas, guitar player, writer, producer, and composer who has recorded on over 70 different albums with artists as diverse as George Clinton, Justin Timberlake, Buddy Miles, T.I., Mick Jagger, and Rod Stewart.
The 2017 AFME Impact Award will be presented to Wes Studi for his work in the film industry and paving the way for Native American and young actors throughout his career.
Highlights of the 2017 Lineup Include:
Monday, June 5 th
Youth Film Acting Camp: Bringing Film “Magic” to Life – Presented by AFME and Nickelodeon Casting Director Faith Hibbs-Clark, children ages 9–16 can take part in this amazing learning opportunity from 9am–5pm. Event continues daily throughout the week, Monday through Friday, with special guest appearances by talent attending AFME.
Tuesday, June 6 th
Opening Night Reception –5:30–7pm at the Crowne Plaza Courtyard with entertainment by Grammy ® Award-winning, Native American sensations Shelley Morningsong and Fabian Fontanelle, and the National Institute of Flamenco.
Opening Night Movie – RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked the World – From 7:30–9:30pm on Tuesday, June 6 th at the KiMo Theatre, experience one of the most exciting documentaries of the year. RUMBLE explores the role of Native Americans in popular music history, and was awarded the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Masterful Storytelling at the Sundance Film Festival 2017. The documentary also received the 2017 Audience Choice Award at Canada’s top documentary festival, Hot Docs. The film features a lengthy list of well-known musical artists such as Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Robbie Robertson and Iggy Pop, and legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese. See Wes Studi present Stevie Salas the 2017 AFME Visionary Award.
RUMBLE after party at Sister Bar – Stay after the film for a Q & A with special guests and don’t miss the after party a few doors down from the KiMo at Sister Bar with live music by The Levi Platero Band, Stevie Salas, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s guitarist Rickey Medlock and other special guests.
Wednesday, June 7 th
From Idea to Greenlight Workshop – Join Blue Sky Producers Lab as they present a workshop to provide valuable information for screenwriters, producers, and other creatives who want to develop their ideas and package their projects for investment.
Intimate Conversation with Stevie Salas & Rickey Medlock – 12:30-2:00pm at the Crowne Plaza Albuquerque. Hear two of the music industry’s top musicians talk about their experiences on the road, in-studio and careers with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blackfoot, Rod Stewart, George Clinton and other A-list bands.
New Mexico Shorts Program – 5:00–6:45pm at the KiMo Theatre, including Above Home for Christmas, The Backroom, The Prologue, Hummingbird and Crane, A Town Called Theocracy, Fortress Home, and The Last Transmission. Showcase of some of New Mexico’s best filmmakers.
Thursday, June 8 th
AFME and SAG-AFTRA present: The Next Frontier – Growth in Native American Filmmaking and Casting. Join actor Wes Studi, writer and director Sydney Freeland, director Chris Eyre and Casting Director Angelique Midthunder. The discussion will focus on the growing and diverse portrayals of Native Americans in film, television and new media. Native filmmakers are creating their own projects and challenging traditional stereotyped portrayals, often bringing Native American characters into a modern light. The panel will also focus on the role of New Mexico as a hub of production for Native-themed projects, ranging from Longmire to the pilot Scalped adapted from a DC Comic book series.
Feature Documentary – Awakening in Taos – 7:30-9:30pm at South Broadway Cultural Center. Actress Ali MacGraw will be on hand to introduce the film and sit on the Q&A session following the presentation. The story of Mabel Dodge Lujan’s journeys in life that brought her from New York to Taos, New Mexico.
Friday, June 9 th
Intimate Conversation with Actors Paul Renteria, Steven Michael Quezada, and Annika Marks – 10am at the Crowne Plaza Garden Room. Actors will talk about social responsibility in the film and music industries and setting positive examples for future generations.
AFME badge-holder reception with talent in attendance – 3:00pm-5:00pm at Duel Brewing Company. Everyone wants to meet all of the a-list talent attending AFME. This is an opportunity for pass holders to mix and mingle with the stars. MUST have an AFME All Access or Kicks & Flicks credential to attend. Passes can be purchased at www.abqfilmx.com .
Saturday, June 10 th
American Road with authors John Nichols and Phaedra Greenwood in attendance – American Road explores the literary, musical and artistic resonances of the road in US culture, from the Frontier to Kerouac and his heirs. 12:00pm, South Broadway Cultural Center.
15 th Anniversary Screening of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - 12:00-3:00pm at the KiMo Theatre. Attendees will dress in their favorite Harry Potter character wardrobe.
Intimate Conversation with T Bone Burnett and Jeff Bridges – From 12:30–2pm at the Crowne Plaza (Colorado/Texas/Nevada Rooms), learn from two highly acclaimed entertainers about “The Power of Music in Movies & Television.”
25 th Anniversary Screening of The Last of the Mohicans with Q & A with Wes Studi – Celebrate the 25 th anniversary of this award-winning film with a special screening from 4–6:30pm at the KiMo Theatre, followed by a Q & A session with Wes Studi, who plays Magua in the film, and Chris Eyre. Wes will be presented the 2017 AFME Impact Award at this event.
Feature Movie – The Big Lebowski – Not only will you have the chance to view the well-known film The Big Lebowski , but on June 10 th from 7:30–10pm at the KiMo Theatre, you can view the film with Academy Award Winners T Bone Burnett, Jeff Bridges and other very special guests in attendance. Jeff will be presenting the 2017 AFME Music Award to T Bone at this event.
AFME Closing Night After Party – Get your tickets in advance as we close out the festival with an evening of live music by The Decibels and other guest performers. Gene Simmons’ and Paul Stanley’s Rock & Brews ABQ serves as the location. Must have a pass or ticket to get in!
Sunday, June 11 th
AFME “It’s a Wrap” Party – Celebrate AFME with musicians, actors, filmmakers and more at the wrap party from 4–7pm at the Crowne Plaza Cantina.
A full lineup of this year’s movies, music, workshops and more is available at https://www.abqfilmx.com/ .
Members of the media interested in attending can request press credentials at www.abqfilmx.com . Press images are available upon request.
About AFME: The AFME Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, supports the nurturing, success and growth of a vibrant creative community, specifically through film, music and the arts, and seeks to help further a world-class economic center of excellence for these industries in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It produces the Albuquerque Film & Music Experience (AFME), an annual film and music festival, attracts prominent attendees, filmmakers, musicians and visionaries from around the globe to celebrate the art of storytelling and collaborate into the future. The Foundation also supports the Albuquerque film, music and art scenes through creation, facilitation and support of complimentary, mission-based projects and programs. Our purpose is to provide opportunities for future generations, while increasing exposure and economic impact for the City of Albuquerque, the State of New Mexico and our partners.
Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/Attachm...e8936033b0
Joanie Griffin Albuquerque Film & Music Experience 505-261-4444 jgriffin@griffinassoc.com
