Friday, June 2---SILVERDOCS: AFI/Discovery Channel Documentary Festival opens on June 13 with the world premiere of the HBO Films documentary BOFFO! TINSELTOWN'S BOMBS AND BLOCKBUSTERS, directed by Oscar-winning documentary director Bill Couturie.

The film takes a behind-the-scenes look at the high risk world of Hollywood filmmaking, where all bets are off as to whether even the biggest budget film will not be a major box office bomb. Featuring candid, often amusing interviews, with such Hollywood luminaries as George Clooney, Charlize Theron, Jodie Foster and former Paramount Studios topper Sherry Lansing, the filmmakers discuss the elements that can make or break a film.

The film is inspired by trade publication Variety editor Peter Bart's book, of the same name, that was published this year in celebration of Variety's 100th anniversary as the industry's leading film trade publication.

The film is directed by documentary veteran Bill Couturie, who has won many prestigious awards for his work over a career that spans over 20 years, including an Oscar for the AIDS documentary, COMMON THREADS: STORIES OF THE QUILT, in 1989 (shared with Rob Epstein). Other honors include the International Documentary Association Award, Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize and an Emmy Award for his DEAR AMERICA: LETTERS HOME FROM VIETNAM in 1987. Couturie's most recent film LAST LETTERS HOME: VOICES OF AMERICAN TROOPS FROM THE BATTLEFIELDS OF IRAQ, has also won a number of awards and honors.

A post-screening discussion following the Opening Night film will be held at the AFI Silver Center, with the participation of Variety editor Peter Bart, Variety publisher Charlie Koones, and the Motion Picture Association of America's Dan Glickman.

A Gala Reception follows the discussion, to be held at Discovery Communications World Headquarters, directly across the street from the theater. Representatives from the Washington DC area political and cultural elite, as well as visiting filmmakers, journalists and programmers, will be in attendance, as SILVERDOCS kicks off another year of celebrating the best in international documentary film.

Sandy Mandelberger
International Media Resources