Albuquerque Film and Music Experience Founder talks on Robert Redford’s impact
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) — For more than a decade, the Albuquerque Film and Music Experience has brought together stars from the screen and stage for a week-long celebration at venues across the city. The fan favorite might not be where it is today without the guidance and inspiration of one of Hollywood’s greatest.
Every September, independent cinema, music, and community take center stage as part of the Albuquerque Film and Music Experience, or “AFMX” to those in the know. Since its first year back in 2013, the festival has welcomed the likes of Jeff Bridges, Marisa Tomei, T Bone Burnett, Bryan Cranston, Giancarlo Esposito, and a man who knew a thing or two about film festivals himself – Hollywood icon and activist, Robert Redford.
“I think that’s one of the things Bob and I connected on immediately… Relationships that were genuine and true relationships where, you wanted to do for other people, where you could,” said AFMX Founder Ivan Wiener. He has a long history of connecting people. In the early 2000s, he found himself working as a concierge in DC at the infamous Watergate hotel.
“You know, when, when we first really sat down to talk and, he asked me, you know, about my background,” said Ivan. “And when I told him I was the head concierge of the Watergate hotel, that turned into, like, a two hour conversation just about All the President’s Men.”
The two men originally met at the Sundance Film Festival in 2008. Ivan was working as a personal assistant for the late actor Dennis Hopper at that time, and accompanied the “Easy Rider” star to a film premiere in Utah.
“So we arrived in Salt Lake City, you know, take a limo from the airport up to the hotel in Park City. And, that evening, he said, hey, we’re going to a party. You know, it’s just invite only, you know, make sure you dress nice. And so, Dennis has always dress really impeccably. Well, whenever he went to events. And, we get to this event and Robert Redford’s there, I’m like, oh, well, the founder of Sundance and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” said Ivan.
When we asked Ivan what meeting Redford was like, this is what he said. “So, you know, so I met him very briefly. I mean, the room was abuzz and of course, you know, he he founded Sundance, you know, so I was just like, wow, Robert Redford, I, you know, I don’t get starstruck because of the industry that I was in as a concierge and took care of so many people over the years and, you know, when Bob walked up to say hi to Dennis and I shook his hand, it was just… When he said, ‘hey, very nice to meet you,’” said Ivan. “…This sincere look in his eye of him not being a movie star, but him being this incredible human being that’s bringing people together and connecting people”
It’s a similar role Ivan has played throughout his professional life, and a guiding principle of AFMX. In 2012, Ivan was contacted by staff of Former Mayor Richard Berry’s office, pressing him to curate a film festival in the Duke City, in the wake of the now-defunct “Albuquerque Film Festival.”
“And then I got a call from Bob himself directly, and he was like, what do we need to do to create an event here in New Mexico that does have betterment for the community? And that’s where I came up with the ten page business plan for AFMX,” said Ivan. “So, I called Bob’s assistance, scheduled a time to go to the house, took the business plan with me, walked in, sat down with Billy and Bob. They read through it and Bob just clapped his hands with that Redford smile and said, ‘Fantastic. Let’s move forward and getting this done, I’m going to be your first guest.’”
Redford was no stranger to New Mexico’s long legacy of filmmaking. He directed the academy-award winning picture, “The Milagro Beanfield War” throughout northern New Mexico – his second gig in the director’s chair after winning the Oscar for “Ordinary People” on his first outing in 1981. He later served as executive producer on “Drunktown’s Finest,” as well as the AMC series, “Dark Winds.”
And while Redford is considered Hollywood royalty, he always kept his feet on the ground, focused on the work. “At the festival, after his experience at AFMX , he came to me and he was just like, ‘you’re ten years ahead of where we were in our first year of Sundance,’” said Ivan. “And I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t let that sink in because, you know, I’m thinking, this is Robert Redford. You know, one of the biggest movie stars in the world who started Sundance and, you know, invited as independent film friends there. But he was up front of the Egyptian Theater in year one of Sundance. Handing out tickets for free, trying to get people to come in. The town of Park City did not want that attention on their little sleepy ski town. What it’s turned into now is $500 million a year in economic impact.”
Throughout the years, Ivan says the Redford family continued their support and guidance for AFMX, as well as developing a close friendship. As the world mourned the passing of Robert Redford in September of 2025, the festival staff and army of volunteers continued their mission of collaboration and creative networking in the spirit of the Sundance founder.
And as Ivan says, one thing’s for sure… Redford’s impact on New Mexico’s film community will live on for generations to come. “I always go back to, you know, if it wasn’t for Redford’s being involved with the festival, it would not be what it is today,” said Ivan.
Festival organizers held a celebration of Redford’s life this past September at the festival.
Film submissions for AFMX 2026 will open next month.
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