American Film Institute Reestablishes Its Washington, DC Heritage With AFI Docs Presented By Audi

LOS ANGELES and WASHINGTON, APRIL 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Film Institute (AFI), founded in the White House Rose Garden in 1965, announced today an expansion into the heart of the nation's capital with its premier documentary festival, AFI Docs presented by Audi, through which powerful films will serve as a catalyst for artists and our country's leaders to confront critical topics of the day.  A prominent part of the festival will be the AFI Catalyst Sessions:  The Art of Moving Reality, a forum for national conversations by filmmakers, thought leaders, policy-makers and engaged audiences.  AFI Docs presented by Audi is the newly named expansion of SILVERDOCS, which returns for its 11th edition June 19-23, 2013.  After a decade at the celebrated AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, MD, the festival will build upon the success of Silverdocs with screenings and events at iconic venues on the National Mall and in the Penn Quarter area: the Smithsonian Museum theaters (National Portrait Gallery, National Museum of American History) and the Newseum. Festival programming will continue at the American Film Institute's AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center. 

Serving as members of the AFI Docs Advisory Board are luminaries of non-fiction film --- Ken Burns, Davis Guggenheim, Chris Hegedus, Werner Herzog, Barbara Kopple, Spike Lee, Albert Maysles, Errol Morris, DA Pennebaker and Frederick Wiseman. 

"AFI Docs will bring film artists to the forefront of a dialogue with our nation's leaders," said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO.  "History has proven that great change in civil societies is often, if not always, catalyzed by art.  It is this that inspires us to be in Washington, DC with storytellers whose voices serve as catalysts for action.  We're most proud to do so with the support of Audi, whose continued commitment to the art of the moving image at AFI Docs now also brings us home to the heart of the nation's capital."

"Audi is proud to support an organization that utilizes the power of film to educate, inspire and bring people together, specifically, documentary films that translate real life to the big screen," said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America.  "AFI Docs is one of the most important documentary festivals in North America.  We are honored to be a part of this event, especially with it taking place right in the backyard of our U.S. headquarters and are pleased to support AFI in this exciting expansion."

"We are excited to embark on this transformational chapter in our festival's history," said Sky Sitney, AFI Docs Festival Director.  "The festival is best known for the quality, depth and range of its programming, often with films that touch deeply on the emotional core of our national identity.  We look forward to bringing these powerful and impactful stories to expanded audiences in Washington, DC and beyond."

Information on programming, screening schedules, registration and passes will be released in the coming weeks and posted at AFI.com/AFIDOCS.  

About the American Film Institute
AFI is America's promise to preserve the history of the motion picture, to honor the artists and their work and to educate the next generation of storytellers.  AFI provides leadership in film, television and digital media and is dedicated to initiatives that engage the past, the present and the future of the moving image arts.  AFI programs include the AFI Catalog of Feature Films and Archive, which preserve film heritage for future generations; the AFI Life Achievement Award – the highest honor for a career in film – now in its 41st year; AFI Awards, honoring the most outstanding motion pictures and television programs of the year; AFI's 100 YEARS…100 MOVIES television events and movie reference lists, which have introduced and reintroduced classic American movies to millions of film lovers; year-round and special event exhibition through AFI Fest presented by Audi, AFI Docs presented by Audi and the AFI Silver Theatre; and educating the next generation of storytellers at the world renowned AFI Conservatory, renowned for the quality of its instructors and speakers, and its notable alumni. 

For more information about AFI, visit AFI.com or connect with AFI at twitter.com/AmericanFilm, facebook.com/AmericanFilmInstitute and youtube.com/AFI.

About AFI Docs presented by Audi
AFI Docs Presented by Audi (formerly Silverdocs) is an internationally recognized event that honors excellence in filmmaking, supports the diverse voices and free expression of independent storytellers and celebrates the power of documentary to improve our understanding of the world.  Now in its 11th year, the festival is embarking on a transformational chapter in its history with an expansion into landmark Washington, DC venues and with the AFI Catalyst Sessions which serve as stimuli for national public discourse and an opportunity to engage our nations leaders with filmmakers striving to shine a light on the greatest issues of today.  The festival historically has attracted over 27,000 documentary enthusiasts, policy-makers and thought leaders. Visit AFI.com/AFIDOCS and connect on twitter.com/AFIDocs, facebook.com/AFIDocs and youtube.com/AFIDocs.

About Audi 
Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles.  AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally.  Audi was a top-performing luxury brand in Europe during 2012, and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S.  Through 2016, AUDI AG will invest about $17 billion on new products, facilities and technologies.  Visit audiusa.com or audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

SOURCE American Film Institute