Partner Fest AFI opens today

The American Film Institute's annual celebration of international cinema from modern masters and emerging filmmakers, AFI FEST features nightly red-carpet galas, special screenings, conversations and tributes. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes AFI FEST as a qualifying festival for both Short Films categories of the annual Academy Awards®, and AFI FEST is still the only film festival in the United States to hold the prestigious FIAPF accreditation, assuring a high standard of quality and reliability for the international film community. AFI FEST is Los Angeles' longest running international film festival and has been bringing the best in world cinema to the film capital of the world since its launch as FILMEX in 1971.

The American Film Market (AFM) is the market partner of AFI FEST. The association between the two events connects art and commerce, broadening the opportunities for all participants, and collectively represents the largest gathering in North America.

The business of independent motion picture production and distribution reaches its peak every year at the AFM, when more than 8,000 industry leaders converge in Santa Monica for eight days of deal-making, screenings, premieres, networking, parties and conferences. Participants come from more than 70 countries and include acquisition and development executives, agents, attorneys, directors, distributors, festival directors, financiers, film commissioners, producers, writers, the world's press and all those who provide services to the motion picture industry. The AFM is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA). More information is online at AmericanFilmMarket.com.

Highlights of the Festival

AFI FEST 2014 presented by Audi, a program of the American Film Institute, announced today that Paul Thomas Anderson will present the 1967 documentary MONDO HOLLYWOOD (DIR Robert Carl Cohen), a film which influenced his upcoming feature, INHERENT VICE, on the afternoon of Saturday, November 8 at the Egyptian Theatre.   Following the screening Anderson will be in conversation with Cohen.

Over 100 artists from 22 countries are expected to attend this year’s festival.

Joey King, Logan Lerman, Jena Malone and Jenny Slate will be a part of the Los Angeles Times’ Young Hollywood Roundtable on Friday, November 7 at the TCL Chinese Theatres.  J.C. Chandor, Damien Chazelle, Marion Cotillard, Jake Gyllenhaal, Bill Hader, Michelle Monaghan, Kristen Stewart and Tilda Swinton will be participating in The Hollywood Reporter’s Indie Contenders Roundtable taking place Sunday, November 9 in the Cinema Lounge at the Roosevelt Hotel.  Director Rupert Wyatt and actor Mark Wahlberg will be in conversation with Jenelle Riley of Variety following the World Premiere of THE GAMBLER on Monday, November 10 at the Dolby Theatreâ. 

Filmmakers expected to attend this year’s festival include Yann Demange (‘71), Nicolás Pereda (THE ABSENT), Giuseppe Tornatore (CINEMA PARADISO), Olivier Assayas (CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA), Bennett Miller (FOXCATCHER), Shim Sung-bo (HAEMOO), Amir Bar-Lev (HAPPY VALLEY), Tommy Lee Jones (THE HOMESMAN), Chuck Workman (MAGICIAN:  THE ASTONISHING LIFE AND WORK OF ORSON WELLES), Robert Kenner (MERCHANTS OF DOUBT), Xavier Dolan (MOMMY), J.C. Chandor (A MOST VIOLENT YEAR), Bertrand Bonello (SAINT LAURENT), Wim Wenders (THE SALT OF THE EARTH), Tomm Moore (SONG OF THE SEA), Richard Glatzer & Wash Westmoreland (STILL ALICE), Nick Broomfield (TALES OF THE GRIM SLEEPER), Josephine Decker (THOU WAST MILD AND LOVELY), Abderrahmane Sissako (TIMBUKTU) and Jean-Pierre Dardenne & Luc Dardenne (TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT). 

Free individual tickets to AFI FEST screenings and Galas are available to the general public online at AFI.com.  AFI FEST Patron Packages and Passes include access to sold-out Galas and other high-demand films and events.  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.

The AFI FEST mobile app is now available for download.  Festival-attendees can create their own personalized festival schedule; learn all about this year’s films and events; receive instant messages and breaking news; and purchase passes and get free tickets.  The app is available for both iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android devices for free. Download the iOS version or the Android version here.

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, TCL Chinese Theatres, the Hollywood & Highland Center, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and the Egyptian Theatre.