AFI Fest 2011 presented by Audi has announced the films that have been selected for the upcoming festival’s Young Americans, New Auteurs, and Spotlight programs. This year marks the 25th edition of the festival, which begins November 3 and runs until November 10.
The Spotlight section highlights the acclaimed independent American filmmaker Joe Swanberg, with special presentations of his Full Moon Trilogy, “Silver Bullets,” “Art History,” and the world premiere of “The Zone.” Many actors that are featured in the Young Americans and New Auteurs have worked with Swanberg in the past.
"The filmmakers in the Young Americans and New Auteurs sections have bold new stories to tell and they are telling them in ways that are unexpected – these are filmmakers who are taking risks," said Jacqueline Lyanga, Festival Director of AFI Fest. "And Joe Swanberg, whose intimate stories challenge conventionality, is one of the most prolific young independent filmmakers in America. He's made five films just this past year, three of which we'll be showing at AFI Fest."
Lane Kneedler, Associate Director of Programming at AFI Fest explained how the programs are meant to advance the careers of young, independent filmmakers.
"We're showcasing a diverse group of American independent filmmakers, from award-winning documentarians to well-established experimental filmmakers, whose stories range from unusual comedies to intimate personal dramas," said Kneedler. "We're delighted to welcome this group of filmmakers to AFI Fest, including AFI Conservatory alumna Alison Bagnall and her film, ‘The Dish & the Spoon.’”
The AFI Conservatory was rated the #1 film school in the world by The Hollywood Reporter for the quality of its instructors and speakers, and its “glittering parade of alumni." The 2011 edition of AFI Fest will also mark the debut of a jury-selected New Auteurs Critics Prize, which will be awarded to one film in this section.
NEW AUTEURS SELECTIONS
The New Auteurs section highlights first and second-time feature film directors from around the world.
“Attenberg” -- Written and directed by Athina Rachel Tsangari (Greece).
“Bonsai” – Written and directed by Cristián Jiménez (Chile/France/Argentina/Portugal).
“Bullhead” – Written and directed by Michaël R. Roskam (Belgium).
“Hanann” – Written and directed by Ruslan Pak (Russia/South Korea/Uzbek).
“The Loneliest Planet”—Written and directed by Julia Loktev (USA/Germany).
“Michael” – Written and directed by Markus Schleinzer (Austria).
“Oslo, August 31” – Directed by Joachim Trier; written by Eskil Vogt, Joachim Trier (Norway).
“Restless City” – Directed by Andrew Dosunmu; written by Eugene Gussenhoven (USA).
“Snowtown” – Directed by Justin Kurzel; written by Justin Kurzel, Shaun Grant (Australia).
YOUNG AMERICANS SELECTIONS
The Young Americans section features work by emerging U.S. filmmakers.
“The Color Wheel” – Directed by Alex Ross Perry; written by Alex Ross Perry, Carlen Altman.
“The Dish & the Spoon” – Directed by Alison Bagnall; written by Alison Bagnall, Andrew Lewis.
“Dragonslayer” – Directed by Tristan Patterson (documentary).
“Green” – Written and directed by Sophia Takal.
“Spark of Being” – Directed by Bill Morrison (experimental).
“Wuss” – Written and directed by Clay Liford.
SPOTLIGHT ON JOE SWANBERG
“Silver Bullets” – Written and directed by Joe Swanberg.
“Art History” – Directed by Joe Swanberg; written by Joe Swanberg, Josephine Decker, Kent Osborne.
“The Zone” – Written and directed by Joe Swanberg (world premiere).
