We are thrilled to announce that AFF has been awarded a $25,000 Film Festival Grant from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The grant funds will go towards 20th Anniversary programming, including our Retrospective Screening Series, which honors acclaimed screenwriters and filmmakers and their historic films through revelatory, educational screenings for the public.
AFF’s Retrospective Screenings offer the rare opportunity for veteran screenwriters and filmmakers to present one of their renowned works to the public, shedding new light on the film and their career through candid discussion during the event. Through the Retrospective Series, we aim to connect the viewer to the filmmaker, to open dialogue between artist and audience, and to promote the education of classic cinema.
Some Retrospective Screenings over the years have included: Joel and Ethan Coen present Blood Simple, Robert Altman presents Nashville, Frank Pierson presents Dog Day Afternoon, John Landis presents American Werewolf in London, Danny Boyle presents Shallow Grave, Lawrence Kasdan presents Body Heat, Sydney Pollack presents Tootsie, Shane Black presents The Long Kiss Goodnight, Steven Zaillian presents The Falcon and the Snowman, Whit Stillman presents Metropolitan, Oliver Stone presents Born on the Fourth of July, and Eric Roth presents The Insider.
The Academy Foundation – the Academy’s cultural and educational wing – annually distributes more than $1 million to film scholars, cultural organizations and film festivals throughout the U.S. and abroad. The Foundation also presents the Academy’s rich assortment of screenings and other public programs each year.