Picture this: Drive-in series mutually aids two ABQ art groups
ABQ Film and Music Experience, ALT plan drive-in series
Two arts organizations are coming together to help each other in a time of need. The Albuquerque Film and Music Experience (AFMX) put on a drive-in movie series last year and was looking for a new home.
Enter Albuquerque Little Theatre, which has been shuttered since March 2020.
Ronda Lewis, ALT resource development director, said the theater stepped in to help provide something for the local community, which has been hit hard.
“It’s an honor for us to be involved in this, as well as bring something new to our established patrons,” Lewis said. “Even in spite of being here for 91 years, there are plenty of people that we can still reach out to.”
The AFMX series is slated to begin at ALT, 224 San Pasquale NW, on May 4, and 25% of all ticket sales will be donated to that venue. The movies will continue under the stars, moving to Friday and Saturday for the remainder of the weekly series, with some special screenings on other nights.
Ivan Wiener, AFMX executive director, said the series will kick off with “Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope.”
Some of the other movies to be screened are “True Lies,” “9 to 5,” “The Birdcage,” “The Princess Bride,” “The Big Lebowski,” “Top Gun,” “Black Panther,” “Dirty Dancing” and more.
A full list can be found at afmxnm.com/drivein-schedule.
Kira Sipler, AFMX director of operations, said as AFMX was looking for a new venue, she walked by ALT one day and it clicked.
“How great would this be,” Sipler said. “Most of us that are on the AFMX staff all started in theater. This is one way to give back to the community. They have been dark for more than 12 months now and ALT relies on ticket sales. It was a very natural partnership.”
Lewis wanted to include neighborhood businesses.
“They have all been impacted and I know they are struggling,” Lewis said. “It’s been important to bring positivity. This event should have an impact on the West Downtown neighborhood. Some of the restaurants are offering discounts to movie patrons. It’s been very positive for the area.”
Wiener said the series offers families the opportunity to relive the thrill of going to the drive-in theater with COVID-safe guidelines strictly enforced for everyone’s peace of mind. AFMX and ALT recommend safely dining at nearby restaurants prior to movies, or ordering carry out to bring to the drive-in.
In May, the parking lot opens at 6:30 p.m., with pre-roll entertainment at 7:30 p.m. and the films beginning at approximately 8 p.m. Tickets are available for $20 per vehicle in advance, online at afmxnm.com/drive-in-schedule. No tickets will be available on-site the night of the drive-ins.