Welcome to the SILVERDOCS: AFI/Discovery Channel Documentary Festival Press Room, where you can find links to the latest SILVERDOCS news, press releases, press accreditation and press contact information.

THE FESTIVAL. SILVERDOCS: AFI/Discovery Channel Documentary Festival brings the best new documentaries to Washington, DC, audiences, with six days of programming, showcasing nearly 100 films. In just three years, SILVERDOCS has built a reputation for presenting compelling and engaging films that connect with audiences in theatres, and beyond. SILVERDOCS' 2005 films STREET FIGHT, MURDERBALL, GOD SLEEPS IN RWANDA and DARWIN'S NIGHTMARE were nominated for the Academy Award, and the Festival's 2004 Audience Award winner, BORN INTO BROTHELS, won filmmaking's top prize. Other past SILVERDOCS' films include: GRIZZLY MAN, LIBERIA: AN UNCIVIL WAR, FAVELA RISING, BOYS OF BARAKA and METALLICA: SOME KIND OF MONSTER.

Now in its fourth year, SILVERDOCS is the most talked about documentary festival in the United States. The Festival--which will take place June 13 - 18, 2006, at the AFI Silver Theatre just outside Washington, DC--serves as a launch pad for independent documentaries, and affords international filmmakers access to US audiences. Called the "Pre-eminent US Documentary Fest" by Screen International, and the "premiere showcase for documentary films" by Hollywood Reporter, the 2005 edition of SILVERDOCS screened sold-out shows to more than 19,000 participants who viewed 89 of the world's best documentary films and experienced free outdoor screenings and performances, panel discussions, and many special events.

Variety called SILVERDOCS "Non-fiction Nirvana" because it goes beyond screenings, to provide business and creative connections for more than 450 filmmakers, broadcasters, distributors, and funders from both established and emerging media markets at the concurrent International Documentary Conference. From June 15 through 17, 2006, Conference programs will explore the 'Future of Real' at a moment when distribution technologies are radically altering the financial, marketing and story-telling models of the documentary world.

The Festival's signature program, the Charles M. 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 2006, the Symposium will honor the legendary Martin Scorsese for his extraordinary body of work.

Along with the annual Sterling Award feature film competition, the Festival features special thematic programs. "DOCS Rx: A World of Documentaries on Global Health" will showcase documentaries that illuminate complex issues in public health using the best of cinematic storytelling. A who's who of global health professionals are lending their support and advice to help guide the program and extend its impact.

"Celebrate South Africa!" will feature the best new films from this rapidly emerging media market and festival programmers are collaborating with Artists for A New South Africa and Encounters, the leading South African documentary festival. A highlight of the program will be a free outdoor concert by Vusi Masahela, who is featured on the soundtrack of the Oscar®-winning Best Foreign Film TSOTSI.

As AFI's unique alliance with the Discovery Channel grows in impact each year, SILVERDOCS continues to enjoy extraordinary community support and a growing sponsor base, including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Comcast and The New York Times.