A new chapter: Albuquerque Film and Music Experience changes leadership after 12 years

Ivan Wiener has been on a journey.

As the executive director of Albuquerque Film and Music Experience, Wiener has curated a dozen film festivals.

As of Feb. 1, Wiener is stepping down from his position.

“As many of you know, AFMX has been my greatest passion for more than a decade,” Wiener says. “I have decided to focus on producing projects full-time, my airport meet and greet service, and spending valuable time with my children and family. Sticking with AFMX’s mission of providing opportunities for future generations and creatives, it is also healthy to provide opportunities to those who work within the organization to realize their potential and leadership.”

Kira Sipler was named the new executive director on Feb. 1.

“I am proud and honored to become AFMX’s new executive director. Since beginning with AFMX as its volunteer coordinator, I’ve been fortunate to meet and work with many talented volunteers, community members, filmmakers and industry mentors,” Sipler says. “I’m grateful to Ivan for all he has done for Albuquerque, the creative community, and the AFME board for this tremendous opportunity. I am committed to upholding AFMX’s commitment to celebrating national and international talent in film and music and cultivating opportunities for our New Mexico creative community. Most of all, I look forward to working with our multi-talented volunteer team who help make AFMX an amazing experience.”

Wiener will continue to serve on the AFME Foundation board of directors, heading fundraising and sponsorship committees and acting as a consultant.

“I can assure you, AFMX is in excellent hands with our new executive director, Kira Sipler, and the amazing team we have built,” Wiener elaborated. “To the many thousands of people whom I have met, collaborated and worked with, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my life so much richer through this incredible journey. I hope I have made an impact on the community through our programs. Working with many volunteers, staff members, filmmakers, musicians, industry professionals, and students has been an absolute honor. I have been blessed beyond belief with the most amazing memories, experiences, and personal and professional relationships built during my tenure.”

Wiener says the board of directors unanimously voted for Sipler to assume the role of executive director.

“Her knowledge of the industry, communication with filmmakers, musicians and volunteers, and her dedication to students of film, music and the arts makes her the perfect person to lead AFMX into the future,” Wiener says. “She has my support 100%. I look forward to the next chapter and having my friends, family and colleagues as part of my future endeavors.”

Albuquerque Film and Music Experience was recently highlighted in MovieMaker’s “Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker.”

“Giving equal weight to music and film, AFMX is an annual interactive event held every September with an emphasis on domestic and international films,” MovieMaker said. “It offers panels and workshops, intimate networking, and, of course, live musical performances. One of its key objectives year-round is to encourage young people to find careers in film and music.”

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