AFI FEST 2002 E-Newsletter - October 9, 2002
1.866.AFIFEST

1. OPENING, CENTERPIECE, CLOSING
2. CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
3. AFI FEST AND ARCLIGHT
4. PASS AND TICKET INFORMATION
5. AFI FEST 2002 KEY DATES-MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
6. AFI AT ARCLIGHT CONTINUES WITH ACADEMY AWARD-NOMINATED SHORTS
7. SLAMDANCE BOOTCAMP
8. AFI FEST 2002 CORPORATE PARTNERS
9. ABOUT AFI


1. OPENING, CLOSING AND CENTERPIECE FILMS ARE ANNOUNCED!

AFI FEST 2002 is starting to heat up! AFI FEST 2002's Opening, Centerpiece and Closing Night films are just confirmed-and you're not going to believe what we have in store. Take a look:

OPENING NIGHT - Join us on Thursday, November 7, at 7:00 p.m. as AFI FEST 2002 kicks off with the US premiere of ANTWONE FISHER, Denzel Washington's stunning debut feature. Tickets are $50, including a post-screening party at the Henry Fonda Theater (6126 Hollywood Blvd.) that you don't want to miss.

A sailor with an explosive attitude, Fisher (Derek Luke) is ordered to see a naval psychiatrist (Denzel Washington) about his volatile temper. Little does he know that his first step into the doctor's office will lead him on a journey home. With the support of the doctor-who becomes more like a father than anyone Fisher has ever known-and the woman from whom he learns how to love (Joy Bryant), Fisher finds the courage to stop fighting and start healing.

In addition to the outstanding performance of newcomer Derek Luke in the title role, ANTWONE FISHER features unforgettable performances from Joy Bryant, Denzel Washington and Salli Richardson.

CENTERPIECE GALA - Recharge your Festival batteries on Tuesday, November 12, at 7:00 p.m. at the US premiere of Atom Egoyan's breathtaking ARARAT, the latest film from the award-winning director of THE SWEET HEREAFTER and FELICIA'S JOURNEY. VIP Ticket Packages for a special pre-screening reception with Atom Egoyan are available at $100 each. (Individual tickets for the screening are $10.)

ARARAT intertwines the paths of two families. At the center is 18-year-old Raffi (Alpay), a teenager on the cusp of adulthood, who has been attempting to unearth family secrets held by his mother Ani (Arsinée Khanjian), an art history professor. When Raffi returns to Canada with cans of 35mm film, digital videotapes and a mystery, David (Plummer), a customs official, determines to uncover his secret. Weaving throughout the film is the story of Edward Saroyan (Aznavour), a filmmaker who is trying to reconstruct the tragic events that befell the Armenian people in 1915.

David Alpay, Charles Aznavour, Eric Bogosian, Arsinée Khanjian and Christopher Plummer star in this quest for truth across a vast and ancient terrain of lies, deception, denial, fact and fears.

CLOSING NIGHT - Join us on Sunday, November 17, at 7:00 p.m. as we go out with a blaze of glory at the Closing Night Gala of Pedro Almodóvar's TALK TO HER, the latest from the brilliant, one-of-a-kind Spanish auteur. Tickets are $50, including a post-screening reception at Ivar (6356 Sunset Blvd.) that will make your parents worried and your friends jealous.

TALK TO HER contemplates the unusual friendship between two men whose comatose lovers lie in the same hospital. Journalist Marco (Darío Grandinetti) loves Lydia, a wounded young matador (Spanish singing star Rosario Flores). A young male nurse, Benigno (Javier Cámara), is in charge of the daily care of a beautiful young ballerina, Alicia (Leonor Watling), who is also in a coma. During this period of suspended time, the lives of the four characters flow in all directions-past, present and future-dragging all of them towards an unsuspected destiny.

Written, directed and produced by Almodóvar (ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER, WOMAN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN), TALK TO HER's cast features Geraldine Chaplin, as well as Almodóvar regulars Chus Lampreave and Loles Leon in supporting roles.

