IVAN WIENER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ALBUQUERQUE FILM AND MUSIC EXPERIENCE 2018

IVAN WIENER IS A CHARMING, MULTIFACETED MAN

Video Interview: Ivan Wiener

While talking with Robert Redford, Ivan said: "Why don't we do a film and music festival in Albuquerque?"

"Let's go for it!"  Redford said.  And from that has grown an energy-filled event in Albuquerque, New Mexico, that is not just focused on movies or films, but also musicians, high technology, dance, youth scholarships for creative films, community service, social activities and diversity of talent.

Ivan honed his skills as concierge at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. There he took care of Arabian Kings, senators and presidential staff and learned how to treat the powerful and everyone else with VIP style.

He was the friend and special assistant to Dennis Hopper, a New Mexico actor who gained national fame on TV and film. Robert Redford, Jeff Bridges and many, many others are among his friends. Ben Boothe, host of Big Sky Voices, interviewed him in March 2018 and found him quick, witty, clever, funny and just a fun and interesting man to interview.

"I believe you are contributing to the quality of life and experience of Albuquerque and New Mexico," Boothe told Wiener during the interview.

Wiener's bio speaks of 25 years of experience in entertainment and hospitality, including production of short films, documentaries and now full-feature films. As executive director of AFME and board member of the AFME Foundation, he is a "go to" person, one of those regional movers and shakers that makes things happen. He manages to attract 6,000 to 7,000 people a year to the AFME multi-festival (he calls it an 'experience') and attracts internationally-known talent to his programs. 

He owns Reel Solutions, and he and his wife, Tamaya Toulouse, have been married since 1999 and have two sons. Enjoy the video and get to know this talented man even better. The interview includes insights, some laughs and a great look at the entertainment and creative world of Albuquerque. Especially this year, mark a week of your calendar and then go to www.abqfilmx.com and get your tickets. One of this year's specials is on new drone technology in the entertainment field. I plan to attend that one. Another is the "war" of the big screen and how the "little screen" has won the battle for the eyes and hearts of our  youth and millennial population. When: June 4-10, 2018.  See you in Downtown Albuquerque that week for parties, panels, movies, education and an opportunity to mix with actors, producers and movers and shakers.  Oh, one of my favorites will be Saneh Boothe, who will be appearing on a panel that speaks of diversity and opportunities for all in the film industry. 

Photo is: "T Bone, Jeff Bridges, Ivan Wiener" at the Film and Music Experience, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.