AFI FEST 2014 presented by Audi, a program of the American Film Institute, announced today the films that will be featured in the New Auteurs, Shorts and American Independents sections at this year’s festival.
The New Auteurs and Shorts sections both showcase filmmakers from around the world; the New Auteurs section highlights first and second-time feature film directors and the Shorts selections represent diverse and varied international perspectives. The Shorts program this year features a full program of animated films in addition to a program of midnight shorts. Both sections are juried and are available for the Grand Jury Awards. This year’s New Auteurs jury features Alonso Duralde (The Wrap and The Advocate), Tim Grierson (Screen International), Eric Kohn (IndieWire) and Anne Thompson (Thompson on Hollywood). The Shorts jury features Kahlil Joseph (filmmaker), Sara Murphy (producer), Mike Ott (filmmaker), Matthew Takata (Sundance Institute) and Brian Udovich (producer).
“These sections are where you will see some of the most exciting movies from around the world from filmmakers who take risks,” said Lane Kneedler, Associate Director of Programming of AFI FEST. “Our competition this year could not be finer with debuts from countries all over the globe including Vietnam, Ukraine, Korea and the Ivory Coast. These extraordinary filmmakers are making their mark on modern cinema with their genuinely distinctive voices.”
The American Independents section represents the best of independent filmmaking this year. Pushing boundaries with form and content across both narrative and documentary cinema, these films feature fresh voices, as well as filmmakers returning to AFI FEST with their latest work.
“We hope that the audience goes on a journey of discovery at the festival and experiences the creative visions of the talented and audacious filmmakers in our New Autuers, American Independents and Shorts sections,” said Jacqueline Lyanga, Director, AFI FEST, “These sections are not curated to focus on premiere status, but rather, to showcase the best new films and filmmakers of the year.”
Free individual tickets to AFI FEST screenings and Galas will be available to the general public online at AFI.com beginning Friday, October 24, but only the Cinepass Express pass will provide priority entry to all regular screenings including the New Auteurs, Shorts and American Independents selections, as well as access into the Cinema Lounge. These and other AFI FEST Passes are on sale now at AFI.com/AFIFEST, and AFI Members receive special discounts. The American Film Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational and cultural organization, and Patron Packages are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
AFI FEST will take place November 6 through 13 in Hollywood, CA, at the Dolby Theatre, the TCL Chinese Theatres, the Egyptian Theatre and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. As previously announced, the Opening Night Gala will be the World Premiere of A MOST VIOLENT YEAR (DIR J.C. Chandor) on Thursday, November 6; INHERENT VICE (DIR Paul Thomas Anderson) will be the Centerpiece Gala on Saturday, November 8; the World Premiere of THE GAMBLER (DIR Rupert Wyatt) will be the Centerpiece Gala on Monday, November 10; Sophia Loren will be honored with a special Tribute on Wednesday, November 12; and FOXCATCHER (DIR Bennett Miller) will be the Closing Night Gala on Thursday, November 13. The full festival lineup will be unveiled later this month.
For the 11th year, Audi is the festival’s presenting sponsor. Additional top sponsors include AT&T, Coca-Cola, VIZIO, American Airlines (the official airline of AFI), Dunkin’ Donuts, Netflix and Stella Artois. The festival’s venue sponsors include the Dolby Theatre, the TCL Chinese Theatres, the Hollywood & Highland Center, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and the Egyptian Theatre.
About AFI FEST presented by Audi
A program of the American Film Institute, AFI FEST presented by Audi is a celebration of global cinema and today’s Hollywood – an opportunity for master filmmakers and emerging artists to come together with audiences in the movie capital of the world. AFI FEST is the only festival of its stature that is free to the public. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes AFI FEST as a qualifying festival for both Short Film categories for the annual Academy Awards®. This year’s edition takes place November 6 – 13, 2014. Additional information about AFI FEST is available at AFI.com/AFIFEST. Connect with AFI FEST at facebook.com/AFIFEST, twitter.com/AFIFEST and youtube.com/AFIFEST.