This year the AFI Los Angeles International Film Festival, presented by Audi, commemorated it?s 20th Anniversary with four special nighttime movie galas. ?Bobby?, a film written and directed by 
Emilio Estevez that recounts the night Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated, premiered at the Opening Night Gala on Nov. 1st at Graumann’s Chinese Theatre. On Friday, Nov. 3rd and Sat, Nov. 4th, two Centerpiece Galas were held for ?Inland Empire?, an intense story about an actress who learns that the re-make of the film she is doing never got finished because the original leads were murdered, and ?The Fountain?, starring Hugh Jackman in a tale of love, death, and spirituality. The Closing Night Gala was held on Sunday, Nov. 12th at the Cinerama Dome and was the official world premiere for ?Curse of the Golden Flower? a film by director, Zhang Yimou that closely follows the lives of the royals in China?s Tang dynasty.
The AFI International Festival is a spin-off of Filmex, the Los Angeles Film Exposition, which AFI took over in 1987. Filmex was founded in 1971 and eventually became one of the largest public film events in the world. AFI is following in it’s footsteps, gradually becoming one of the most prominent and prestigious film festivals in North America, annually attracting thousands of film lovers and film industry professionals.
AFI showcased films from all around the globe, Nov. 1st ? 12th at the ArcLight Cinema Theaters in Hollywood, 11 of which were their countries official Oscar submissions. Germany?s official Oscar submission, The Lives of Others, examines an East German party loyalist?s journey into self-examination and understanding; while Hungary?s official submission, White Palms, trails the life of a young, male gymnast abused by his teacher.
This year AFI also had the special honor of being host to a 24-hour movie charity marathon, benefiting the Global Fund, to help fights AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in developing countries. The marathon began with a screening of Peter Bogdanovich’s “The Last Picture Show.”
On Nov. 2nd, a tribute was held in honor of Penelope Cruz (Blow, Vanilla Sky, Head in the Clouds), who is evolving into one of Europe’s most glamorous and intriguing actresses. Cruz made an appearance in an on-stage conversation including film clips and visits from special friends just before the Gala presentation of her latest film Volver, a generational story of three women living in Spain.
AFI has served and will continue to serve as a tool of cultural and social enlightenment, allowing the public to witness the life and passion of people around the globe. The festival is truly unique in that it brings together industry professionals and moviegoers who just simply enjoy a great film.
For more information visit: www.afifest.com