All three of the Gala Screenings will be held at the historic Cinerama Dome at ArcLight Hollywood (6360 Sunset Blvd. at Vine in Hollywood). The Opening Night Gala is sponsored by the Hollywood Sign Trust and Absolut, while the Closing Night Gala is sponsored by the Hollywood Celebrity Diet and Absolut. INDIVIDUAL TICKETS FOR ALL GALAS GO ON SALE OCTOBER 18! FESTIVAL PASSES ON SALE NOW! For Gala tickets, regular screening tickets and FEST passes, please call 1.866.AFI FEST or visit the AFI FEST Web site at www.AFI.com. And see below for more information about AFI FEST 2002 tickets and passes.

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2. VOLUNTEER CALL TO ACTION!

Do you love film as much as we do? Are you interested in learning the nuts and bolts of how an international festival is produced and managed? Do you like working with energized, bright people dedicated to bringing the best of world cinema to Los Angeles?

Then don't be shy - join our team!

We are currently looking for volunteer and/or intern positions in the following areas:

AFI FEST 2002 WRITING PROGRAM
Journalism students and other writers are encouraged to submit a resume for our AFI FEST 2002 Writing Program. Accepted volunteers will help write our regular e-mail newsletter (daily during the Festival)-including exclusive features on AFI FEST directors and events-as well as daily reports on Festival parties, screenings and receptions. Writers will also support the marketing team with creating AFI FEST promotional materials.

FILM PROGRAMMING
Assist our talented film programmers with film tracking and maintenance of submission files.

MARKETING AND OUTREACH
Work with our friendly, tireless marketing team! Responsibilities include helping to cultivate relationships with embassies, organizations and other groups with close ties to our audiences; spearheading outreach initiatives designed to promote AFI showcases to our spectrum of audiences (including Asian, Latino, German and European); and assisting trafficking and distribution of marketing materials, including print ads, e-mails, posters and other art.

PUBLICITY
Work with our professional publicity team distributing collateral, coordinating press accreditation, answering phones and filing, as well as providing film information to journalists both before and during the FEST.

SPECIAL EVENTS
Work with our Special Events Producer in putting together all activities and parties surrounding Opening, Centerpiece, and Closing Night Galas and our Awards Ceremony.

SPONSORSHIP
Learn from the best in our world-class sponsorship department. Responsibilities include communications with sponsoring companies (materials deadlines, design and equipment decisions, etc.); assistance in the fulfillment of sponsorship benefits; on-site presence coordination (creation and delivery of banners/signs); and database maintenance and entry.

PRINT TRAFFIC
Work closely with the Print Traffic Coordinator and the Technical Director to enhance your knowledge of film formats, aspect ratio and the behind-the-scenes infrastructure of our successful Festival. This busy department is looking for physically strong individuals to assist in the delivery and inventory/tracking of films. Interested applicants must be dependable, well organized and willing to work long hours. Some heavy lifting is required.

OTHER AREAS INCLUDE:
Ticketing, Theatre Staff and Hospitality

To apply, please click here, download the volunteer application, print and fill it out, and return it to the AFI FEST office or fax it. If you don't have online access, you can fill out an application in the AFI FEST office.

For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact:

Peggy Ellithorpe
FestVol@AFI.com
323.856.7871
Credit is available for college students interested in an internship for the fall semester. (Contact your educational institution first for requirements.)

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3. THE ARCLIGHT HOLLYWOOD IS AFI FEST'S NEW HOME!

AFI FEST is proud to announce that all regular AFI FEST 2002 screenings will take place at the ArcLight Hollywood-a new, state-of-the art theater complex that features 15 theaters, including the historic Cinerama Dome.

The ArcLight Hollywood is a unique movie-going experience. Located in the heart of Hollywood, the ArcLight features the best theater seats in LA; gourmet food and beverages; technical consultants at every screening; and friendly, knowledgeable ushers.

The ArcLight Hollywood is located at 6360 Sunset Blvd., between Vine and Ivar.

For more information about ArcLight, visit: www.arclightcinemas.com

Parking for AFI FEST is only $2 for the first three hours and $6 for the entire day.

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4. CAN I GO?

Wow-all of this is starting to sound quite exciting. How can I be part of all this?

Nothing could be easier.

