Actors Headline Albuquerque Film & Media Experience (AFME) June 1 -8, 2014
Albuquerque, NM (PRWEB) April 23, 2014 -- Albuquerque is in for another sizzling lineup that kicks off in June with the 2nd annual Albuquerque Film & Media Experience with this year’s international spotlight countries of Ireland and India. Created and Executive Produced by Ivan Wiener and Lainie S. Quirk, AFME’s vision is to honor the power of film, media and all storytelling through the arts. The unique week-long celebration has attracted the participation of many industry leaders and luminaries from New Mexico productions, world markets and Hollywood.
“We are excited about this extraordinary festival on Route 66 and downtown,” said Lainie S. Quirk and Ivan Wiener. “AFME is gaining traction as one of the leading international film festivals worldwide with Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico ready to shine for the many attendees who are coming from around the globe.”
Programming includes domestic and international movies, new media, food events, intimate conversations, panels, a wide range of live music and the AFME Foundation’s heroin awareness and education program – Taylor’s Calling. A specific program will take place at Hotel Cascada on Saturday, June 7 from 1-5pm with speakers, music, films and exhibits to raise awareness and provide support for everyone who is affected by the heroin epidemic, sponsored by the AFME Foundation and KASA-2.
“The true headliners of AFME are the important causes and organizations supported throughout the festival. We are proud to give back to the community with many of our films and events,” said Quirk and Wiener. 2014 beneficiaries include the Rape Crisis Center of Central New Mexico, All Faiths, New Mexico AIDS Service, NM Autism Society, the African American Cultural Center, New Mexico Jazz Workshop, the Hanuman Temple in Taos, Youth Development, Inc., Robert Redford and Bill Richardson’s Protection of New Mexico Wildlife and the AFME Foundation.
Special appearances by Actor Giancarlo Esposito (BREAKING BAD, REVOLUTION, DO THE RIGHT THING), Sharon Lawrence (NYPD BLUE, FIRED UP), Annika Marks (THE SESSIONS); Steven Michael Quezada and Jeremiah Bitsui (BREAKING BAD); musicians Bobby Shew (Buddy Rich - Trumpet) and Steve Smith (Journey - Drums); Federico Castelluccio (THE SOPRANOS); Stephen Baldwin (THE USUAL SUSPECTS, STOP TRAFFICK) and many more.
Red Carpet Movie Events
“SOLD” Opening Night Film
Starring Gillian Anderson, David Arquette and Seema Biswas. Executive Produced by Emma Thompson. A girl risks everything for freedom after being trafficked from her mountain village in Nepal to a brothel in India. “SOLD” is a full-length feature film adapted from the National Book Award Nominated novel by Patricia McCormick. SOLD with screen Tuesday, June 3rd at 7 p.m. at the KiMo Theatre, 423 Central Avenue, NW in Albuquerque.
“Frontera” Closing Night Film
Starring Ed Harris, Eva Longoria, Michael Pena, Amy Madigan. A former Arizona Sheriff’s wife is killed while riding on their Ranch property. It would appear a Mexican man crossing in to the US illegally is at fault. As former Sheriff and current Sheriff search for answers, lives are changed forever. “Frontera” will screen at the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Bank of America Theater on June 8th at 2 p.m., 1701 4th Street SW in Albuquerque
“Drunktown’s Finest”
Drunktown’s Finest is Sydney Freeland’s feature film debut and her response to a news story that characterized her hometown of Gallup, New Mexico, as “Drunktown, USA. Nizhoni was adopted and raised as a Christian by a white family, transsexual Felixxia dreams of becoming a model, and Sickboy is headed to basic training so he can take care of his soon-to-be-born child. We observe the Navajo Nation from the inside out through the eyes of these three unlikely characters. At first our preconceptions are reinforced, but slowly, as each of their lives unfolds, we confront the reality of living in this community, and we see these three aspiring to leave their town behind. “Drunktown’s Finest” will screen Wednesday, June 4th at 8 p.m. at the KiMo Theatre, 423 Central Avenue, NW in Albuquerque.
“Passionate Politics” with special guest speaker by Charlotte Bunch
“Passionate Politics” brings Charlotte’s story to life, from idealistic young civil rights organizer to lesbian activist, to internationally-recognized leader of a campaign to put women’s rights, front and center, on the global human rights agenda. Charlotte has been both a product and creator of her times: every chapter in her life is a chapter in the story of modern feminist activism, from its roots in the 1960′s struggles for social justice to international campaigns against gender-based violence today. Special Speaking Engagement with Charlotte Bunch following the documentary. “Passionate Politics” will screen Wednesday, June 4th at 5 p.m. at the KiMo Theatre, 423 Central Avenue, NW in Albuquerque.
