SILVERDOCS 2009 Documentary Film Festival

SILVERDOCS is a film festival in Silver Spring, Maryland 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. Dates: June 15-22, 2009

What's New for Silverdocs 2009?

Special Programs. Muhammad Ali in attendance for FACING ALI, which chronicles 10 heavyweight boxers who faced and fought ‘The Greatest’. Centerpiece Screening: in CONVENTION, A.J. Schnack assembles an all-star crew of documentary filmmakers to tell the story behind the mounting of one of the biggest events of the decade: the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

Guggenheim. The Festival’s signature program, the Charles Guggenheim Symposium, honors the legacy of artistic excellence, profound respect for humanity and democratic values of the late four-time Academy Award winning Guggenheim. In 2009, the Symposium will fete the legendary pioneer of “direct cinema” Albert Maysles in person for his extraordinary body of work, including THE SALESMAN, GIMME SHELTER, GREY GARDENS and last year’s THE GATES.

The Good Pitch. The Good Pitch, an innovative documentary pitch forum for filmmakers will be featured for the first time in the US at SILVERDOCS. Channel 4 BRITDOC Foundation, in partnership with Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program created The Good Pitch in 2008 to give filmmakers a unique opportunity to pitch social-issue documentary projects with associated campaign strategies to NGOs, Charities, foundations, campaigners, advertising agencies, brands and media.

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.