top of page
AFME FOUNDATION
The AFME Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that produces the Albuquerque Film & Music Experience (AFMX). AFME Foundation formed to make a difference in our collective community during AFMX and through year-round programming.
Our purpose is to provide opportunities for future generations while increasing exposure and economic impact for the City of Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico. Each year, we bring filmmakers, musicians, artists, and visionaries together to celebrate the art of storytelling and collaborate into the future.
The foundation provides support to students and up-and-coming New Mexico filmmakers, artists, and musicians who, otherwise, may never pursue their college education or realize their artistic dreams. With so many talented students of the arts in the Land of Enchantment, our goal is to offer assistance in earning degrees in their respective fields of study, further their careers, and keep them, and their talents, right here in New Mexico.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
KIRA SIPLER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Kira is an award-winning screenwriter, producer, and director with a diverse background in theatre, film, and business. Raised in New Mexico, her passion for storytelling began early, leading her from Albuquerque High School to a BA in Fine Arts from the University of New Mexico. She brings a unique blend of creative vision and business acumen to her work.
Kira's experience spans both the creative and operational sides of the industry. She honed her business skills in the fast-paced tech world and as a successful entrepreneur before transitioning to film.
As Director of Operations for the Albuquerque Film & Music eXperience (AFMX), she oversaw projects ranging from drive-in movies to virtual and live festivals. Prior to this, she revamped operations for the Seattle Film Summit as Volunteer and Logistics Director, resulting in sold-out events and reaching over 40,000 participants.
Through her production company, Jouska Road Productions, Kira works as a screenwriter, assistant director, producer, and director in both Seattle and Albuquerque. Her producing credits include the viral short films "Period" (8+ million views) and "Jameson" (3.5+ million views), in which she also served as assistant director. Her own screenplay, "The Autumn Waltz," garnered numerous film festival awards, including a Best Writer nomination, and is available on Amazon Prime. In 2022, she was one of ten writers selected for the Inaugural New Mexico Film Office New Voices program, presented by Stowe Story Labs, out of 200 entries.
Kira is an award-winning screenwriter, producer, and director with a diverse background in theatre, film, and business. Raised in New Mexico, her passion for storytelling began early, leading her from Albuquerque High School to a BA in Fine Arts from the University of New Mexico. She brings a unique blend of creative vision and business acumen to her work.
Kira's experience spans both the creative and operational sides of the industry. She honed her business skills in the fast-paced tech world and as a successful entrepreneur before transitioning to film.
As Director of Operations for the Albuquerque Film & Music eXperience (AFMX), she oversaw projects ranging from drive-in movies to virtual and live festivals. Prior to this, she revamped operations for the Seattle Film Summit as Volunteer and Logistics Director, resulting in sold-out events and reaching over 40,000 participants.
Through her production company, Jouska Road Productions, Kira works as a screenwriter, assistant director, producer, and director in both Seattle and Albuquerque. Her producing credits include the viral short films "Period" (8+ million views) and "Jameson" (3.5+ million views), in which she also served as assistant director. Her own screenplay, "The Autumn Waltz," garnered numerous film festival awards, including a Best Writer nomination, and is available on Amazon Prime. In 2022, she was one of ten writers selected for the Inaugural New Mexico Film Office New Voices program, presented by Stowe Story Labs, out of 200 entries.
JONATHAN NAGEL
BOARD PRESIDENT
Albuquerque native Jonathan Nagel studied at the University of Denver (BA 03’), creating short films and working in broadcast production. He was fortunate to meet some of his childhood heroes, Ray Harryhausen and Syd Mead while attending a visual effects conference in Marin County California, which planted the seeds of his career and future endeavors. This experience cemented the idea that playing, creating, and visualizing one's imagination through the lens of design for the rest of your life can be a career choice.
Jonathan pursued a career in high-tech software for some of the top start-ups of the last decade including Anark Corporation (Acquired by Nvidia), AI.Implant (Acquired by Presagis), Scaleform Corp (Acquired by Autodesk and team behind Oculus), and Ready At Dawn Studios (Top independent game developer behind PSP: God of War: Ghost of Sparta & recently acquired by Meta).
In 2014, Jonathan pursued his passion for visual arts & design by attending the Art Center College of Design, graduating with a degree in Illustration Design with an emphasis on Entertainment Arts in 2018.
Since 2018 Jonathan has been freelance designing, making art, and short films. One recent film made in 2022, “Infinite Simulations” has won several film festival awards.
Albuquerque native Jonathan Nagel studied at the University of Denver (BA 03’), creating short films and working in broadcast production. He was fortunate to meet some of his childhood heroes, Ray Harryhausen and Syd Mead while attending a visual effects conference in Marin County California, which planted the seeds of his career and future endeavors. This experience cemented the idea that playing, creating, and visualizing one's imagination through the lens of design for the rest of your life can be a career choice.