“TAPIA”
TAPIA takes us inside the tortured soul of Johnny Tapia, the 5-time world champion boxer whose unprecedented success was overshadowed by a volatile drug addiction brought on by the brutal rape and murder of his mother at the tender age of 8 years old. Director Eddie Alcazar candidly reveals Tapia’s public struggles through intimate interviews, archival footage, and photos that showcase his vivacious personality and child-like gusto. With the love and support of his wife by his side, the film follows Johnny Tapia’s rise to one of the most legendary fighters of our time, in and out of the ring. “TAPIA” will screen Thursday, June 5th at 6 p.m. at the KiMo Theatre, 423 Central Avenue, NW in Albuquerque.
25th Anniversary of “Do the Right Thing” with special appearance by Giancarlo Esposito
Do the Right Thing is a 1989 American comedy-drama film produced, written, and directed by Spike Lee, who also played the part of ‘Mookie’ in the film. Other members of the cast include Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richard Edson, Giancarlo Esposito, Bill Nunn, John Turturro, and Samuel L. Jackson. It is also notably the feature film debuts of Martin Lawrence and Rosie Perez. The movie tells the story of a neighborhood’s simmering racial tension, which comes to a head and culminates in tragedy on the hottest day of the summer. “Do the Right Thing” will screen Wednesday, June 4th at 6 p.m. at the African American Performing Arts Center & Exhibit Hall, 310 San Pedro NE in Albuquerque. This event is a fundraiser for the African American Performing Arts Center.
“Los Wild Ones” with Wild Records Concert
Wild Records is an LA indie music label comprised of young Hispanic musicians, it is run by Irishman, Reb Kennedy. Wild is an unconventional family, reminiscent of the early days of Sun Records, all of its musicians write and perform 50s Rock ‘n Roll. If Wild is going to continue to grow and reach broader audiences, its current business model will cease to work. Concert with Wild Records Artist The Rythym Shakers and Luis & the Wildfires immediately following in Route 66 Casino’s ENVY Nightclub. “Los Wild Ones” screening & concert takes place on Friday, June 6 at 7 p.m. at the Rout 66 Casino Legends Theater, 14500 Central Ave SW, in Albuquerque.
One-of-a-Kind Special Events
Buddy Rich Big Band Alumni Tribute Concert
“The Buddy Rich Big Band Alumni Tribute Concert at the KiMo Theater on June 1st will no doubt prove to be one of the true highlight concerts on the music scene in Albuquerque over recent years. Bringing together the incredible talents of former JOURNEY drummer Steve Smith to fill the shoes of Buddy Rich AND employing a number of the alumni from the early days of the highly famed Buddy Rich Big Band will make this a concert that attendees will never forget!” – Bobby Shew. BAND MEMBERS: Drums: Steve Smith Trumpets: Bobby Shew, Chuck Findley, Carl Saunders, Paul Gonzales Saxaphone: Andy Fusco, Sam Reid, Pat LaBarbera, Charles Owens, Glenn Kostur Trombone: Chris Buckholz, Ben Finberg, Bill Austell Piano: Jim Ahrend Bass: Michael Glynn. This concert with a panel discussion will take place on June 1st at 2 p.m. at the KiMo Theatre, 423 Central Avenue, NW in Albuquerque. All benefits to support the AFME Foundation and the NM Jazz Workshop.
Reel 2 Table
AFME brings back the culinary event, Reel 2 Table (formerly Taste of Film) that is a food and film lover’s dream come true. Five spotlight films from AFME’ s festival will be showcased through a delicious representation by the creative minds of top New Mexican chefs, brought together to interpret their vision through the art of food. This year’s chefs include Ernesto Duran of CAFE BIEN and Jaime Lagrange of INDULGENCE CATERING. Sponsored by Stella Artois, this is a fundraiser for the AFME Foundation where a portion of the proceeds will go to a local charity. Reel 2 Table will take place on Monday, June 2 at 5:30 p.m. at the Simms Building, 400 Gold Street SW in downtown Albuquerque, with all proceeds benefiting The AFME Foundation.
A Night of Comedy & Poetry
Come laugh your prickly pear off as Steven Michael Quezada (BREAKING BAD) takes the stage for a night of comedy, combined with the impactful poetry of Hakim Bellamy. Other surprise guests in store! A benefit for the AFME Foundation and Youth Development, Inc., this event will take place June 6th at 9 p.m. at the Lobo Theater, 3013 Central Avenue NE in Albuquerque.
Intimate Conversations
AFME will host 5 Intimate Conversations with actors, directors and filmmakers on a variety of topics including Actresses Sharon Lawrence and Annika Marks; Hollywood Makeup Artist Emily Katz; BREAKING BAD AND BETTER CALL SAUL PRODUCER Stewart Lyons; actor Federico Castelluccio; and actor Stephen Baldwin.
For full schedule and to buy tickets, please see http://www.ABQFILMX.COM.
Press images available upon request.
For More Information:
Please contact Griffin & Associates
Joanie Griffin
(505) 261-4444
jgriffin(at)griffinassoc(dot)com
Joanie Griffin, Griffin & Associates, Inc., +1 (505) 261-4444, [email protected]
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