CELEBRATING CONNECTIONS
AFMX, Filmmakers for Ukraine present a curated block of short films
Film is a medium that can reach a global audience. This is exactly why Albuquerque Film & Music Experience teamed up with Filmmakers of Ukraine to present a curated block of short films.
The event will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, at the Historic Lobo Theater in Nob Hill.
The five award-winning short films set to be screened are: “Liza and her Anthill” by Anastasia Ivanyuk, “Holiday” by Zhanna MaksymenkoDovhych, “The Night Express” by Maryna Artemenko and Oksana Artemenko, “To Russia with Love” by Jeffrey Lee Robinson, and “SIBS” by Derek Johnson.
“A House Made of Splinters” by Simon Lereng Wilmont will screen at 5 p.m. It is nominated for a 2023 Academy Award in best documentary feature.
“During this crucial time in world history, it is important that we continue a global effort for voices to be heard and to stand by our brothers and sisters in Ukraine,” said Ivan Wiener, AFMX executive director. “This first-ever event will bring the Ukrainian and New Mexican film communities together to raise awareness and funds for Ukrainian filmmakers and others in Ukraine facing dire situations. Like New Mexico, Ukraine is home of freedom, community and art.”
Wiener’s family lineage is Ukrainian.
Filmmakers for Ukraine, a global group of filmmakers volunteering their time, prioritizes helping filmmakers, their families
and disadvantaged groups in Ukraine who otherwise may not receive the urgent help they need. Proceeds from each ticket purchase will provide critical aid to get them through the cold winter months and beyond.
“We are so proud of our collaboration with AFMX, and we would like to thank our partners: filmmakers, producers, film sales and all the professionals of the audio-visual industry who once again did not hesitate in offering their films for a very important fundraising event,” said Pierpaolo Festa, film curator for Filmmakers for Ukraine. “These wonderful films that we are going to screen are an essential window to a world that urgently needs to be seen and supported.”
Genevieve Trainor, one of AFMX’s marketing team members, shares the following after spending months in Poland and Ukraine to aide citizens fleeing their homeland.
“During my time there, and in working with Filmmakers for Ukraine, I’ve realized how connected New Mexico values, art and culture are to Ukraine,” Trainor says in a statement. “These are the untold stories, and this event is an opportunity for the New Mexico community to learn about and celebrate our connections.”