The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced an inaugural, annual retrospective to spotlight one filmmaker of global significance, in addition to new educational experiences as part of AFI FEST 2017 presented by Audi, running November 9–16, 2017, in Hollywood, CA. This year, AFI FEST will present the work of Robert Altman, with screenings and discussions of 12 films — historically the most programmed in the festival for one filmmaker. Also debuting this year is an expansion of the festival’s annual Youth and Family Program. A new, in-class AFI FEST Storytelling Bootcamp, with a focus on screenwriting, will be offered to high school students and teachers in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). AFI FEST’s annual Cinema’s Legacy section will present films turning 50 in 2017, followed by expanded discussions to include scholars and issue experts as well as filmmakers. To share with festival audiences wisdom from master filmmakers at the AFI Conservatory, the festival will also screen rare vintage footage from the AFI Archive prior to select films.
AFI FEST will once again bring the best in global cinema to Los Angeles thanks to the visionary support of Audi — now in its 14th consecutive year as presenting sponsor of the festival. An enduring champion of the motion picture arts, Audi nurtures new and established voices through its support of AFI FEST and beyond, including the Audi Fellowship for Women at the AFI Conservatory, a new full-tuition scholarship investing in the future of female directors in film and television.
For the retrospective, legendary director/producer/writer Altman (1925–2006) will be honored with screenings and discussions of a dozen of his films: M*A*S*H (1970), MCCABE & MRS. MILLER (1971), THE LONG GOODBYE (1973), CALIFORNIA SPLIT (1974), NASHVILLE (1975), 3 WOMEN (1977), VINCENT & THEO (1990), THE PLAYER (1992), SHORT CUTS (1993), KANSAS CITY (1996), GOSFORD PARK (2001) and A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION (2006). Talent in attendance at screenings will be announced closer to the festival.
The full AFI FEST schedule and lineup will be announced this fall. Patron packages ensure reserved seats for Gala screenings, and all proceeds benefit the educational programs of the American Film Institute. A limited number of individual tickets to Opening Night and other screenings are also made available at no charge thanks to the event sponsors. Go to www.AFI.com to purchase Patron Packages, which can include access to Galas and other high-demand films and events. Individual tickets will be available on AFI.com beginning November 1.
As part of their membership benefits, AFI members will receive a complimentary AFI FEST Cinepass, which allows access to all regular screenings and special offers at this year’s festival. Additionally, AFI members at the Two-Star level and above receive a 10% discount on all AFI FEST Patron Packages and Express Passes. Information about AFI membership is available at AFI.com/membership.
Audi is the exclusive presenting sponsor of AFI FEST 2017. Additional top sponsors include AT&T; American Airlines, the official airline of AFI; and VIZIO, the official home theater sponsor of AFI.
