This year, AMFM Fest is proud to recognize two distinct individuals for their contributions to community and the arts. Christian Sesma, a local restaurateur, turned Hollywood director, will receive the inaugural Hillery Vision Award. The award will be presented by Cathedral City Mayor, Kathy DeRosa in honor of the City’s first elected mayor, Robert Hillery, for having the vision to lead Cathedral City into existence. Edward James Olmos will receive the Film 4 Change Humanitarian Award, in honor of his artistic achievements in film and his dedication to addressing important social issues through his production company and his life. Past recipients of the Film 4 Change Award include Giancarlo Esposito, America Ferrera and last year’s recipient Ellin Jimmerson for her documentary “The Second Cooler.”
The Hillery Vision Award recognizes an individual’s artistic vision and dedication to bringing ideas into existence through entrepreneurial achievement in the Coachella Valley. This award will help put a spotlight on the creative talent that exists here and hopefully will encourage the next generation of filmmakers to not only dream but also show what can be achieved locally. “It’s an absolute honor. An honor to be given this award by AMFM Fest and Cathedral City,” says Sesma. “It’s really an evolution from last year’s AMFM Fest. It’s great to receive it at the Mary Pickford Theatre, too, my favorite theatre, the one I always watch movies at.”
Christian screened his web series “Vigilante Diaries” at the festival last year with cast members including Jason Mewes (Clerks, Jay and Silent Bob). This year, the festival will host a special screening on Saturday night: Christian Sesma Presents. The evening will be one you don’t want to miss. You never know which interesting actors might show up to applaud their beloved director of cinema.
The AMFM Fest Award Ceremony will be held at the Buddy Rodgers Theatre (inside the Mary Pickford) on November 16th from 12 noon until 1:30pm. Artists and filmmakers will be recognized for excellence and creative accomplishments in art, music, film and more. San Diego State University film students will be recognized with the prestigious Wally! Award for excellence in film production. The award was created several years ago by SDSU alum and UltraStar VP of Special Events, Wally Schlotter, to encourage students to aspire to greater heights of artistic achievement.
Tickets to the event are open to the public for $10 and can be purchased directly at the UltraStar Mary Pickford Theatre box office. A portion of the proceeds will support the AMFM scholarship fund that helps students in the Coachella Valley further their education in the arts. For more details on the four-day festival, which runs from Nov. 13-16th, go to www.amfmfest.com for complete details and schedule. The 2nd annual festival of the arts is presented by the City of Cathedral City, The Westin Mission Hills, CV Weekly and Film 4 Change, among many other significant community sponsors.