FEST Passes are now available. We offer a broad selection, with a pass to match your style, budget and mood:

PRO PASS
Quick, Easy Access for Film Professionals
Admits one film professional to all Festival screenings (excluding Opening, Centerpiece and Closing Galas and Tribute) and Cinema Lounge
Regular: $50
*Business Card Required

DAY PASS
The Best Value for Those With Flexible Schedules
Admits one to all matinee (before 6:00 p.m.) Festival screenings
Regular: $50
Reduced Rate: $43

FEST PASS
The Most Popular Pass For All Regular Screenings
Admits one to all Festival screenings (excluding Opening and Closing Night), Tribute, Centerpiece Gala and Cinema Lounge
Regular: $200
Reduced Rate: $170

All PASS
Total Access and Bring A Guest To The Galas
Admits one to all Festival screenings and the Tribute. Also includes two tickets to Opening, Centerpiece and Closing Galas (premiere and reception) and access for two to the Cinema Lounge.
Regular: $600
Reduced Rate: $510

REDUCED RATE TICKETS AND PASSES:

Students, seniors and members in good standing with the following organizations are eligible for reduced rate passes and tickets:

AFI, ArcLight, IDA, American Cinematheque, IFP, DGA, PGA, SAG, WGA, WIF, AMPAS, AFMA, LACMA, Norton Simon, Stella Adler and Skirball Cultural Center.

Proof of organization membership and/or valid ID is required at time of ticket pick-up.

To Order Passes Now:

Call: 1.866.AFI FEST

Online: click here

TICKETS:

Starting Friday, October 18, individual tickets can be purchased by calling 1.866.AFI FEST, ordering online at www.AFI.com or by visiting the AFI FEST 2002 Box Office located at ArcLight Hollywood.

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5. AFI FEST 2002 KEY DATES - MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Grab that date book! Book the babysitter. Important AFI FEST 2002 dates are fast approaching.

Monday, September 9, 2002 Registration Forms Available
Friday, October 11 Quick Guide Film Schedule available
Schedule available at www.AFI.com
Wednesday, October 16 LAUNCH PARTY
Friday, October 18 TICKETS GO ON SALE at 1.866.AFI FEST and
www.AFI.com and the AFI Box Office
at the ArcLight Hollywood
Monday, November 4 Festival Program Guides Available
Thursday, November 7 OPENING NIGHT GALA
Monday, November 11 Veterans Day Holiday
Tuesday, November 12 CENTERPIECE GALA, KODAK CONNECT begins
Friday, November 15 Filmmaker Awards Announcement
Saturday, November 16 FILMMAKER TRIBUTE
Sunday, November 17 CLOSING NIGHT GALA

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6. AFI at ArcLight Presents: Academy Award® Nominated Short Film Series September 12 - October 10

If film is a life-long romance, then a good short can be its greatest kiss. Powerful, elegant and often go-for-broke, the best shorts can be as thrilling as Hitchcock, as funny as Wilder and as daring and ground-breaking as Cassavetes. For the AFI at ArcLight series' next installment, we proudly present the very best of these shorts - recent Academy Award® winners that prove, once again, that sometimes less really is more.

As the AFI at ArcLight series enters its third installment, it is an honor to present these rarely seen works of art, as part of an ongoing series that has recently featured Latin Cinema Milestones and The Music Documentary Series, among an ever-expanding lineup of unique film programs.

The Academy Award® Nominated Short Film Series continues, through Thursday, October 10. All screenings begin at 7:30 p.m., followed by Q & A sessions with the filmmakers.

Thursday, Oct. 10      1996 Academy Short Film Series
A young Gael Garcia Bernal comes of age in DE TRIPAS, CORAZON; a man loses track of his recently adopted dog during a battle with a huge metal creature in CANHEAD; a classic tale of temptation unfolds uniquely in the animated opera LA SALLA; the German surrealist tale of a being made of sand and its encounter with running water in QUEST; and Academy Award® winner DEAR DIARY.

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7. SLAMDANCE BOOT CAMP

SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL

FILMMAKERS BOOTCAMP-The complete how-to of independent filmmaking

LEARN FROM EXPERTS * MAKE CONTACTS * GET STARTED

October 11 - 13, 2002, Los Angeles Film School

A two-day nuts and bolts conference with Slamdance alumni, filmmakers, producers and writers.

NEW REDUCED PRICE OF $195 FOR THE ENTIRE WEEKEND

CONFIRMED PANELISTS INCLUDE:

Paul Bales (SAG), David Bartlett (DB Productions), Nicolas Chartier (Vortex Pictures), Jeff Colvin (Comerica Bank), Lindsay Crain (United Artists), Emily Cummins (Head of Feature Development, Cosmic Entertainment), Jeff Dowd (Dowd & Assocs.), David Hayter (Screenwriter, X-MEN), Jamie Kershaw (DreamWorks), Leslie LaPage (Infinity Films), John Manulis (Vision Box Media), Dennis O'Connor (Vice President of Marketing, United Artists), Elie Samaha (Franchise Pictures), Elizabeth Stanley (DGA).

