Documentaries, thanks be to the film gods, remain hot and in demand by both audiences and distributors. Every major film festival in the world now has a prominent documentary film section and there is even an explosion of doc-only events. One of the most important and influential is SILVERDOCS, the AFI/Discovery Communications Festival, which opens tonight with a week-long program of film presentations, conference seminars and special events.

Housed at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, a vital arthouse cineplex that presents quality independent and international films all year round, the festivities begin tonight with the premiere of ALL TOGETHER NOW, Adrian Wills' behind-the-scenes story of the unprecedented partnership between The Beatles and avant-garde theater troupe Cirque du Soleil.

The film explores the making of the "LOVE" stage production at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, capturing the collaborations of Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison, Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté, LOVE director Dominique Champagne and producers Sir George Martin and his son Giles Martin. This creative cabal join forces to create a homage to the vision and music of The Beatles.

Following tonight's screening, there will be a question and answer session featuring director Adrian Wills, Dominic Champagne, and moderated by Bill Flanagan of MTV Networks. The post screening gala will also include a performance by Matt White, singing both original songs and Beatles' covers.

This year's Festival will feature close to 100 feature films and short documentaries, as well as a parallel conference that will examine the latest trends and developments in financing, marketing and distribution of non-fiction media. Stay tuned to this blog site for all the exciting developments as "docs rule" over the next week in Silver Spring, Maryland.

More from Sandy Mandelberger, Silverdocs Dailies Editor on fest21.com