Thursday, April 15
Bound By Honor
Join SouthWest Organizing Project for Chicano Film Series Part IV: Blood In, Blood Out on April 15 at 5pm. The 1993 drama is based on the true-life experiences of poet Jimmy Santiago Baca and explores how prison, gang wars and drugs impact the lives of three young men in East LA during the 1970s. This is a book club-style event, and there will be a group discussion about the last movie screened (the 1954 New Mexico-lensed labor drama Salt of the Earth) before viewing the new piece. The film begins with a brief introduction from guest speaker Loren Gomez. This free event takes place on Zoom. To get the link, go to facebook.com/events/1949391865218885. (Devin D. O’Leary)
Saturday, April 17
Plant Powered
Spring is in the air, and sprouts are in the ground. The Downtown Growers’ Market returns to Robinson Park (810 Copper Ave. NW) this Saturday, April 17 from 8am to noon. This marks the event’s 25th year, providing Albuquerque shoppers access to local farmers, growers, butchers, bakers, cooks and craftspeople. Facemasks are required, and there will be only one entrance and one exit to the park. Organizers ask that you send only one family member per household to pick up what you need. The event continues every Saturday throughout the summer. For more details go to downtowngrowers.org. (Devin D. O’Leary)
Saturday, April 17
Savior of the Universe
New Mexico Comic and Film Expo is still weighing whether it’s possible to have a live, in-person convention this year. (Maybe in August?) In the meantime, however, organizers have put together a special fan event on April 17 at Age of Comics (3700 Osuna Rd. NE #513). From noon to 4pm, actor Sam J. Jones from Flash Gordon will be on hand for a special In-Store Signing. The event is free, but there will be a charge for autographs and pictures. COVID-19 state guidelines will be followed during the event. For more info go to facebook.com/events/344739726937646. (Devin D. O’Leary)
Sunday, April 18
The Write Stuff
Writer/director Matthew McDuffie, professor of practice in film at the University of New Mexico and a professional screen and television writer for almost 30 years, is teaching the virtual class Writing Your Feature Film through Albuquerque’s Sol Acting Academy. The class meets every Sunday from 1 to 3pm, April 18 through May 23. Students will get a firsthand account of what it takes to create a story, write a teaser and develop your feature film. This is a rare opportunity to kickstart your low-budget film career and help raise the “above the line” workforce our state’s film industry needs. The cost of this month-long film class is $325. To register go to solacting.com. (Devin D. O’Leary)
Monday, April 19
Birthday Presents
Did you know that Albuquerque is in the midst of celebrating its 315th birthday as a city? (It doesn’t look a day over 300!) One of the ways the city is marking this anniversary is with the Albuquerque Drive-Through Grab & Go. You have until April 19 to go to the the city’s website (abqspecialevents.com) and reserve one of the special “grab & go” packages that have been specially curated for this event. Each one is filled with a variety of incredible items from local makers, merchants and artists. You can choose packages featuring beauty supplies, food, artwork, collectables and more. There are six bundles to chose from, and prices range from $24 to $53. You get to pick up your Albuquerque-centric packages at a special curbside event at the Albuquerque Rail Yards on April 24 from 10am to 1pm. Your order will be delivered directly to your vehicle. (Devin D. O’Leary)