Jonathan pursued a career in high-tech software for some of the top start-ups of the last decade including Anark Corporation (Acquired by Nvidia), AI.Implant (Acquired by Presagis), Scaleform Corp (Acquired by Autodesk and team behind Oculus), and Ready At Dawn Studios (Top independent game developer behind PSP: God of War: Ghost of Sparta & recently acquired by Meta).
In 2014, Jonathan pursued his passion for visual arts & design by attending the Art Center College of Design, graduating with a degree in Illustration Design with an emphasis on Entertainment Arts in 2018.
Since 2018 Jonathan has been freelance designing, making art, and short films. One recent film made in 2022, “Infinite Simulations” has won several film festival awards.
IVAN WIENER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EMERITUS
With over 30 years of experience in hospitality and entertainment, and 10 years serving as a film festival executive producer, Ivan has become a key resource and go-to person in New Mexico for A-list talent, producers, directors, and other clients in the film and entertainment industry. He takes great pride in providing a platform for economic growth and opportunities for students as Executive Director of the Albuquerque Film & Music Experience. He also serves as a Board member of the AFME Foundation.
Ivan owns Reel Solutions, one of the premier concierge and consulting services in New Mexico. Reel Solutions has worked with some of the biggest names in film and television as it is the only company authorized to provide airport meet and greet services at Albuquerque International Airport. These services give a great first and last impression of client experiences in the Land of Enchantment.
Ivan has been a producer on feature films, short films, television shows, documentaries, and commercials. Ivan is the former Head Concierge of the historic Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., and a former personal assistant to the late actor Dennis Hopper.
With over 30 years of experience in hospitality and entertainment, and 10 years serving as a film festival executive producer, Ivan has become a key resource and go-to person in New Mexico for A-list talent, producers, directors, and other clients in the film and entertainment industry. He takes great pride in providing a platform for economic growth and opportunities for students as Executive Director of the Albuquerque Film & Music Experience. He also serves as a Board member of the AFME Foundation.
Ivan owns Reel Solutions, one of the premier concierge and consulting services in New Mexico. Reel Solutions has worked with some of the biggest names in film and television as it is the only company authorized to provide airport meet and greet services at Albuquerque International Airport. These services give a great first and last impression of client experiences in the Land of Enchantment.
Ivan has been a producer on feature films, short films, television shows, documentaries, and commercials. Ivan is the former Head Concierge of the historic Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., and a former personal assistant to the late actor Dennis Hopper.
LARRY SCHWARTZ
BOARD PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Larry is President of the Board and has served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors since its inception. He serves as Vice President – Investments for Wells Fargo Advisors. Larry graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1985 and has been a resident of New Mexico for 37 years. As a businessman, Schwartz has sat on both sides of the table, as a corporate executive and board member of several non-profits. He is a tenor saxophone player and has a passion for bringing people together for a co-creative community.
AFMX is proud to have Larry’s experience and dedication to growth in the community as part of its program.
Larry is President of the Board and has served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors since its inception. He serves as Vice President – Investments for Wells Fargo Advisors. Larry graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1985 and has been a resident of New Mexico for 37 years. As a businessman, Schwartz has sat on both sides of the table, as a corporate executive and board member of several non-profits. He is a tenor saxophone player and has a passion for bringing people together for a co-creative community.
AFMX is proud to have Larry’s experience and dedication to growth in the community as part of its program.
DR. STEPHANIE BECKER
BOARD VICE-PRESIDENT
Stephanie Becker, Ph.D. is the Executive Director and Superintendent of Amy Biehl High School. She has been part of the faculty at ABHS for 14 years.
Additionally, for the past 15 years, she has been an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Film and Digital Arts at the University of New Mexico. Her specialty is Latinx Film studies, but her class offerings vary focusing on auteurs with investigations in the cinema of Pedro Almodovar to the Coen Brothers, David Lynch, and Wes Anderson.
She is passionate about sharing film and music experiences with the youth of New Mexico as they explore the myriad of burgeoning career offerings available in the state.
Stephanie Becker, Ph.D. is the Executive Director and Superintendent of Amy Biehl High School. She has been part of the faculty at ABHS for 14 years.
Additionally, for the past 15 years, she has been an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Film and Digital Arts at the University of New Mexico. Her specialty is Latinx Film studies, but her class offerings vary focusing on auteurs with investigations in the cinema of Pedro Almodovar to the Coen Brothers, David Lynch, and Wes Anderson.
She is passionate about sharing film and music experiences with the youth of New Mexico as they explore the myriad of burgeoning career offerings available in the state.
