June 16-23, 2008
SILVERDOCS is a film festival that was created through a unique alliance between the American Film Institute (AFI) and Discovery Channel to showcase, honor and expand the audience for independent documentaries. SILVERDOCS brings the best new documentaries to Washington, DC area audiences, with six full days of programming showcasing 100 films, plus special screenings, musical performances and hundreds of filmmakers and film subjects. Concurrently with the Festival, SILVERDOCS produces an International Documentary Conference with three full days of seminars, workshops, screenings and pitch sessions, and informal networking opportunities for filmmakers and funders.
The 2008 SILVERDOCS program explores the documentary in action, and has a particular emphasis on youth, education and next generation media artists. Sheila C. Johnson, CEO Salamander Hospitality, President WNBA’s Washington Mystics, philanthropist and executive producer of the documentary A POWERFUL NOISE will be among this year’s featured speakers. Films screen in six sections: US Feature Competition, World Feature Competition (added this year), Best Music Documentary, Silver Spectrum (formerly World View), Short Films, and “1968 and Beyond”.
Notable filmmakers presenting their work this year include:
- The renowned Spike Lee (When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts; 4 Little Girls; and We Wuz Robbed)
- Alex Gibney (Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson)
- Nanette Burstein (American Teen)
- Ellen Kuras (The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)
- Al Maysles (Gimme Shelter, What's Happening! The Beatles in the U.S.A)
- Guy Maddin (My Winnipeg)
- Patrick Creadon (I.O.U.S.A.).
Film Festival Location
AFI Silver Theater 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, Maryland.Ticket Prices
$10 for regular shows
$8 AFI Members, Discovery Communications employees. Seniors (65+), Children and Students, and Military Personnel (with valid ID)
$50 per person for Opening Night (including Gala)
$25 per person for Guggenheim Symposium
$15 per person for Special Screenings ($10 with AFI Member Discount)
See the film schedule and purchase tickets in advance by visiting www.SILVERDOCS.com CASH ONLY at the door.
