The American Film Institute has announced that Silverdocs will now be called AFI Docs presented by Audi and will expand this year into Washington DC.

The forum AFI Catalyst Sessions: The Art Of Moving Reality will be a key programming element of the DC event.

The 11th edition of Silverdocs will run from Jun 19-23 in its usual hub at AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, as well as new venues at the National Mall and sites in the Penn Quarter area.

Serving as members of the AFI Docs Advisory Board are Ken Burns, Davis Guggenheim, Chris Hegedus, Werner Herzog, Barbara Kopple, Spike Lee, Albert Maysles, Errol Morris, D A Pennebaker and Frederick Wiseman.

“AFI Docs will bring film artists to the forefront of a dialogue with our nation’s leaders,” said AFI president and CEO Bob Gazzale.

“History has proven that great change in civil societies is often, if not always, catalysed by art. It is this that inspires us to be in Washington, DC with storytellers whose voices serve as catalysts for action.

“We’re most proud to do so with the support of Audi, whose continued commitment to the art of the moving image at AFI Docs now also brings us home to the heart of the nation’s capital.”

“We are excited to embark on this transformational chapter in our festival’s history,” said AFI Docs festival director Sky Sitney.

“The festival is best known for the quality, depth and range of its programming, often with films that touch deeply on the emotional core of our national identity. We look forward to bringing these powerful and impactful stories to expanded audiences in Washington, DC and beyond.”

“Audi is proud to support an organization that utilises the power of film to educate, inspire and bring people together, specifically, documentary films that translate real life to the big screen,” said Audi Of America president Scott Keog.

“AFI Docs is one of the most important documentary festivals in North America. We are honoured to be a part of this event, especially with it taking place right in the backyard of our US headquarters and are pleased to support AFI in this exciting expansion.”

Information on programming, screening schedules, registration and passes will be released in the coming weeks.

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