Hello folks! I’m back from a couple trips out of town (family stuff, without my computer) so I could not blog for a while. But now that I’m back in town, I can catch the second half of the AFI Festival in Los Angeles, which runs through Nov. 10. Screenings are free! – though of course you still need a ticket, available at http://www.afi.com/AFIFEST/.   For more on AFI, check out today’s article in the LA Times, “Finding Passion for Film,” featuring an interview with...

AFI FEST, celebrating it's 25th edition as a showcase of the most highly anticipated films and performances of the year, today announced its line-up of conversations, presentations and digital alliances. Adding depth and discussion to its screenings schedule, AFI FEST offers three exceptional Conversations and Presentations with Hollywood's leading talent and visionaries as well as exciting, cutting-edge digital initiatives. The Los Angeles Times Young Hollywood Roundtable celebrates film...

AFI FEST 2010 will run from November 4th – 11th in Hollywood, California!In just a few weeks, AFI FEST 2010 presented by Audi will screen 97 films (66 features, 31 shorts) selected from 3,000 submissions across 31 countries at the historic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Mann Chinese 6 theatres, the Egyptian Theatre and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The breakdown by section is as follows: Gala/Tribute (8), Special Screening (4), Young Americans (6), New Auteurs (8), World Cinema (23), Midnig...

by Marla Lewin The American Film Institute (AFI) today announced the official selections of AFI AWARDS 2009, AFI’s almanac that records the year’s most outstanding achievements in film and television, as well as significant moments in the world of the moving image. AFI AWARDS is the only recognition that honors the film and television creative ensembles as a whole—those both in front of and behind the camera—acknowledging the collaborative nature of film and television. Un...

by Marla Lewin The American Film Institute (AFI) today announced the official selections of AFI AWARDS 2009, AFI’s almanac that records the year’s most outstanding achievements in film and television, as well as significant moments in the world of the moving image. AFI AWARDS is the only recognition that honors the film and television creative ensembles as a whole—those both in front of and behind the camera—acknowledging the collaborative nature of film and television. Un...

AFI DigiFest will take place at the Mann Chinese 1 Theatre in Hollywood on November 4 and 5. Now in its third year, AFI DigiFest provides a unique, behind-the-scenes look at how storytelling is adapting to an ever-widening array of new screens and platforms. The event is open to the public and admission is free. "This has been a banner year for new media innovation," says AFI Digital Content Lab Director Suzanne Stefanac. "We're seeing forward-thinking writers...

Known for its assorted cartoon characters, acting wannabes and celebrity look a-likes, Hollywood Boulevard at Halloween seems like any other day only more so. The bustling street felt like a traffic accident where the action is fast but seems like slow motion as ghouls, goblins and the scantily clad, wandered the streets like Cinderella at crunch time. In the midst of all this activity, as if quietly perched in the eye of the storm, lies a sophisticated collection of REAL creativity, heart and s...

AFI FEST 2009 presented by Audi today announced the complete lineup of films for the 23rd edition of the Festival, including the Closing Night Gala, Centerpiece Screening, Tributes and Special Presentations.   The Weinstein Company's A SINGLE MAN has been selected as the AFI FEST Closing Night Gala presentation. A SINGLE MAN will make its US Premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Thursday, November 5, 2009.   Sony Pictures Classics' THE IMAGINARIUM OF DR. PARNASSUS has been selected as ...

AFI FEST 2009 presented by Audi today announced the complete lineup of films for the 23rd edition of the Festival, including the Closing Night Gala, Centerpiece Screening, Tributes and Special Presentations. The Weinstein Company’s A SINGLE MAN has been selected as the AFI FEST Closing Night Gala presentation. A SINGLE MAN will make its US Premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on Thursday, November 5, 2009. Sony Pictures Classics’ THE IMAGINARIUM OF DR. PARNASSUS has been selected as AFI ...

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON THE DARK KNIGHT FROST/NIXON FROZEN RIVER GRAN TORINO IRON MAN MILK WALL•E WENDY AND LUCY THE WRESTLER     AFI TV PROGRAMS OF THE YEAR-OFFICIAL SELECTIONS BREAKING BAD IN TREATMENT JOHN ADAMS LIFE LOST MAD MEN THE OFFICE RECOUNT THE SHIELD THE WIRE WHAT IS AFI AWARDS? America's cultural legacy resonates around the world through movi...

Warren Beatty has been selected by the American Film Institute's (AFI) Board of Trustees to receive the 36th AFI Life Achievement Award, the highest honor for a career in film, it was announced today by Sir Howard Stringer, chair of the AFI Board of Trustees. The award will be presented to Beatty at a gala tribute in Los Angeles on June 12, 2008. USA Network will broadcast the AFI LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: A TRIBUTE TO WARREN BEATTY on June 25, 2008 at 9 p.m. (ET/PT). ...

AFI has just announced the official selections of AFI AWARDS 2007, AFI's almanac that records the year's most outstanding achievements in film and television. Ten AFI Movies of the Year and 10 TV Programs of the Year have just been determined by the juries. The honorees are listed below in alphabetical order: AFI MOVIES OF THE YEAR--OFFICIAL SELECTIONS: BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEADTHE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLYINTO THE WILDJUNOKNOCKED UPMICHAEL CLAYTONNO COUNTRY FOR OLD MENRATATOUILLETH...

HORROR: HA-HA By JON KORN, FPS Kodak Connect/Associate Programmer for AFI Online dailies Before the film begins... I'd like to get something off my chest regarding zombie movie behavior etiquette: If you happen to be one of a handful of survivors on the run from relentless zombie attacks AND you happen to get bitten during an unfortunate zombie skirmish. Do everyone a favor -- just admit it. Yes, it's awkward and yes, they will have to shoot you in the head (have to kill the brain, after ...

The Screening Before the lights went down and the projector fired up, AFI FEST Director Christian Gaines welcomed audience members and attending artists to a special opening night. "I have to admit that it's both a pleasure and a bit of relief to kick things off tonight," he said. "Over the next 10 days, visitors from around the world and thousands of film fans will come to Hollywood to participate in this communal celebration of cinema, to yield to the experience and to honor th...

Target presents AFI's 40th Anniversary is an event of unprecedented scale. Ten classic American films screening on a single night -- each with an introduction by the film's legendary star or filmmaker. We knew this one-of-a-kind evening would appeal to film lovers everywhere, but we were still surprised and thrilled when tickets sold out within a few hours. We only regret that we could not fill the theaters with all of our friends and supporters. We invite you to enjoy some treats from the AFI a...

Interview (Part 1) with Nancy Collet, Driector, Programming, AFI FestWe were fortunate enough to have an opportunity to interview Nancy Collet, programming director for the AFI film festival. She has been with the festival for 10 years and is originally from Manhattan. In 2006, AFI Fest is celebrating its 20th year as a program of the American Film Institute. The festival grew out of Filmex, which premiered "The Last Picture Show" at Grauman's Chinese Theatre. An exThe move to the Arclight happe...

Interview With Nancy Collet, Director, Programming, AFI Fest Rita M. Johnson We were fortunate enough to have an opportunity to interview Nancy Collet, programming director for the AFI film festival. She has been with the festival for 10 years and is originally from Manhattan. In 2006, AFI Fest is celebrating its 20th year as a program of the American Film Institute. The festival grew out of Filmex, which premiered "The Last Picture Show" at Grauman's Chinese Theatre. An ex The move to the...