AFME Honors Individuals for Achievements and Impact on Entertainment Industry

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., June 1, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As part of the 2015 Albuquerque Film & Music Experience (AFME), the organization presented awards to individuals whose achievements and talents have made notable impact on the entertainment industry. This year's recipients are Actor Joaquim de Almeida, Musician Harry Wayne Casey, and Film Liaison for the City of Albuquerque Ann Lerner.

"This year's festival features an undeniably high-caliber cast of entertainers, and we want to honor those who have left such a lasting impact on the industry," said Ivan Wiener, Executive Producer of AFME. "Joaquim and Harry are both incredibly talented entertainers, and Ann has made such a difference in the New Mexico film industry. This is our way of saying 'thank you' to them and recognizing them for their great work."

Joaquim de Almeida, known for roles in Clear and Present Danger, Fast Five, Desperado and appearances on TV shows such as 24, Revenge, Bones, Once Upon a Time and more, will be awarded the 2015 Robert & Sibylle Redford Creative Achievement Award, following the showing of the movie, Una Vida: A Fable of Music and Mind, in which he stars, on Sunday, June 7, 5pm at the historic KiMo Theatre.

Harry Wayne Casey, better known as KC of KC and the Sunshine Band, will be awarded the 2015 AFME Music Award. Casey, an award-winning and widely popular musician, has made incredible music for decades and has had numerable hits, including "Get Down Tonight," "That's The Way (I Like It), and "Shake Your Booty." 

Ann Lerner will receive the 2015 Clara Apodaca Community Leadership Award to recognize her significant contributions to bringing together the film community in Albuquerque—and across the state of New Mexico. Lerner has been instrumental in welcoming filmmakers, directors, and actors to Albuquerque and showing them the benefits of filming in New Mexico. The economic impact of the film industry in New Mexico has been estimated to be $1.5 billion, according to various economic impact studies.

"At AFME, our goal has always been to 'create oneness through the power of film, music and the arts,' and it's a great pleasure to honor those who have dedicated their careers to doing just that," added Wiener.

"I think that receiving recognition from the AFME is so awesome," said Harry Wayne Casey. "Forty years ago, I never imagined that my music would become part of American culture.  I feel so fortunate that the music I created still has a life of its own by its inclusion in film and TV, and this is humbling and incredibly rewarding. It's a great honor to participate in the festival. The support I've received from filmmakers and music supervisors has been a highlight of my career!"

AFME is a weeklong film and music festival, held in Albuquerque, NM each year. For more information, visit http://abqfilmexperience.com/.