Go to www.slamdance.com for more information or to sign up.

E-mail bootcamp@slamdance.com with any questions!

CALLING ALL ENTRIES! 2003 Slamdance Film Festival Jan. 18 Ð 25. Submission deadlines extended. Deadline October 18, 2002.

Visit www.slamdance.com for complete information or call 323.466.1786. By filmmakers for filmmakers.

Entry forms and application information are available through the Slamdance Web Site at www.slamdance.com or by calling the Slamdance office at 323.466.1786. Slamdance accepts film, video and digital work of all length, genre and format. Slamdance has recently been accepted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science as a qualifying festival in the category of short films. Send your film in early!!

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8. AFI FEST 2002 PARTNERS

Please recognize the following companies that provide support to AFI FEST 2002, as well as an unwavering commitment to the international film community and its audiences worldwide:

Premium Sponsors
Arclight Cinemas

Official Sponsors
AFM 2003
Continental Airlines
DELL
Hollywood & Highland
Los Angeles Times
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Ramada Plaza Hotel West Hollywood
SilverDocs: AFI/Discovery Channel Documentary Festival

Major Sponsors
Adelphia
Chrysler Million Dollar Film Festival
Eastman Kodak Company
Hollywood Celebrity Diet
Hollywood Sign Trust
Home Box Office
Los Angeles Magazine
Paramount Contractors & Developers Inc.
TriCoast Studios
Variety

Producing Sponsors
Absolut
Agnes b.
Aloha Airlines
Camelot Theaters
Cultural Affairs Department/ City of Los Angeles
Fox Searchlight
K-Earth
LA Weekly
Les Deux Cafe
Lufthansa
Venice Magazine

Program Sponsors
European Union
Film Finders
Film Out Express
IMDbPro.com
TheLACard
Moviefone
Without-A-Box

Contributing Sponsors
Anheuser-Busch
ASCAP
Avid Technology
Focus Features
Frederick Wildman & Sons, LTD.
Gold Graphics
iFilm
In! Magazine
indieWIRE
Holiday Inn of Hollywood
Krispy Kreme
La Opinion
LU Biscuits
The Magic Castle
Magic Hotel
Moviemaker Magazine
Pepsi
Peter Cohen
Screen Actors Guild
Tropicana/Dole
USA Network
Where Magazine
Writers Guild of America

Friendship Sponsors
Audio Rents
Directors Guild of America
El Capitan Theatre
IFP/West
Landmark Theatres
Panavision
Patriot Advisors
United Talent Agency
Video Premieres

Film Commission Partners
California Film Commission
Film Offices of the Hawaiian Islands
Maryland Film Commission
Mississippi Film Office
Montana Film Office
Nevada Film Office
Oregon Film & Video Office
San Diego Film Commission
SaskFilm

AFI FEST 2002 is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.

AFI FEST 2002 is proud to continue its collaborative partnership with the Skirball Cultural Center.

AFI FEST 2002's Made in Germany series is made possible through the cooperation of the Export-Union of German Cinema.

Companies and brands that have an interest in reaching a desirable, affluent, trend-setting and young audience of film fans, filmmakers and members of the international film community should know about the marketing partnership, sponsorship and promotional opportunities offered by AFI FEST. For information on how you can differentiate or build your company or brand, please call Laurie Bianchi at 323.856.7739, or contact her via e-mail at lbianchi@AFI.com.

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9. ABOUT AFI

The American Film Institute (AFI) is the preeminent organization dedicated to advancing and preserving the art of film, television and other forms of the moving image. AFI trains the next generation of moving image artists, provides leadership in the nationwide film and television preservation effort and explores new technologies in the digital media arts. AFI also presents the best of film through the AFI Los Angeles International Film Festival (AFI FEST) in Los Angeles; the AFI National Theater at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC; the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, MD, opening in 2003; and the annual AFI Life Achievement Award, the highest honor given for a career in film.

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September 18, 2002 Newletter

May 9, 2002 Newletter