Film!ABQ and Loraque LLC come to the KiMo Theatre (423 Central Ave. NW) this Thursday, Sept. 19, with a premiere screening of the new comedy short “Who Stole the Tasmanian Devils?” This locally lensed short film—involving a beleaguered SWAT team, a cocky PR guy and, yes, some stolen Tasmanian devils—is written and directed by Tom Carroll and stars Grayson Berry, Kristen Broadwell, Eric Martinez and Quinton Aaron. Admission is free. Doors open at 6:30pm. The film starts at 7pm.
Reel World: Needle Point Needle Point
Through the Flower Art Space (107 Becker Ave.) in Belen hosts a film screening and discussion of the documentary “Judy Chicago: The Birth Project” this Friday, Sept. 20, from 6 to 7:30pm. The New Mexico-based artist collaborated with more than 150 needleworkers during her Birth Project exhibition (currently showing at the Harwood Museum of Art in Taos), creating dozens of images combining painting and needlework. Following the 20-minute film, needleworker Pat Rudy-Baese talks about her experience working on the project. Admission to this event is free, but seating is limited. To reserve your seat, go to eventbrite.com.
Reel World: Showcasing Students Showcasing Students
The New Mexico Film Foundation sets up shop at the KiMo Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 21 for the 2019 New Mexico Student Filmmaker Showcase. Thanks to a partnership with San Juan College and Eastern New Mexico University, NMFF was able to attract films from nine New Mexico universities and colleges this year, offering a glimpse into the future of our state’s film industry. The films submitted were judged by film industry professionals from around the country. Now local audiences have a chance to view a “Best Of” compilation featuring a number of these student-made shorts. They represent the award-winning best in directing, cinematograpy, sound, editing and screenwriting. The screening starts at 2pm. Tickets are $10 general admission or $5 for students. You can pick them up, in advance, at holdmyticket.com.
Reel World: Gazing At Gaza Gazing At Gaza
The US-based protest group ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) presents a special screening of the documentary Gaza Fights For Freedom this Saturday, Sept. 21, at Guild Cinema (3405 Central Ave. NW). The film features exclusive coverage of the “Great March of Return,” a series of protests across Gaza in 2018 demanding Palestinian refugees be allowed to return to their lands seized during the creation of the Israeli state. The film’s creators/directors, Abby Martin and Michael Prysner, are on tour with the film and will be on hand at Guild Cinema for a Q&A following the film. Tickets are $15 general admission or $30 for premium seating and can be purchased, in advance, by going to eventbrite.com.
Reel World: Film + Music Film + Music
Opening Night for the 2019 Albuquerque Film & Music Experience is this coming Tuesday, Sept. 24. It starts with a VIP and Sponsor Reception at the Hotel Albuquerque from 5:30 to 7pm. VIP guests, Festival Pass holders and sponsors are invited for food, drink and live music. After that, it’s over to the DynaTheater at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (1801 Mountain Rd. NW ) for the Opening Night movie. The film that kicks it all off in style this year is Schemers, starting at 7:30pm. This Scottish drama follows a young tycoon-to-be (Conor Berry) as he escapes the depressing government housing of Dundee and cons his way into the gangster-controlled music promotion biz—putting together a massive Iron Maiden concert, circa 1980. Full-festival passes for AFME (Sept. 24 through 29) run $100 to $200 each. Individual film tickets are $10 general admission. We’ll have more on the festival in next week’s Alibi. In the meantime, get over to abqfilmx.com for a full schedule of films and events.
