About
The Albuquerque Film Festival is presented by Film 4 Change, a project of From the Heart Productions, a 501(c)(3) Charitable Trust. Now in our fourth year, we are an established, first-rate festival that represents diversity, innovation and creative achievement in film. Our programming includes intriguing documentaries, hilarious short films, cinema classics and the hottest independent films on the circuit from Sundance, SXSW, Cannes and beyond.
We have drawn incredible talent including Dennis Hopper, America Ferrera, Breaking Bad Emmy Nominees, Giancarlo Esposito and Bryan Cranston, cult favorite Monte Hellman, Hellride’s Larry Bishop and Michael Madsen, Dean Stockwell, Deep Roy, Joshua Michael Stern and two-time Oscar winner Haskwell Wexler among many others.
“In 2009, we set out to create a film festival in Albuquerque. It was my dream to screen Easy Rider since it was the 40th Anniversary of the film that I believe set the indie film revolution in motion. Someone once told me to dream big so I dreamed that I was in the Kimo Theater watching Easy Rider with Dennis Hopper. I knew a few people who had some connections to him and I asked them to reach out to him and see if he would accept our invitation to screen the film and to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award.It took several weeks to hear back from anyone and then the phone rang. It was a friend of mine who was close to Dennis. He apologized but Dennis was not going to be available, but gave us his regards and wished us well. I was disappointed. I really wanted to launch a festival in New Mexico with Dennis since this is where he has lived since making Easy Rider.
A week later, I received a phone call. Dennis had changed his mind! He would do it but he had a limited amount of time- Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson were in town and he had dinner plans. No problem. I called my best friend and production partner and then the press. We were about to experience something special, a rare moment in time when history is created. Ivan Weiner and Reel Solutions delivered!"- Rich Henrich, Founder of Film 4 Change & Director of The Albuquerque Film Festival
Our panels and workshops are focused on growing the local film community through diverse topics with industry experts – covering legal, distribution and stories & techniques from the front lines of filmmaking.
I felt so honored to be invited to such a great festival that truly celebrates independent film. Just to be considered for competition at a festival that was fostered by and has it’s centerpiece award named after the late great Dennis Hopper was an honor. Rich Henrich and his entire staff made our film feel so special and welcome. More happened for my career at ABQ than any other festival this season. To win Best Comedy was just the icing on a very rich cake.
– Johnny Dowers, Co-writer, Lead Actor, Composer Pickin’ & Grinnin’
“The Albuquerque Film Festival is a highlight of our year. Everything you should expect in a film festival. Inspiring movies, motivating panels and seminars, awesome events and parties, but what keeps us coming back year after year is the community of Filmmakers who are truly committed to the love of films.”
– All The Best, FLYING CANTER BROTHERS, Directors of Bobby Zero starring Mos Def and Erykah Badu
“The Albuquerque Film Festival is a highly rewarding reality for any filmmaker. This is one of the few festivals that has found a way to bring together filmmakers, VIPs and audiences as true equals. It’s a breath of fresh air in a landscape typically dominated by cliques and barriers.”
– Tony Hewett, Producer, American Cowslip starring Val Kilmer
