The Albuquerque Film & Music Experience kicked off on Tuesday with a bang (and possibly a twang), premiering the musical documentary RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked the World at the historic KiMo Theatre. Film screenings, concerts, panel discussions, workshops and parties continue through this Sunday, June 11, giving you plenty more opportunity to join in on the visual and aural fun. This Thursday, for example, you can catch the musical documentaries Mad For Madonna (5pm) and Hired Gun (7:30pm) at KiMo (423 Central NW). The first looks at pop star Madonna’s 30th anniversary tour, while the second shines a light on the unsung world of studio musicians. On Saturday at 12pm, there’s a 15th anniversary screening of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets at KiMo. Yes, there will be a costume contest, so wear your best robes. The same day, from 12:30 to 2pm, the festival is hosting an intimate conversation with T Bone Burnett and Jeff Bridges at the Crown Plaza Albuquerque (1901 University NE). The noted musician and actor are this year’s special guests and will be speaking on the power of music in movies and television. That evening they will attend a screening of the Coen brothers’ 1998 comedy The Big Lebowski at KiMo beginning at 7:30pm. Everything comes to a close on Sunday with an informal wrap party at the Crowne Plaza Cantina. Individual tickets to events cost between $7 and $20. Full festival passes are also available. For a complete schedule of films and events, go to abqfilmx.com.
Reel World: Park It Park It
Bernalillo County Parks & Recreation has once again started up its annual summer Movies in the Park promotion. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy free movies in the outdoors throughout the summer. This Saturday, June 10, for example, you can catch the animated film The Secret Life of Pets at the Westside Community Center (1250 Isleta SW). Future screenings for this month include Kubo and the Two Strings (June 16 at Raymond G. Sanchez Community Center), The Jungle Book (June 17 at Jerry Cline Park) and The LEGO Batman Movie (June 24 at Vista Grande Community Center). All screenings will start up at dusk. Food vendors will be on site. No alcohol, glass containers or dangerous items are permitted. For a complete list of films and locations, go to bernco.gov/community-services/movies-in-the-park.aspx.
Reel World: Plaza Pics Plaza Pics
Not to be left out, the City of Albuquerque is getting in on the free summer movie gig as well. Every Wednesday in June, then Fridays through September, folks can drop by downtown Albuquerque’s Civic Plaza for a free family flick. This coming Wednesday, June 14, it’s Mel Brooks’ hilarious 1974 spoof Young Frankenstein. The film starts at dusk (around 8:30 these days). On June 21 they’ll be presenting Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice. On June 28 it’s the animated fantasy How to Train Your Dragon. For a complete list of films and other Civic Plaza events throughout the summer, go to albuquerquecc.com/civicplazapresents.
