SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS Frances Hacks Little Fugitive Welcome To Sarajevo Wings of the Dove OFFICIAL COMPETITION AFI Fest '97 is pleased to introduce this new competitive section, which will present a diverse slate of films making their US or World Premieres. As a tribute to extraordinary film talent from around the world, this program showcases a cross section of international perspectives. Film is clearly a powerful form of communication, exposing the human character. It reveals universal truths through the colorful translations of the individual artists. We are honored to premiere these accomplished films at the historic Mann's Chinese Theater in Hollywood. An Ambiguous Report About the End of the World Character    (preview) The Children of Heaven Déjà Vu   (preview) Fire In Paradise The Game Bag Hombres Complicados Journey On The Hour Hand Keep Cool Marquise No Child of Mine NEW VISIONS - - New Visions Preview To support the growing number of aspiring young American artists, a section of the festival has been dedicated to "New Visions". These filmmakers have spent countless hours developing their projects, creating stories and sticking to shooting schedules which are more often than not realized on miniscule budgets. Without distribution deals in place, these first and second time filmmakers struggle to raise financing, then race to complete production, only to be faced with their biggest obstacle...getting their films seen. Festivals exist to provide an avenue of exposure for these artists. The community is given an opportunity to see innovative art films that may never make it to their local theaters; the film industry discovers new talent; and the filmmakers are thrilled to have an audience. The Big Empty Cost of Living Eight Days a Week Lover Girl Pieces Real Stories of the Donut Men The Souler Opposite Soul Mates Steaming Milk Sweet Jane Without a Map DOCUMENTARIES Documentaries are a unique form of filmmaking. They allow the audience to witness a range of realities, serving as a window to human nature. The documentary filmmaker opens doors, often exploring a new train of thought, ultimately giving us insight into the world in which we live. Best Man Biker Dreams Hands on a Hard Body Loners on Wheels Perfect Moment Punching The Clown Raising the Ashes Trekkies Short Documentaries: Legs Setanta WORLD CINEMA The World Cinema section continues AFI Fest's tradition of presenting the best of new international cinema. Many of these films have screened at other festivals around the world and deserve to be seen by an American audience. We have selected 17 films representing 16 countries, exhibiting the diversity of the current filmmaking climate. With these films we are proud to maintain our commitment to foreign cinema. The Assistant Bat Out of Hell The Bride of Midnight Brother The Christmas Oratorio Dogs Are Color Blind East Palace, West Palace Elles Four Days in September The Key Knockin' On Heaven's Door Mandragora Untitled Agnes Merlet Project The Witman Boys LATIN AMERICAN SIDEBAR Between Marx and a Naked Woman The Imposter Landscapes of Memory SHORTS The Bloody Olive Drought Generic Metal Titan If You Loved Me... Is it the Design on the Wrapper? Loafing Loverboy Lovehound Rant The Shopping Queen TAG Lunch With Louie