JEFF BAKER
BOARD SECRETARY
Jeff is a retired lawyer, a State of New Mexico Ethics Commissioner, a member of the board of the Rocky Mountain Region of the Anti-Defamation League, and a past member of multiple commissions involving attorney conduct and misconduct.
Jeff is a retired lawyer, a State of New Mexico Ethics Commissioner, a member of the board of the Rocky Mountain Region of the Anti-Defamation League, and a past member of multiple commissions involving attorney conduct and misconduct.
MARY HAGEMANN
BOARD TREASURER
Mary is the Finance Director at Amy Biehl Charter High School. She is a graduate of the University of New Mexico in Business.
Mary is the Finance Director at Amy Biehl Charter High School. She is a graduate of the University of New Mexico in Business.
EMILIE DE ANGELIS
BOARD MEMBER
Emilie has helped nonprofits in the arts, culture, and education fields achieve transformative ambitions for more than 25 years.
She’s managed capital campaigns ranging from $2.5 million to $100+ million most of her career, specializing in major gifts strategy for the Modern Wing expansion at the Art Institute of Chicago, Steppenwolf Theatre's expansion, and multiple endowment campaigns.
A fourth-generation New Mexican, she moved back home to Albuquerque with her husband and son in 2016 to reunite with family and rediscover sunshine. Her consulting work helps clients locally and nationally.
She’s the most recent Past Chair of the City of Albuquerque’s Arts Board, appointed by Mayor Tim Keller, and Vice Chairs the Board at Escuela del Sol Montessori and Harwood Art Center.
Emilie has helped nonprofits in the arts, culture, and education fields achieve transformative ambitions for more than 25 years.
She’s managed capital campaigns ranging from $2.5 million to $100+ million most of her career, specializing in major gifts strategy for the Modern Wing expansion at the Art Institute of Chicago, Steppenwolf Theatre's expansion, and multiple endowment campaigns.
A fourth-generation New Mexican, she moved back home to Albuquerque with her husband and son in 2016 to reunite with family and rediscover sunshine. Her consulting work helps clients locally and nationally.
She’s the most recent Past Chair of the City of Albuquerque’s Arts Board, appointed by Mayor Tim Keller, and Vice Chairs the Board at Escuela del Sol Montessori and Harwood Art Center.
KEN CHAVEZ
BOARD MEMBER
Ken is a screenwriter, filmmaker, and longtime motivational coach with a deep passion for storytelling and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of creators. He currently teaches filmmaking to high school students, guiding them through the creative and technical aspects of the craft while preparing them for film festivals and future careers in the industry.
Trained as an IT specialist, Ken has served in the military, law enforcement, and education sectors, bringing a wide range of experience and problem-solving skills to every endeavor. He also spent time as a motivational coach for youth and high school sports, helping young people grow in confidence, discipline, and teamwork; values that continue to shape his teaching and filmmaking.
Born and raised in Albuquerque, he is a proud 12th-generation New Mexican with deep roots in the state’s rich cultural history. His work, both in film and in the classroom, celebrates and uplifts the unique voices and traditions of New Mexico. As a board member, he is excited to help grow opportunities for local talent and connect the community through the power of film.
Ken is a screenwriter, filmmaker, and longtime motivational coach with a deep passion for storytelling and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of creators. He currently teaches filmmaking to high school students, guiding them through the creative and technical aspects of the craft while preparing them for film festivals and future careers in the industry.
Trained as an IT specialist, Ken has served in the military, law enforcement, and education sectors, bringing a wide range of experience and problem-solving skills to every endeavor. He also spent time as a motivational coach for youth and high school sports, helping young people grow in confidence, discipline, and teamwork; values that continue to shape his teaching and filmmaking.
Born and raised in Albuquerque, he is a proud 12th-generation New Mexican with deep roots in the state’s rich cultural history. His work, both in film and in the classroom, celebrates and uplifts the unique voices and traditions of New Mexico. As a board member, he is excited to help grow opportunities for local talent and connect the community through the power of film.
DONALD KOCHERSBERGER
BOARD MEMBER
Donald F. Kochersberger is a seasoned litigator at BLSW specializing in complex business disputes (shareholder, contract, tort, etc.) and criminal defense. His extensive trial experience spans state and federal courts, with a background in representing both businesses and individuals. Prior to law, he worked as a paramedic, providing him with a unique perspective. He holds licenses in New Mexico and Texas and has received numerous accolades for his legal work.
Donald F. Kochersberger is a seasoned litigator at BLSW specializing in complex business disputes (shareholder, contract, tort, etc.) and criminal defense. His extensive trial experience spans state and federal courts, with a background in representing both businesses and individuals. Prior to law, he worked as a paramedic, providing him with a unique perspective. He holds licenses in New Mexico and Texas and has received numerous accolades for his legal work.
ADVISORY BOARD
bottom of page